Who is the creature beneath the plug?

The Gobbler began as a playful bedtime idea dreamt up during bath time with my own children, a question that sparked their imagination: “Where do the bubbles go when we pull the plug?”

From that moment, The Gobbler was born; a gentle, curious, bubble-covered creature who lives deep beneath the pipes, helping to clear away suds, fluff, and forgotten toys. What started as a silly rhyme to encourage scrubbing soon grew into a whimsical world of mystery, warmth, and childhood wonder.

Illustrations inspired by the nostalgic artwork of Shirley Hughes, The Gobbler is more than just a story, it’s a sensory journey into the everyday magic of bath time. With soft vintage tones, endearing characters, and a loveable bath-time helper, this tale reminds children that cleanliness can be an adventure… and that even the drains might be hiding a friend.

Created by mum and author Jodie Owen Kinsella, this story was co-developed with her little ones, turning giggles and splashes into a tale you’ll want to read again and again.