cover image Conversations with Mr. Baby: A Celebration of New Life

Conversations with Mr. Baby: A Celebration of New Life

Steve Chapple. Arcade Publishing, $18.95 (177pp) ISBN 978-1-55970-103-7

Who says parenting has to be serious? Here Chapple ( Rock 'n' Roll Is Here to Pay ) takes a humorous look at the joys, trials and tribulations of dealing with an infant. Mr. Baby, of course, is more sophisticated than grownups give him credit for. He has his own opinions on everything discussed by his smitten new dad and does not hesitate to state them in a cryptic running commentary. Some of the topics covered in these conversations are lack of sleep (Mom calls the first few post-birth weeks the ``Zombie Express''), naming Mr. Baby (``not Odin. Please!'') and the three things that define older babies: peekaboo, cuteness and belly button curiosity. A list of ``Shamelessly Sentimental Things That Make It All Worthwhile'' wraps up the book, which gains added charm from Morrow's 37 wonderful line drawings. Irreverent and outspoken, albeit at times a bit saccharine, this chipper account will please new and expectant parents who need a few laughs. (May)