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I'm Busy
In this fifth book in the series from New York Times bestselling author Michael Ian Black and celebrated illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi, a flamingo, a girl, and a potato tackle what it’s like to feel super-busy-all-the-time.
So much to do and so little time! How can a girl get everything done?
Especially when Potato and Flamingo are asking her to hula hoop or play superheroes, when she has more important things to do, like piano practice, Spanish lessons, solving mysteries, and getting into the right college. Okay, that might be too much…
Can friends can help her find some balance and understand that no matter how busy you get, you should always find time for your friends?
So much to do and so little time! How can a girl get everything done?
Especially when Potato and Flamingo are asking her to hula hoop or play superheroes, when she has more important things to do, like piano practice, Spanish lessons, solving mysteries, and getting into the right college. Okay, that might be too much…
Can friends can help her find some balance and understand that no matter how busy you get, you should always find time for your friends?
40 pages, Hardcover
Published February 24, 2026
About the author
Michael Ian Black
35 books431 followersMichael Ian Black is a popular comedian who began his career with "The State," a sketch comedy troupe he co-founded at New York University in 1988, which went on to have a successful run on MTV. He then co-created the Comedy Central television series "Viva Variety," a fake European variety show.
From there, he appeared on several television shows before landing the role of Phil Stubbs, the quirky bowling alley manager on NBC's "Ed," which ran for almost four seasons. His next project was "Stella," a television show he co-created with Michael Showalter and David Wain, which ran on Comedy Central. Black has appeared in several films and is a popular contributor to VH1's "I Love the..." series.
In 2005, he wrote and directed his first film, "Wedding Daze," which starred Jason Biggs and Isla Fisher. His screenplay "Run Fat Boy Run," starring Simon Pegg and Thandie Newton, came out in 2007. Black is also a stand-up comedian, who regularly tours the country. His first album of stand-up comedy, "I Am a Wonderful Man," was released in 2007, and his first book of humorous essays, My Custom Van (and 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face) came out in 2008. His first children's book, Chicken Cheeks was released in January, 2009. His latest project is "Michael and Michael Have Issues," a comedy series premiering in July 2009 on Comedy Central. Black is married and has two children.
From there, he appeared on several television shows before landing the role of Phil Stubbs, the quirky bowling alley manager on NBC's "Ed," which ran for almost four seasons. His next project was "Stella," a television show he co-created with Michael Showalter and David Wain, which ran on Comedy Central. Black has appeared in several films and is a popular contributor to VH1's "I Love the..." series.
In 2005, he wrote and directed his first film, "Wedding Daze," which starred Jason Biggs and Isla Fisher. His screenplay "Run Fat Boy Run," starring Simon Pegg and Thandie Newton, came out in 2007. Black is also a stand-up comedian, who regularly tours the country. His first album of stand-up comedy, "I Am a Wonderful Man," was released in 2007, and his first book of humorous essays, My Custom Van (and 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face) came out in 2008. His first children's book, Chicken Cheeks was released in January, 2009. His latest project is "Michael and Michael Have Issues," a comedy series premiering in July 2009 on Comedy Central. Black is married and has two children.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 6, 2026
Really cute book with a great message! I especially love the humor between the Potato and Flamingo.
April 7, 2026
Adorable. Good message and I loved the fun illustrations.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A little girl's to-do list out grows her in this silly read which hits home for more than just young readers.
There is so much to do, especially with the first day of school only two weeks away. This little girl is determined to stay on top of things and use her time in the most productive way possible. After all, in only 12 years, she needs to fill out college applications. Her calendar is chucked full, but her friends insist that they want to spend some time with her, too. Playing in the mud is an important past time. But not everything fits in!
This book immediately puts a smile on the face (whether that of a child or an adult), hitting home with all age groups. The disaster on the cover is exactly the tone that these pages hold...and it also hints at the fun. With friends like Flamingo and Potato...so fun to watch these two..., enjoyment is guaranteed. The humor snuggles up tightly to the more serious issue of over-packing a schedule and forgetting down-time. It's a great balance between messaging and entertainment and brings the point across clearly but with smiles and giggles, too.
The illustrations and text work hand-in-hand to create a seamless read. The text is light and brings across personality and plot with direct statements. The illustrations do the same on the visual side, while remaining bright and bold. Both offer dabs of clever humor, back-and-forth, making sure to cooperate the entire way through. This creates a fun read-aloud even for more reluctant listeners and also works for beginning readers to pick up on their own.
There is so much to do, especially with the first day of school only two weeks away. This little girl is determined to stay on top of things and use her time in the most productive way possible. After all, in only 12 years, she needs to fill out college applications. Her calendar is chucked full, but her friends insist that they want to spend some time with her, too. Playing in the mud is an important past time. But not everything fits in!
