Gloria Whelan’s Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine is a quintessential example of her mastery of storytelling—clever, lively, and sweet. This delightful picture book recounts the whimsical tale of Queen Victoria’s longing to swim in the ocean, frustrated by the societal challenge of maintaining royal decorum in front of her subjects. As Queen, she could show no skin outside her hands, neck, and face and therefore could not don even a modest bathing dress typical of her time.
The story highlights the charming romance between Queen Victoria and her inventor husband, Prince Albert. Albert’s deep affection for his wife shines as he devises an ingenious solution to her dilemma, building a bathing machine to allow her privacy as she enters the water unseen by her subjects. This heartwarming depiction of their relationship adds a tender and relatable layer to the narrative, making it much more than a historical anecdote.
Whelan’s rhyming text is clever and brimming with humor. Her verses flow effortlessly, drawing readers into the chaos and charm of Victoria and Albert’s royal domestic life. Paired perfectly with Nancy Carpenter’s lively illustrations—reminiscent of Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline—the artwork captures both the majesty and hilarity of the Victorian era. Carpenter’s vivid imagery brings to life a bustling palace full of children, pets, and inventive solutions.
This book is an excellent choice for young readers, blending history with humor and romance in a way that is as educational as it is entertaining. Fans of historical picture books and Gloria Whelan’s signature style will find this story an absolute delight.
