What do you think?
Rate this book
Ha Ha, Baby!
Look at baby—today he is not laughing. In fact, he’s so grumpy there’s not even the ghost of a grin lighting up his face. Just what will it take to get this glaring little one to giggle? Will his mother’s tickle on the tummy work? Or when daddy makes him fly through the sky? What about all the dog’s special tricks? NO! But maybe big brother has the right answer….With colorful illustrations, a bouncy, jovial text, and a really irresistible infant in the middle of a meltdown, Ha Ha, Baby shows just how far a family has to go to transform a scowl into a bright, happy smile.
- GenresPicture Books
25 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Kate Petty
270 books4 followersWriter/Editor Kate Petty (born Katharine Chapman) was the innovative author of more than two hundred books for children, including fiction, nonfiction, and picture books. Her award-winning pop-up books with illustrator Jennie Maizels and her collaborations with the Eden Project in Cornwall, England, are among her most popular works.
She died at age 55 from cancer.
She died at age 55 from cancer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 25, 2017
Baby just did not want to laugh today...
March 18, 2008
Okay, there are plenty of other books like this where the baby won't smile, or isn't happy, until one family member finds the solution. What makes this one worth noting is the art. With bold black outlines (crayon?), round faced people with red cheeks and big round eyes, a big fluffy cat and a "pretzel" dog, the art reminds me of something a child would draw, only better. Plus you've got Grandma in a princess costume, Grandpa as a pirate (complete with a parrot) and brother in full cowboy rig. In sum, sheer delight for kids and parents alike.
May 21, 2013
Someone who looks like Acker Bilk has a miserable baby with someone who looks like Ruth Madoc. The grandparents look like Captain Pugwash and Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Their pet dog rides a unicycle, plays a banjo and impersonates Audrey Hepburn. In spite of all these diversions, the infant is still epically morose. Another child that might be Lorne Greene challenges the baby to a staring competition at which point he gives in and smiles in order to get the lot of them out of his face. It's a strangely unsatisfying and largely unsettling book.
July 25, 2008
Babies' smiles may induce a "natural high" in their mothers, according to recent research; here, family members (even cat and dog) unite to inspire baby to smile. But only one person knows the trick. Older siblings will enjoy this book, which puts them at center-stage during what may feel like a very baby-centric time.
March 7, 2008
This little baby is not going to smile or laugh today - he's grumpy. While silly and costumed family members try to make him laugh, baby remains stoic until big brother engages him in a staring contest. Cute rhymes, adorable and vivid illustrations.
May 18, 2009
despite efforts from ma, pa, grandma and grandpa--baby wont' laugh and continues to have a grumpy demeanor. big brother enters the scene to stare down the baby, no laughter. obviously, this is when the giggles erupt. fun for siblings who can relate.
July 1, 2010
What awesome illustrations of such a grumpy baby face! I love how they face off into a game of " chicken" via a staring contest. What siblings have not done so at some point? An adorable book! I love how the big brother saves the day.
March 10, 2013
(3.5 stars)
Baby won't smile or laugh today and it has the family worried. They try all sorts of antics to get him to give them his happy grin.
See if can get kids to smile by trying brother's tactic.
Baby won't smile or laugh today and it has the family worried. They try all sorts of antics to get him to give them his happy grin.
See if can get kids to smile by trying brother's tactic.
October 23, 2009
poor lil grumpy guy
Read
May 19, 2012cute sibling story, nice illustrations
July 21, 2012
Good vocabulary...expressing baby's sentiments by using different words. The book might be good for younger children. Pictures are very colorful.
May 7, 2013
Ma, Pa, and the rest of the family try a variety of amusing things to get their baby to laugh, but he persists in his bad mood until his brother the sheriff arrives with a challenge.
March 5, 2015
My daughter liked this one and kept asking me to read it again :)
April 17, 2016
Easy enough for child to follow.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews