Here it is, in my hot little hand. A finished copy of PARENT HACKS arrived in my PO box, and I am so proud to finally be able to show you what it looks like!

I didn’t expect to be as bowled over as I was — after all, I’ve seen the early grayscale version called “rough galley.” But the finished product is…so beautiful. The cover feels good, and the four-color printing inside is bright and cheerful without screaming “baby book.”

And the illustrations…well, I love them, and I think you will, too. The art really brings the hacks to life, and it adds a note of smart humor and modern style. The artist, Chicago-based illustrator, industrial designer, and father-of-two Craighton Berman, is a peach. I’m putting together an interview so you can properly meet him.

I could gush more (and I will, believe me) but for now, I just want to share this moment with you. This is and always has been a collaboration, and now it’s something tangible we can hold in our hands. And share with a new generation of parents and say, “You’ve got this. We figured it out, and you will, too.”

I’ll have more to share in the coming weeks: how to be part the book launch, a fun preorder bonus, and a CROSS-COUNTRY BOOK TOUR. I’ll also introduce you to my editor and publisher, and give you a glimpse into what went into creating this book.

This is our moment to celebrate what we’ve made here just by talking with each other and sharing our stumbled-upon discoveries.

I wish I could hug every single one of you right now.