Best Kind of Baby

Best Kind Of Baby is the successful collaboration of author Kate Laing and illustrator R. W. Alley. Sophie knows her mother is going to have some kind of baby -- but why a regular old human baby? An ordinary baby can't play like a puppy, or make funny noises like a monkey, or blow bubbles like a fish! The feelings and ideas of a young child coming to terms with the pending inclusion of a baby in the family is beautiful presented in this picture book story that is certain to entertain young readers preschool through first grade.

This is an absolutely charming story for young children who are expecting a sibling. The story captures the humor of young children, and is a joy for adults to read, as well. It is clever, creative, funny and very sweet. We should hope for many more from Ms. Laing.

Having recently given birth to our third child, I've read a lot of books on this theme and this is, by far, my favorite. Laing's writing just rings true to how preschoolers really act and think, for ex., I love the descriptions of Sophie's friends as her next best-friend, her fourth best friend, etc. And my children had these tee-hee-hee laughs as Sophie's imagination soared, imagining that her mom was growing different animals inside her belly, instead of a human baby. When one of Sophie's friends asked if her mom swallowed a basketball, not only could I relate, having recently been as big as a house, but my children thought it was hilarious. I expect that we'll be reading this for years, long after we're dealing with welcoming a baby. My 3-year-old loved looking at the pictures of Sophie as a dolphin, as a monkey, etc. He asks for me to read the book so much, that my newly-reading 6-year-old read it to him. It was one of two books my children threw into the car for a recent day trip. Great book!

This is one of the best books I have ever seen dealing with the delicate question of why Mommy's tummy is getting bigger and the consequent anxiety on the part of Sophie, the soon-to-be older sister. Its tone is just right. The dialogue is really funny--funny to children--and the illustrations are perfect. I understand that this is Ms. Laing's first book, and I hope we'll have many more from her...I am a teacher accustomed to reading many books for little ones, and this sweet volume really stands out.

This was a fabulous book. I am expecting a baby in September and my daughter and I read this book together. She laughed all the way through and didn't think it was so bad to have a brother after all. It comforted her to know that other children have the same feelings she did. Kate Laing really knows how to tell a story that kids can comprehend. My daughter also really loved the pictures expecally the one with the mermaid and the dolphin. I recommend this book to everyone!