Baa Haa

by Audrey Perrott, Ross Burach (illustrator)

Everything makes Babette laugh, until she discovers it's okay not to feel okay sometimes. This laugh-out-loud gem about friendship, big feelings, and learning to show your true self is perfect for fans of Grumpy Monkey and The Day the Crayons Quit.



Babette's life is filled with joy.

She loves to giggle and be silly.

And she loves to make her friends laugh, too.

But Babette also laughs when nothing is funny.

Like when she feels sad or mad or bad.

Hiding her true feelings is tangling her insides into a knot

and giving her a bellyache!

Is acting happy all the time everything it's cracked up to be?

Will Babette's friends still like her if she doesn't pretend?

This tender companion to Moo Hoo is a laugh-out-loud gem about friendship, big feelings, and learning to show your true self.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Emotion, Humor, Friendship, Childrens

Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Stephanie Lucianovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect follow-up to Moo-Hoo, which deals with a moose who cries easily, now we have a sheep who laughs easily -- or too much? Covering up uncomfortable feelings, thoughts, or situations with coping mechanisms instead of facing them head-on and processing them is something that both adults and kids struggle with. This brilliant take on a sheep allowing herself to feel her feelings rather than covering them with false cheer is both a wonderful read-aloud with a lot of fun wordplay and a sensitive resource that will help kids (and adults) who might feel similarly to Babette.

[Alison McGauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Babette the sheep laughs about everything, which is sometimes wonderful, but not always appropriate, and starts to leave her with a bellyache. This book, full of playful language and illustrations, reminds us of the importance of friendship and accepting all our feelings. Baa Haa is an adorable follow up to Moo Hoo by the same creators.

[Karen Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's be clear up front. This book is not humor. It's about a sheep, Babette, that laughs a lot. She laughs at funny things, and she laughs at times that laughing is inappropriate. Babette has to confront the fact that she has a knot in her stomach perhaps from not facing the range of emotions she has, and instead laughs off her difficult emotions.

I found this book quite important. I grew up with a boy in my neighborhood who laughed (albeit nervously) at anything and everything. Other kids made fun of him for it, and he must have suffered quite a lot from the ostracism. A book like this would have helped him and the kids around him to better process the situations.

The art in the book is lovely with little text bubbles and signs and whatsits to read along with the story. The animal friends are animated in their facial expressions, and help the reader understand the seriousness of this book about laughing too much. More than a fun read, this book will help readers sit with the fact that emotions come out in weird ways sometimes and getting to the heart of the matter can provide a world of good for ourselves and others.

[Dorothea Holcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Although I didn’t LOVE this story as much as Moo Hoo, it was very good and had a great moral to it that I was surprised even young children would understand. I read to preschoolers and young elementary students as a volunteer and always look for books that are entertaining but also tell a message. Here Babette the sheep laughs at everything, even things that aren’t funny because she doesn’t feel like anyone wants to know the real emotion she’s feeling. So, she laughs all the time. In the end she realizes that it’s okay to share our true emotions as it makes us who we are. The young children I read this to understood that and for preschoolers, that was profound. The illustrations are again spot on and I look forward to more coming from the dynamic duo of Perrott and Burach.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A perfect companion to Moo Hoo, this relatable picture book follows Babette, a sheep who finds lots of joy in life, frequently giggling to show her delight. Unfortunately, she also giggles at inappropriate times or to hide her true emotions. But a couple of friends help her see that it's okay to express her feelings and not be okay. Clever word play ["love ewe for ewe" and "feel sheepish," for instance] adds a layer of humor to the serious storyline, and the vibrant, animal-filled artwork, created with pencil, crayon, acrylic paint, and digital coloring, has plenty of appeal for young eyes. The book's important message goes down smoothly in a similar fashion as Jane Yolen's "How Do Dinosaurs...?" books.

[Della Ferreri · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Babette didn’t like feeling
baaaaad,
or maaaaad,
or saaaaad.
It was easier to cover up
those feelings with silliness."
But covering up her true feelings led to feelings of knots in her stomach. With the help of her friends, she comes to realize that she can express her true feelings. With wonderful messages worked into the story like “It’s okay if you’re not okay" and “All feelings are welcome here” and “Friends don’t have to pretend,” young readers will be reassured that it's okay to feel all the feels and share the ups and downs that take place in their lives. A sweet book with fun illustrations that will jumpstart important conversations.

[Jenna Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is Perrott’s book hilarious, full of fabulous farm animal puns, and hilarious art by Burach, it’s also deeply meaningful. I completely relate to Babette, the wise cracking, constantly laughing sheep—as someone who tends to laugh in every situation, appropriate or not, I totally get her! And when her supportive farm friends let her know it’s ok to feel all the feels, and not cover them up with a laugh…I felt so seen! This book has a wonderful message for its young readers, “ewe” be “ewe”, even if it means feeling sad, happy, worried, or, of course…funny!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sheep is always happy and laughing, but is she doing that to hide her true feelings? Yes! This book explores when we laugh and pretend to be happy to cover up what we really feel, or because we don't like to feel sad, mad, hurt etc. It helps kids se that we have to have a full range of emotions, and let ourselves feel those things. Otherwise the bad feelings will eventually come out. Also lets readers know that we can always be ourselves around friends, and not always have to be happy. Loved this, a great addition to the series of these SEL books.

[Ashley Urquhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concept of this book a tad more than the execution. I thought the illustrations were a little overstimulating. But with that being said, I thought this book was about something that isn’t talked about often in picture books. I think it teaches a great lesson and think it will be valuable for a lot of families to add to their library.

Note: Thanks to Scholastic for providing an ARC for review!

[Lisa Varchol Varchol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters and world created by Audrey Perrott and Ross Burach are delightful and loveable. Babette reacts to assorted situations with laughter, even when that laughter doesn't match what she is feeling. Countless readers will relate to Babette's struggle to experience all of her feelings. With bright, engaging art (filled with hilarious details!) and a story that is both funny and heartwarming, this book is a must-have for every home, school, and library.

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved Moo Hoo, you'll love this companion book too! It's full of humor, and the illustrations make it even funnier. My kids couldn’t stop laughing at the expressions. It will also feel really relatable to a lot of kids (and adults) who have trouble with laughing at the wrong time. Underneath the silliness, there are great messages about emotions and friendship. Such a fun read, highly recommended.

[Meneka Repka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Babette is a funny and adorable little sheep who uses laughter to brighten everyone’s day. Sometimes, however, laughing at everything can be a strategy to hide how we really feel inside. Young readers learn, along with Babette, that it’s okay to be nervous, scared, or mad and that everyone feels those ways sometimes. Illustrations for this one are super fun, with lots of silly details and puns to discover along the way!

[Lisa Tolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baa Haa is a sheep who laughs when something is funny -- and when it's not. Audrey Perrott and Ross Burach have teamed up for a winning sequel to Moo Hoo. This time, they're taking on toxic positivity in such a clever way. Baa Haa thinks she has to laugh through her tears, until her friends let her know they "love ewe for ewe." Funny details in the background art make this a fun read on many layers. (But you don't have to laugh, we'll love ewe anyway.)

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Babette loves to laugh and make her friends laugh. She even uses laughter to hide her true feelings until she realizes that it’s okay to not be okay. Such an important reminder for all ages! Young readers will be captivated by the wordplay and bright illustrations in BAA HAA by Audrey Perrott and Ross Burach. They will love to re-read this sweet and funny picture book and discover new things in the art each time! Be sure to also check out the companion MOO HOO!

[Dara Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baa Haa is a sweet and relatable book about Babette the sheep, who covers up her true feeling by putting on a happy face and laughing. Readers will love this book filled with punny text and engaging, colorful illustrations. This book would make for an excellent tool/ fantastic discussion starter for little ones when talking about emotional health. Great addition to any home, classroom, or library. Such a fun read!

[Jessica Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun-loving sheep who loves to laugh is the main character in this story about expressing our feelings. Sheep laughs all the time--sometimes even when she shouldn't, just to hide what she's really feeling. With help from her friends, she learns that all feelings are valid, and she doesn't have to pretend. The author gives us many opportunities to laugh throughout, and the illustrations are adorable!

[Caroline Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this charming companion book to Moo Hoo, readers are introduced to Babette, a sheep who laughs all the time (even when she isn't feeling quite so happy inside). Author Audrey Perrot cleverly uses puns and gentle humor to convey an important message: it's okay to not be okay. As always, Ross Burach's art is a delight, containing many 'easter egg' details that children will spot during repeat reads. This will make a lovely addition to any book collection.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Babette laughs all the time - even when she is feeling other emotions. She thinks she has to smile and be happy for her friends as they look forward to seeing her that way. However, this takes quite a toll on her and she break down one day. Her friends rally around her and show her how much they like her for being herself. Perrott captures the emotions and ways we mask them when we get stuck in a certain way. The illustrations add to the story and are fun to study.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about Babette the sheep, who laughs at everything until she realizes she just can't anymore. Her farm animal friends help her learn to just be herself and show her real feelings. Would be a good book to share with littles in conversations about emotions and friendship.

"It's okay if you're not okay..."
and "We love ewe for ewe."

Themes: Animals, friendship, humor, emotion
Ages: preK-1st grade
Pub year: 2025

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is so much fun! I loved Babette the sheep and the powerful lesson about letting your true feelings show. Kids will enjoy this, too, but they'll adore the cute, funny illustrations and the punny extras that are included in this fun companion to Moo Hoo. Recommended for all homes, schools, and libraries!

[Sabrina Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrey has done it again with another tale of humour and joy, yet underlined with a very important message about being true to your feelings.
Baa Haa is a sheep who thinks she must be happy all the time, but is that healthy? I love her easy accessible take on this subject, its full of fun adorable illustrations and giggles. Very humorous and clever word play.
A great read!

[Anna Ouchchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Babette the sheep laughs all the time and makes her friends laugh too. She doesn't want to feel or express anything except silliness, but other feelings are tying her stomach up in knots. It's up to her friends to let Babette know that it's okay to feel all her feelings and share them too. A fun read that combines social and emotional learning with old-fashioned silliness.

[HELEN ZAX · Rating 5 out of 5]

BAA HAA explores the power of laughter and the reality that laughter may not always be the answer in life. Babette the sheep, aka BaaHaa, discovers that being silly all the time isn’t as satisfying to being true to her real emotions. Adorable illustrations add to the humor and delightfulness of this adorable picture book.

[Christine Alemshah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baa-Haa has captivated my heart! Babette could easily be me or my kiddos - we relate to sometimes struggling with our emotions or “putting on a front.” Knowing that there is a safe space among family and friends to be yourself and share any emotions is incredibly empowering. I love the message of this book in a fun, engaging text and adorable cast of characters.

[Moniza Hossain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book about an adorable sheep that learns to confront and deal with negative emotions instead of laughing them off. The book is full of hilarious puns, and the story is both meaningful and entertaining. I enjoyed the expressive illustrations. I think kids will have a lot of fun with both the art and the puns!

[Stacey Byer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this hilarious book about a little sheep who loves spreading joy with her laughter.
Babette laughs at everything—until one day, it becomes stressful to keep up a happy front. With help from her friends, she learns that it’s healthy to feel and express all emotions.
The expressive, funny art and text will have readers laughing with joy!

[Chloe Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful companion book to MOO HOO! Oh, Babette. I too laugh at the wrong times and use humor to hide my feelings. I could have really used this book as a kid. BAA HAA is a wonderful story about friendship, embracing your true self, and feeling all your emotions. The art is lively and fun, while still striking an emotional chord. BAA HAA is a must have for any school or home library.

[Ana Siqueira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny and serious book at the same time. Laughing can be the best medicine, but sometimes it's not, especially if you use it to hide your true feelings. In a fun way, filled with super funny text and art, kids will learn that recognizing and sharing their feelings is the best way to feel better.

[Claire Bobrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hilarious story does a great job highlighting the trouble with hiding your emotions. Baa Haa covers her true feelings with waves of laughter, which soon threaten to sink her. But her kind friends come to the rescue with a warm message about being oneself. The expressive illustrations are a crack-up!

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Babette the sheep was full of laughter. She laughed all the time and sometimes when it was inappropriate. Sometimes Babette laughs to cover up uncomfortable feelings, like sadness and nervousness. She doesn't like feeling those feelings. Her friends help her understand that it's ok not to be ok sometimes.

A good book about uncomfortable feelings.