When I received an email from the fantastic Jennifer Margulis, offering a chance to read her newest book, Why Babies Do That - I jumped at it. I mean, here I am, with my youngest already speeding away from the baby years, and I'm still baffled by some of the things I've suffered experienced at the sticky hands of my babies. When she sweetened the deal by sending me a copy of the award winning anthology Toddler as well, I was thrilled. Aha! Perhaps there will be some insight into some of this toddler nonsense that frequently leaves me scratching my head. Nothing rocks my world like free books. Well, okay, a few things. But free books ranks really high up there.

I recieved Toddler first, and read through it over the course of one day. And then I read it again. The stories bubbled off the pages and surrounded me. Rather than the sentimental, feel-good anthology I had expected, I found myself alternately weeping, and snorting with laughter. I saw myself in these pages, and I recognized my children (and my reactions to my children) as well. This should be required reading for parents.

I can't recommend Toddler enough - if you haven't picked up a copy yet, get thee to a bookstore!

In Why Babies Do That, Jennifer takes aim at some of the baffling behavior that babies exhibit. I remember bringing my oldest daughter home from the hospital, and feeling totally stupid. From her baby acne to her flair for holding one leg stiff while kicking furiously with the other, I was smitten, but none the wiser. My mom used to laugh at me need to know all the whys - I had to have a reason for everything.

Where was Jennifer Margulis and Why Babies Do That then? Huh? Because it would have saved me a lot of time figuring all this stuff out on my own. Sheesh.

Jennifer tackles everything from mustard poop and excessive drool to fear of dogs and strangers and reluctance to sleep. She keeps a friendly, anecdote-supported style throughout. Why Babies Do That feels like a chat with another mother who has wondered the same things, not a lecture from an 'expert.'

Each topic features a wonderful, full-color photo that illustrates the topic at hand in a charming manner. It's compact, perfect for balancing on the arm of your favorite chair as you nurse your baby and try to cram in a sandwich with the other hand. With several baby showers coming up this summer, I know that Why Babies Do That will be a welcome gift.