This book immediately puts a smile on the face (whether that of a child or an adult), hitting home with all age groups. The disaster on the cover is exactly the tone that these pages hold...and it also hints at the fun. With friends like Flamingo and Potato...so fun to watch these two..., enjoyment is guaranteed. The humor snuggles up tightly to the more serious issue of over-packing a schedule and forgetting down-time. It's a great balance between messaging and entertainment and brings the point across clearly but with smiles and giggles, too.
The illustrations and text work hand-in-hand to create a seamless read. The text is light and brings across personality and plot with direct statements. The illustrations do the same on the visual side, while remaining bright and bold. Both offer dabs of clever humor, back-and-forth, making sure to cooperate the entire way through. This creates a fun read-aloud even for more reluctant listeners and also works for beginning readers to pick up on their own.
February 25, 2026
A girl's busyness interferes with her friendships with flamingo and potato when her schedule doesn't permit her to find time to spend with them. Flamingo and Potato try to convince the girl that she should spent some time with them doing some fun stuff. But the girl is too stressed about music lessons, a coding project, and judging by her calendar, comedy routines, karate tournaments and college applications and resumes. As one might expect the girl does eventually have a meltdown before collapsing on the grass after realizing she might be a tad too busy. As the friends look at shapes in the clouds, the girl continues to ponder her dilemma (is that really like a souffle as Potato suggests?). By the end of the story the girl accepts the need to find some balance between her activities and taking care of herself (and her friends!). The ending, which I won't spoil, does provide a laughing reminder of how the three friends met in the first place, back in book one (I'm Bored). Ohi's delightful illustrations add the perfect touch to the dialogue between the characters. The facial expressions and body language convey perfectly the exhaustion and frustration the girl feels as well as the sadness of her friends. The different colors of text help readers understand who is talking. A delightful addition to the series that young readers will find humorous and relatable. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m a huge fan of the I'M series, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an early copy of the latest in the series – I'M BUSY!
Each of these books helps young readers – and me – feel seen. They validate our big emotions with humour, wit and engaging characters. In I’M BUSY, relatable text combines with fun, emotive illustrations to capture the tug between setting a frantic pace and the need for balance. I really do need to remember the importance of standing on one leg with a friend and watching clouds float by together. Still, I’m never too busy to read books by this creative duo!
Each of these books helps young readers – and me – feel seen. They validate our big emotions with humour, wit and engaging characters. In I’M BUSY, relatable text combines with fun, emotive illustrations to capture the tug between setting a frantic pace and the need for balance. I really do need to remember the importance of standing on one leg with a friend and watching clouds float by together. Still, I’m never too busy to read books by this creative duo!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this picture book! I found it very relatable and fun, with beautiful illustrations by the incredible Debbie Ridpath Ohi. The messages of friendship and self-care are gently developed with lovable characters, at an appropriate level for young readers. I didn't get to meet talented author Michael Ian Black but am very grateful to Debbie & the team at Simon & Schuster for the signed book I received at the OLA SuperConference, with no obligation to provide this glowing review!
May 17, 2026
Love this series - oldie but a goodie.
Little girl is way too busy for her friends, flamingo & potato (my favorite from the very first book)
Almost a cautionary tale until she realizes she needs balance and to take time for herself. Ending is classic! Love the expressions on potato’s face! Careful readers will notice that each character’s dialog is in their own color.
Little girl is way too busy for her friends, flamingo & potato (my favorite from the very first book)
Almost a cautionary tale until she realizes she needs balance and to take time for herself. Ending is classic! Love the expressions on potato’s face! Careful readers will notice that each character’s dialog is in their own color.
April 28, 2026
A flamingo, a potato, and a young girl explore what happens when you become too busy with life! The illustrations are cute, but ultimately, I don't think it hits its point very well. Just "meh" for me.
March 11, 2026
I'd love to do this in Storytime. Not sure what theme it would go with, but it's a fun one!
March 16, 2026
A cute book about how busy life can get and how balance is important.
March 18, 2026
A child who is busy all day drawing, working on computer, playing instrument, watching clouds, and playing with friends. Way to busy to be bored.
March 26, 2026
Great message & funny ending tying back to another book in the series
March 30, 2026
I felt too seen by this book lol. There's always time for friends.
April 3, 2026
Well this was timely! Very realistic and down to earth, really enjoyed!
April 22, 2026
good addition to the series
May 20, 2026
It makes me sad and so tired, to hear how busy kids are.
I think this is a VERY important book.
I think this is a VERY important book.
June 4, 2026
A dilemma IS like a soufflé!
May 7, 2026
Rings true!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews