We Are Experiencing Parental Difficulties...Please Stand by (Paperback: 128 pages)

Darryl and Wanda, a typical stretched-to-the-limit couple, struggled with the demands and joys of first-time parenthood in classics such as "Guess Who Didn't Take a Nap?" and "I Thought Labor Ended When the Baby Was Born," The MacPhersons found parenthood more rewarding and frustrating than they ever expected. Through it all they adapted to this new addition to their lives with aplomb and severe exhaustion.

"We Are Experiencing Parental Difficulties... Please Stand By" is a "Baby Blues" collection from creators Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott. In the pair's lovingly realistic way, the book captures the continuing challenges Darryl and Wanda face as Zoe begins to walk, talk, and take over the remote control. It's a natural growing-up progression that "Baby Blues" fans have watched with rapt interest.

Mothers love the strip because they can relate to Wanda's continued surprise at how her days have changed, from career woman to Mom, especially as she faces the prospects of adding another bundle of joy to the MacPhersons' already busy household. Dads laugh knowingly as Darryl tries to help out and hold down a demanding job. Everyone cherishes the little Zoe for making childhood antics (even the obnoxious ones) so adorable.

Artist Kirkman and writer Scott obviously know about parenting--you can see it in every strip they produce. In this book, they provide another delicious view of life's most precious mixed blessing.