A while back I was asked by author Jennifer Margulis to take a look at her new book Why Babies Do That and to participate in her Baby Blog Book Tour by reviewing her book here at Childsplayx2. She was adamant that I was to be honest in my review which I appreciate. So, here is my first ever book review (which is different than all of those book reports I did as a kid – different because in this case I’ve actually read the book).

First, the book is square, measuring 8″x8″. The cover has a picture of a cute kid hugging a stuffed animal and below the photo it explains “Baffling Baby Behavior Explained.” Well, all right then! I’ve always wanted to know what the hell my baby is doing – this is my type of book. Upon opening the book, I glance at the table of contents where it lists 40 different “Why” questions. I glance at questions and scan the list looking for nuggets of wisdom. For example, I search for “Why do babies poop right before you’re ready to go out the door.”

Nope. Not there.

Other questions are answered, however. For example, the book explains why babies like to play with their own poop. (Geez, I’m not sure I really want to know why – as long as they don’t do it more than once.) It also explains why babies cry. Surprisingly, “Because they were born into a world that cares about Tom Cruise and Katie (or is it now Kate?) Holmes and the spawn they created” isn’t one of the reasons. You’ll just have to read the book to find out why.

Overall, the book is charming and written in an easygoing manner that seems to explain mysterious baby behavior with a smile. While it won’t win a Pulitzer and there really isn’t any groundbreaking info revealed that you can’t find on the Internet, it’s a cute book that would be an ideal supplement to any baby shower gift. My wife’s independent review included much praise for the photos that accompany each chapter. Our twins enjoy looking at the photos of smiling babies and the book has become a favorite of Andrea’s as she shows them the pictures of babies just like them (only not as cute).