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I Am a Baby
From the creator of the mega-popular Dinosaur vs. series comes a hilariously deadpan look at new parenthood—from a baby’s point of view.
I am not sleepy.
I am not sleepy because I am a baby.
Mommy is sleepy.
Mommy is sleepy because I am a baby.
With humor and sympathy, Bob Shea looks at the chaos of life with a baby as amiably narrated by the new arrival. Repeating the mantra (and blithe explanation) “because I am a baby,” the tiny narrator leads us through scenes of exhaustion, grumpiness, squishy diapers, spilled milk, cowering kittens, and chubby overfed pups (oopsie!). Playing against the simple, matter-of-fact text are freewheeling illustrations of mess and mayhem, in which the grown-ups’ exaggerated body language is sure to send older children into fits of giggles. With its endearing, unabashedly self-pleased star, I Am a Baby will find a place at showers, in nurseries, on parents’ shelves, and in the hands of appreciative big siblings, as it celebrates the changes a little one brings, at once challenging and full of love.
I am not sleepy.
I am not sleepy because I am a baby.
Mommy is sleepy.
Mommy is sleepy because I am a baby.
With humor and sympathy, Bob Shea looks at the chaos of life with a baby as amiably narrated by the new arrival. Repeating the mantra (and blithe explanation) “because I am a baby,” the tiny narrator leads us through scenes of exhaustion, grumpiness, squishy diapers, spilled milk, cowering kittens, and chubby overfed pups (oopsie!). Playing against the simple, matter-of-fact text are freewheeling illustrations of mess and mayhem, in which the grown-ups’ exaggerated body language is sure to send older children into fits of giggles. With its endearing, unabashedly self-pleased star, I Am a Baby will find a place at showers, in nurseries, on parents’ shelves, and in the hands of appreciative big siblings, as it celebrates the changes a little one brings, at once challenging and full of love.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published June 14, 2022
2 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Bob Shea
61 books349 followersBob Shea has written and illustrated over a dozen picture books including the popular Dinosaur vs. Bedtime and the cult favorite Big Plans illustrated by Lane Smith.
His characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr, Playhouse Disney and PBS Kids.
Bob spends his days writing, drawing and having “conversations” with NPR.
His characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr, Playhouse Disney and PBS Kids.
Bob spends his days writing, drawing and having “conversations” with NPR.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
June 30, 2022
The "Mommy is thirsty" page ruined it for me entirely. "Mommy drinking culture" is neither humorous nor harmless.
November 27, 2025
I feel this one in my soul.
Please go to sleep.
Please go to sleep.
November 27, 2025
I am chuckling.
I am chuckling because
I do not have a baby.
I am chuckling because
I do not have a baby.
June 9, 2022
Sleepy parents and ambiguous siblings will love this hilarious take on how a baby affects the household. With circular logic, the tiny, smiling baby explains: “I am a baby and I am not sleepy. I am not sleepy because I am a baby.” Mommy is sleepy, daddy is grumbling, kitty is hiding, all because “I am a baby.” I especially liked the “Mommy is thirsty” pages, which show a discombobulated mommy pouring a glass of wine, because, obviously, “Mommy is thirsty because I am a baby.” And not all of the side effects of having a baby are negative. Grandma is smiley and everyone is indeed happy, despite the messy house and sleep-deprived parents.
Shea’s wonderful art (“The illustrations were done using red and blue pencils on inexpensive printer paper, then finished on a fancy tablet while sitting in a comfortable chair by a large window” has a retro vibe, and perfectly complements the deadpan humor. One gets the feeling that his knowledge of the subject is first hand His humor has the feel of a survival story, which is something the family of a new baby can appreciate.
This would be fun to read aloud, with encouragement for little ones joining is on the refrain of “because I am a baby.”
Even the endpapers are delightful. The front endpapers show panel scenes from the parents’ early years, including courtship, marriage, a new house and the delight of the pregnancy, while the back endpapers show baby’s growth from a smiling newborn to an impish toddler. This is the perfect read for a family reeling from the presence of a baby, and I think older siblings will love it as well.
