Parenting | by Lisa Harper
Updated: Oct. 6, 2020
Originally Published: Oct. 23, 2019
“It all started as a joke,” said comedian Mike Carson during our recent conversation. Yes, I had the pleasure of interviewing the Mike Carson about his new children’s book, “This Is Baby.” And while I might not be his Thanksgiving dinner buddy (sorry, Justin Timberlake), it’s worth noting that Carson’s journey into children’s literature began with a playful idea.
Carson’s first book, “Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada,” was inspired by his hope that his child’s first utterance would be “Dada.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t; it was “Mama.” Nevertheless, the book found success, leading to heartwarming messages from parents whose kids were learning to read using his work. This delightful feedback motivated Carson to continue writing, and parents everywhere are thankful for it.
“This Is Baby” encompasses everything you desire in a children’s book. It’s educational, teaching little ones about their knees, elbows, and hips. The charming illustrations by the talented artist Nina Rodriguez feature a diverse cast of babies alongside playful animals like monkeys, puppies, and elephants. The book wraps up with a sentimental twist that resonates with parents, tugging at those heartstrings.
And yes, it rhymes! Because, as Carson rightly puts it, “Rhyming books are cool.” But here’s the kicker: “It’s short. But it still counts,” he adds. As a busy dad of two (Sophie, age 6, and Lily, age 4), Carson understands the exhaustion that comes with bedtime routines. Yet, he also recognizes the importance of reading to children.
“This Is Baby” is designed to be interactive. As you read “These are baby’s fingers” and “These are baby’s toes,” you’ll point to your child’s fingers and toes—fun and educational! After a long day of managing your little ones, you can breeze through this book in about a minute, or brace yourself for repeated readings as it quickly becomes your child’s favorite.
Carson let slip a little secret: beneath the humor, he’s a sentimental dad. He admitted to getting emotional over books like “Love You Forever,” which inspired him to include a heartfelt ending in his own book—without turning it into a sob-fest that leaves parents weeping over their child’s stuffed animals. (Am I the only one who does that?)
Ultimately, “This Is Baby” is a brief yet engaging read that gently pulls at the heartstrings of parents everywhere. It combines fun, education, and emotional resonance, making it a perfect addition to any family library. And who doesn’t appreciate a relatable dad? Carson shared that his favorite part of fatherhood is simply holding hands with his daughters, which is downright adorable.
He also joked about the transition from being a protective first-time parent to a more relaxed approach with his second child. As it turns out, kids grow up way too fast—something he feels deeply. Just like many of us, he finds himself nostalgically missing simpler times, like when “Dora the Explorer” ruled the screen.
By the way, I couldn’t resist asking him if Silas Timberlake has a copy of “This Is Baby.” “He got the first copy,” Carson replied with a grin.
If you’re eager to get your hands on this delightful book, it’s available everywhere books are sold. And when you leave a review on Amazon, be sure to mention that your pals at Home Insemination Kit say hi!
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Summary:
“This Is Baby” by Mike Carson is a delightful children’s book that combines education, fun illustrations, and an emotional touch. It’s perfect for parents looking to engage their little ones during bedtime reading. Carson’s relatable humor and heartfelt experiences as a dad make this book a must-have for families.
Keyphrase: children’s book for parents
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