She’s B-O-R-E-D
But Trust Me
she’s Not boring
Details
- Title: I’m Bored
- Author: Michael Ian Black
- Illustrator: Debbie Ridpath Ohi
- Narrator: Cassandra Morris
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (September 4, 2012)
- Pages: 40
- Click to look inside the book
- Grades: P – 3
- Ages: 4 – 8
My Thoughts
So far this cute series consists of three books, I‘m Bored, I’m Sad, and I’m Worried. In very few words Black manages to address each issue with both humor and honest answers.
I’m Bored, as you might guess, takes a humorous look at being bored. I’m not sure I’ve ever borrowed an e-picture book with narration from the library, but I did this time. I’d previously read this book several years ago, but I wanted to refresh my memory before writing my review. Anyway, I’m glad I checked it out. I absolutely loved the way the narrator brought the story to life.
This book, being the first of the three, introduces the characters that so far make up the series. We have a little girl with pigtails, a potato, and a flamingo. Yep. You have that right. It takes a humorous author to even consider bringing this unlikely trio together. But it definitely works.
In I’m Bored the little girl is expressing just how
B – O – R – E – D
she is. And in case you don’t really understand, she continues to tell us. When she stumbles on a potato she looks excited for a second. But then she promptly picks it up, tosses it, and resumes her bored face as she says,
“A potato? What am I supposed to do with a potato?!!“
However, the potato manages to bounce right back, hitting her on the head. Then the potato does something rather odd. Yes, it talks! But more than that. The potato accuses the little girl of something she doesn’t want to hear. It accuses her of being the source of its boredom.
And that seems to push her feisty little buttons. Is it even possible that she could bore anyone? Much less a potato!
She reacts in a way that might surprise you.
Illustrations
After seeing Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s illustrations, I think you’ll be glad to know her art is in the other two books as well. The minimalist sketches are quite expressive and complement the text perfectly. I definitely give thumbs-up to the art. It’s just the right amount of for The I’m Books.
What Concerned Me
Nothing.
What I Liked Most
Pretty much everything about this book makes me happy. The humor and yet truthfulness of this simple little story should appeal to both kids and adults. There’s even a surprise on the last page to make that smile grow a little bigger.
Simon & Schuster / Resources and Downloads
A guide to using books about feelings and emotions in your classroom
About The Author and Illustrator
Michael Ian Black is a writer, comedian, and actor who currently appears on Another Period, The Jim Gaffigan Show, and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. He created and starred in many television series, including Michael and Michael Have Issues, Stella, and The State. He wrote the screenplay for the film Run, Fatboy, Run and wrote and directed the film Wedding Daze. Michael regularly tours the country as a stand-up comedian and is the bestselling author of the book My Custom Van (and 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face), the memoir You’re Not Doing It Right, and the children’s books Chicken Cheeks, The Purple Kangaroo, A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea, I’m Bored, Naked!, and Cock-a-Doodle-Doo-Bop. Michael lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the author of Where Are My Books?. Her illustrations also appear in Sea Monkey and Bob, written by Aaron Reynolds; I’m Bored (a New York Times Notable Book) and Naked!, written by Michael Ian Black; as well as ten Judy Blume chapter books and middle-grade titles. For more info, visit DebbieOhi.com or @InkyElbows on Twitter.