Shea’s wonderful art (“The illustrations were done using red and blue pencils on inexpensive printer paper, then finished on a fancy tablet while sitting in a comfortable chair by a large window” has a retro vibe, and perfectly complements the deadpan humor. One gets the feeling that his knowledge of the subject is first hand His humor has the feel of a survival story, which is something the family of a new baby can appreciate.
This would be fun to read aloud, with encouragement for little ones joining is on the refrain of “because I am a baby.”
Even the endpapers are delightful. The front endpapers show panel scenes from the parents’ early years, including courtship, marriage, a new house and the delight of the pregnancy, while the back endpapers show baby’s growth from a smiling newborn to an impish toddler. This is the perfect read for a family reeling from the presence of a baby, and I think older siblings will love it as well.
October 30, 2022
It was cute until thirsty Mommy got herself a drink of wine. Shea is making it seem acceptable to numb hard things with alcohol. It’s a real problem for a lot of women and it’s disappointing to see this in a picture book. Maybe he thought he was being funny, but I’d say he waaaaaay missed his mark.
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June 22, 2022Cute and funny, this would be a great gift for a new baby.
July 30, 2022
Brilliantly funny! My new favorite!!!
January 8, 2023
It won’t take even 5 minutes to read this book, but it is cute and clever. The not-so-surprising guest near the end was perfect as that’s my role now. And I am smiley!
October 29, 2022
I'm not sure just whom this cute book is intended as the "appropriate" audience, but it is very cute. Obviously, a wee little baby is the source of all the issues covered as being affected because "I am a baby." And obviously such a wee one can't understand the nuances of the text. But little ones do enjoy parents who giggle when reading a story to them. And parents will giggle when they read this little book.
A fun gift addition to tuck into a baby shower gift. Or just a fun book to have to read that tells the tale as it is true in households where there is a baby on board.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
A fun gift addition to tuck into a baby shower gift. Or just a fun book to have to read that tells the tale as it is true in households where there is a baby on board.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
June 17, 2022
Clever and hilarious upon first reading. And so true! A second reading will reveal some subtleties that were overlooked - nuances of expression and detail (when mommy is thirsty, she starts with water but soon moves on to wine).
Alas, after that, the book and its solitary incessant joke have nothing more to offer. This picture book is probably aimed more at parents, though older siblings will also find humor in it.
Alas, after that, the book and its solitary incessant joke have nothing more to offer. This picture book is probably aimed more at parents, though older siblings will also find humor in it.
December 10, 2022
To any one who is a parent or is thinking of being a parent
To any one who works with kids in ANY capacity
Seriously, read this book. It is RELATABLE! I cackled in laughter. My Baby Time adults will resonate with it. But even our teen volunteer was dying of laughter. So that should tell you something.
To any one who works with kids in ANY capacity
Seriously, read this book. It is RELATABLE! I cackled in laughter. My Baby Time adults will resonate with it. But even our teen volunteer was dying of laughter. So that should tell you something.
October 29, 2025
For parents in the newborn trenches, this is for you. It might not put the baby to sleep but it will incite a giggle out of you.
August 26, 2022
Cute, will win over parents and older siblings of new babies. Love the tired lines under both parents' eyes. Many will appreciate the mother's eye contact with the wine bottles, though that won't be appreciated by some families. Only reason 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the fairly gender stereotypical roles of the parents, but it likely won't bother most readers.
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June 14, 2022This book just confirms why I've NEVER wanted to have a baby.
September 19, 2022
I just love I am a Baby. It is picture book size (not issued with a dustjacket), but the youngest listeners and readers will really enjoy it. Simple, humorous text and colorful, jaunty illustrations. Super terrific!
July 31, 2023
Generally a cute book but I found it super weird that the book suggests mothers drink alcohol because of their babies. There were a couple of pages with a mom drinking wine. It’s just odd. Yes, babies are tough. Why was the dad not shown drinking? It just felt really weird.
March 26, 2025
This book is cute, I like the repetition and the ending but wish it could have left out the wine mom page... Breastfeeding makes you thirsty, could have been her drinking water? Reheating her coffee she forgot about? Why wine?
Kids probably don't notice but not a good stereotype to perpetuate.
Kids probably don't notice but not a good stereotype to perpetuate.
July 16, 2022
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2022/07/15/... THANK YOU!
A New Life!
