Ketchup Is a Vegetable: And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves

O’Bryant’s terrific collection of sketches about motherhood will make readers laugh and think. Besides O’Bryant (Second Helping), author of the humor column and blog Robin’s Chicks, her three daughters are the stars, with husband Zeb appearing as wonderful, intelligent, yet still frequently inept partner. Youngest daughter Sadie is full of sweetness, while middle sister Emma is “uncanny in her ability to seek, destroy, and then cover her tracks” and might have “a bright future with Cirque de Soleil or as a cat burglar.” Oldest daughter Aubrey is always ready with tough questions, as when she spots her father in the bathroom: “You an ele-pant, Daddy?” Sunday School and appeals to the Lord crop up, but these stories will appeal to readers from any background. Besides her candor about bodily parts and functions, O’Bryant admits to having “the mouth of a sailor” as well as occasionally treating herself to a bit of “Mommy Juice.” Some passages would make great stand-up comedy, like her chapter on road trips and her five-day pedicure instructions, but the author also provides keen observations, helpful suggestions (cabbage leaves to stop milk flow, anyone?), and considerable wisdom. Parents will find O’Bryant’s book, like parenting itself, to be “freakin’ awesome.” (Apr.)