Bernard's Bath

Bernard is an elephant, but he has something in common with many a human child-a loathing of bathtime. ""No bath,"" he announces, taking refuge in the towel closet. His parents' cajolings and even the lure of bubbles and bath toys fail to change his mind. Only when he sees Mama and Papa and even Grandma climb into the tub and cavort happily is he finally enticed. Zeroing in on one of the main events in a small child's day, this frothy tale gives the bath-o-phobic an opportunity for vicarious revolt (and reconciliation). Catalano's (Wolf Plays Along) droll pastels play up Goodman's (Good Night, Pippin) effervescent text, and there's much sly visual enjoyment in such details as Bernard's determined expression and the elephant grown-ups whooping it up in the tub. Kids will soak this one right up. Ages 2-5. (Feb.)