This book celebrates the changes that come to a household when a baby joins it. Suddenly, the amount of sleep, food, and recreation a person gets changes. Why is that?
When a baby comes into your home, every thing revolves around him. No longer can things be done on a whim. If, after becoming a parent, you have the energy to attempt a social life, planning a night out can be almost as challenging as launching a military campaign.
This tongue-in-cheek tale is a great commentary on parenthood, especially for first-time parents. The illustrations are as funny as the tale. This would make a good gift for parents, especially shower gifts.
Children really are a blessing, and I love mine dearly. Parenthood definitely enriches your life, and I highly recommend it. But little ones are a lot of work, especially as demanding infants—and that is what this book makes humorous remarks about.
As a matter of fact, children would also enjoy this book. They would think it is nothing more than a story about a mom, dad, and their baby. So, this book can serve a dual purpose as a funny tale for parents, and a picture book for the little ones. I recommend this five-star book to both, and advise you to keep your sense of humor, because this too will pass!
Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, I Am a Baby, for the purpose of review.
A New Life!
This book celebrates the changes that come to a household when a baby joins it. Suddenly, the amount of sleep, food, and recreation a person gets changes. Why is that?
When a baby comes into your home, every thing revolves around him. No longer can things be done on a whim. If, after becoming a parent, you have the energy to attempt a social life, planning a night out can be almost as challenging as launching a military campaign.
This tongue-in-cheek tale is a great commentary on parenthood, especially for first-time parents. The illustrations are as funny as the tale. This would make a good gift for parents, especially shower gifts.
Children really are a blessing, and I love mine dearly. Parenthood definitely enriches your life, and I highly recommend it. But little ones are a lot of work, especially as demanding infants—and that is what this book makes humorous remarks about.
As a matter of fact, children would also enjoy this book. They would think it is nothing more than a story about a mom, dad, and their baby. So, this book can serve a dual purpose as a funny tale for parents, and a picture book for the little ones. I recommend this five-star book to both, and advise you to keep your sense of humor, because this too will pass!
Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, I Am a Baby, for the purpose of review.
November 15, 2022
Mommy does not sleep because of baby. Daddy is grumpy because of baby. While using humor, the author takes us through a day in the life of a parent with a new baby. It includes everything from the lack of sleep, the anxiety, and the stress. It also shows how even though it can be rough, we're still happy to have them in our lives because they make it better.
I AM A BABY is a hilarious story that sums up parenthood completely and will probably entertain the parent with its hidden humor more than a child. However, children do love reading about babies and that's why my daughter enjoyed it. The illustrations are just as funny with little things hidden just for the parents, like mom's glass of wine. It's a nice touch that had me smiling even more. My daughter and I shared a good laugh at this one because she knows she's always waking me up. The words are also simple which makes it a possible early reading book and simple enough to work as a bedtime story.
Final Verdict: This book is perfect for parents who want to be entertained just as much as their child. It also depicts a parent's love and all the things we go through and do for them. I AM A BABY makes me look forward to reading more of Bob Shea's works.
I AM A BABY is a hilarious story that sums up parenthood completely and will probably entertain the parent with its hidden humor more than a child. However, children do love reading about babies and that's why my daughter enjoyed it. The illustrations are just as funny with little things hidden just for the parents, like mom's glass of wine. It's a nice touch that had me smiling even more. My daughter and I shared a good laugh at this one because she knows she's always waking me up. The words are also simple which makes it a possible early reading book and simple enough to work as a bedtime story.
Final Verdict: This book is perfect for parents who want to be entertained just as much as their child. It also depicts a parent's love and all the things we go through and do for them. I AM A BABY makes me look forward to reading more of Bob Shea's works.
July 18, 2022
An ode to the chaos of life with a baby, this book, told through the eyes of this new arrival, is a hilarious romp through the mayhem that one teeny tiny baby can actually create. The illustrations are adorable and funny and to the point with tired eyes and loopy smiles all around, all because one new baby has come rip-rolling into life. I think my favorite part is that when grandma comes to visit, she fixes everything. 3 cheers for grandparents and the help and love they bring! Really sweet book that would make a great baby shower gift. The text is simple and an older sibling might be able to read along as well. Sure to elicit giggles all around.
