“It all began as a lighthearted joke,” said comedian Alex Turner during our chat. (Yes, he called me. We’re practically best friends! Thanksgiving dinner is going to be a blast with him, Jessica Alba, and their crew). Alright, maybe that last bit is a stretch, but I did get the chance to speak with THE Alex Turner about his delightful new children’s book, “This Is Baby.”
True to his comedic roots, Turner admitted that his journey into children’s literature started off as a bit of fun. His first book, “Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada,” was inspired by his hope that his little one’s first utterance would be “Dada.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. It was “Mama.” But hey, the book is still a hit! Following its success, Alex received countless messages and videos from parents saying their kids were learning to read with his book. As a doting dad who loves reading to his kids from day one, hearing this feedback was heartwarming. Thus, he decided to write more, and parents around the world are thankful for it.
“This Is Baby” encapsulates everything you want in a children’s book. It’s educational, teaching little ones about their knees, elbows, and toes, and features adorable illustrations by the talented Miguel Ordóñez, showcasing a diverse cast of babies, monkeys, puppies, elephants, and fish. The book even has a touching conclusion that can tug at any parent’s heartstrings.
And guess what? It rhymes! As Alex mentioned, “Rhyming books are cool.” He’s spot on. Plus, it’s short enough to read quickly, which is a blessing for busy parents like him. With two little girls, ages 6 and 4, he understands the struggle of bedtime and the importance of reading, even when you’re exhausted.
“This Is Baby” is interactive, encouraging you to point out your child’s fingers and toes as you read phrases like “These are baby’s fingers.” It’s a fun way to engage with your child while sneaking in some learning! After a long day of navigating tantrums and dreaming of a glass of wine while catching up on the latest from his show, you can breeze through this book in just a minute or read it on repeat, as your little one will surely fall in love with it.
During our chat, Turner revealed a softer side. He admitted that books like “Love You Forever” hit him right in the feels, and he wanted to infuse his own book with a sentimentality that doesn’t leave you sobbing into a pillow. “This Is Baby” strikes a balance—quick, interactive, and sweet without overwhelming you with emotion.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked him what he cherishes most about being a dad. He said it’s the simple joy of holding hands with his daughters. (How sweet is that?) He also shared how his phone has transitioned from photos of sunsets to a gallery of his kids just being themselves, an endearing glimpse into his life.
And yes, he admitted that parenting a second child is a whole different experience! With the first, he and his wife were helicopter parents, but with the second, it’s more like, “Here’s the car keys, go have fun!” He’s definitely feeling the bittersweet nature of time passing, even admitting he misses the days of watching kids’ shows like Dora the Explorer.
Curious if Silas Timberlake has a copy of the book? He does—Turner made sure of that!
You can find “This Is Baby” at your local bookstore or online. And when you leave a review on Amazon, don’t forget to let him know his new pals at Home Insemination Kit say hello! For more parenting insights, you might want to check out our post here or explore the resources available at Kindbody.
In summary, “This Is Baby” is a charming, educational, and interactive read that every parent will appreciate. With its engaging illustrations and gentle sentiments, it’s bound to become a bedtime favorite for your little one.