Toto, a monkey, takes a bath in a tub or large bowl of warm water. He cautiously tests the temperature with his hand before gradually stepping into the water, first one leg and then the other. Once comfortable, he applies soap and rubs himself all over. Toto learned to bathe by watching the narrator (author) do the same, as monkeys are good at imitating others. After the water gets cold, Toto runs quickly to the kitchen fire to dry himself. Toto almost boiled himself alive one day when he climbed into a large kitchen kettle that was left on the fire to boil water for tea. Initially, the water was just warm enough for a bath, but as it began to boil, Toto kept popping his head up and down, unaware of the danger. Grandmother eventually caught him and pulled him out in time.