Every once in a while, I get to read a book that is so clever and funny that it makes me smile for weeks after I read it. This week, I read such a book. It’s called The Perfect Baby Handbook, A Guide for Excessively Motivated Parents by Dale Hrabi. Not only is the book hilarious, but it is very well done. The book itself has a nice feel to it, the artwork and colors are terrific, and the content is well-researched and intuitive. Hrabi spent serious time getting this book “just right” for our enjoyment and it shows.

This clever, witty look at all things baby is a MUST HAVE for every parent and parent-to-be. The Perfect Baby Handbook successfully identifies every parent’s worse fear in their parenting skills and puts those fears into hysterical perspective, letting parents know that it is OK not to be “perfect.” Dale Hrabi skillfully illustrates the proper way to stimulate your unborn child, the essential components of a baby suite, the “signs of newborn perfection”, “miracle-worthy” baby gear”, and so much more!

This book is laugh out loud funny, and God knows parents need a laugh. The illustrations are so hilarious that I have dog-eared my favorite ones so I can look at them when I am feeling down for a quick laugh. I am particularly fond of the middle baby picture on page 27 and the #2 picture on page 79. Among my other favorites, the bottom picture on page 50: the “prideful couple” on page 119; The bottom picture on page 127; and the whole layout on pages 10-11.

Check this book out if you get a chance and share your favorites with me. If you have a baby shower coming up, this book would be the perfect gift. Be careful that the new mom gets the book back, though, it one of those gifts that will be passed around. Maybe we can talk the author into describing some of his inspiration for these hilarious interpretations.