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March 18, 2023I laughed out loud when I read this book. Any new parent, strike that, any parent can relate to the exhaustion so well depicted on these pages. This is a quick, funny picture book about the impact a new baby has on the world. Truthfully, I think it is geared a little more towards the parents than the baby, but I do think that babies will like the cute baby and parents will feel seen as they struggle to stay awake reading to their little bundle of joy. If you're looking for a comical gift for a new parent, this is definitely a fun one to add to your cart.
March 19, 2024
The narrator of this picture book describes the moods and messes of the people in his house, and explains it all with "because I am a baby."
Author Bob Shea certainly understands how a new baby changes everything in a family. With humor and honesty, simple pattern text, and great illustrations, the adjusting household is revealed. And despite it all, the baby is treasured.
ELA tie-in: pattern story; 1st person narration; point of view
SEL tie-in: naming emotions, identifying facial expressions
Use for a baby shower or newborn gift--especially appropriate for a grandparent to give.
Author Bob Shea certainly understands how a new baby changes everything in a family. With humor and honesty, simple pattern text, and great illustrations, the adjusting household is revealed. And despite it all, the baby is treasured.
ELA tie-in: pattern story; 1st person narration; point of view
SEL tie-in: naming emotions, identifying facial expressions
Use for a baby shower or newborn gift--especially appropriate for a grandparent to give.
July 14, 2025
👏🏻Stop👏🏻using👏🏻alcohol👏🏻to👏🏻cope👏🏻with👏🏻the👏🏻stresses👏🏻of👏🏻parenting👏🏻 Any other relationship "requiring" alcohol would be considered abusive. This narrative is harmful to parents- especially moms, their children who are made to feel guilty for being kids- and often the parents' own shortcomings in parenting, and not normal in society- teaching others that children are not beautiful blessings, but something to be ENDURED until you can decompress and "take the edge off" 🙄
June 21, 2022
I totally relate to this book in the adorableness and difficulty in having a baby. My two-year old also loved this book as babies/toddlers always love other babies/toddlers, so this book would be a great New Baby gift to show the a more realistic picture of parenting to new parents and be a fun book for baby once they can focus on the pictures.
July 5, 2022
Shea captures the early days of life with a baby. This humorous look will be appreciated by adults and entertaining to young readers. They will join in on a read aloud with the "because I am a baby" quickly. The illustrations capture the love and the exhaustion involved. Love when Grandma arrives and gives the parents a much needed break.
Don't miss the story in the end pages.
Don't miss the story in the end pages.
July 22, 2022
This book is cute and could appeal to toddlers but probably really appeals more to their parents! Bob Shea is funny no matter what he writes and this one does not disappoint. The life of a baby and new parents is portrayed with funny lines and cute illustrations. Cute for a baby story time or for a new parent gift.
October 22, 2022
"I am a baby and I am not sleepy."
A sweet picture book about how a baby changes the lives of a family ... even the kitty (who is hiding) and dog (who is chubby) all due to the baby.
When make a fun gift for new parents. I love that the end pages at the beginning show life before the baby and the end pages at the end show life with the baby.
A sweet picture book about how a baby changes the lives of a family ... even the kitty (who is hiding) and dog (who is chubby) all due to the baby.
When make a fun gift for new parents. I love that the end pages at the beginning show life before the baby and the end pages at the end show life with the baby.
December 6, 2022
A simple book suitable for storytime or older siblings, all about how the baby goes, and the parents get exhausted. Lots of picture clues that will amuse the parental reader (eg, "Mommy is thirsty" is accompanied by a picture of wine bottles) but will fly by the child listener. Pair this with "King Baby".
May 11, 2023
So funny! Read this for Mother's Day and it was very much enjoyed by all the moms! Highly recommended. Kids 3-5 could appreciate the humor (or older siblings) but definitely the humor is aimed at the parents, and what's wrong with that since they are the ones reading it! Thanks Bob Shea for giving us all a good laugh and we all need one....
June 19, 2022
This is a great example of a perfect all-ages picture book that will appeal to all. From it's fun beginning and end papers, humor, combination of picture and word storytelling, Easter eggs, and heart, this book is a pleasure to read and a master-class in what makes a great picture book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews