I'm Bored [Hardcover]

Michael Ian Black (Author), Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: September 4, 2012 | Age Range: 3 and up

There is NOTHING boring about being a kid, but one little girl is going to have to prove it in this anything-but-boring picture book from comedian Michael Ian Black.

Just when a little girl thinks she couldn’t possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring. But this girl isn’t going to let a vegetable tell her what’s what, so she sets out to show the unimpressed potato all the amazing things kids can do. Too bad the potato is anything but interested….

This tongue-in-cheek twist on a familiar topic is sure to entertain anyone who’s ever been bored—or had to hear about someone else being bored—and is filled with comedian Michael Ian Black’s trademark dry wit, accompanied by charismatic illustrations from newcomer Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Editorial Reviews

Review

* "Black (A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea) keeps this simple concept funny all the way through its final, LOL zinger. Debut illustrator Ohi’s minimalist, scraggly digital drawings are anything but boring, and speak volumes about irritation, desperation, and disdain."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Genuinely funny moments.... [The girl] demonstrates cartwheels, ninja kicks and imagination games—lion taming; dragons and swords; forcing the potato to walk a pirate-ship plank—all of which Ohi sketches in pale blue."--Kirkus Reviews

"Ohi’s captivating, digitally created illustrations are full of wit and charm.... Quirky and fun to read aloud, this book is a sure antidote for cases of ennui." (School Library Journal)

A Notable Children's Book Of 2012 (The New York Times Sunday Book Review)

"[Michael Ian] Black, a comedian, has become a fine children's book storyteller.... Readers will not be bored." (The New York Times Book Review)

"Beautifully written by Michael Ian Black and gorgeously illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi... It has the courage to go unfashionably old-school and suggest that our imagination, not our gadgets, is the only cure [for boredom].... Both the writing and the illustrations are fearless." (The Globe & Mail)

"Fans of Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie series will delight in the latest book by American comedian Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Toronto graphic artist Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Echoing Willems, Black’s story is constructed around the dialogue of an unlikely couple, in this case a small girl and a potato. The text is perfectly complemented by Ohi’s quirky minimalist drawings." (Quill & Quire)

"Sometimes a picture book gets it just right. And by 'it,' I mean clever concept, smart execution and all-around child-friendly vibe. It’s rare for one of those picture books to have been written by a so-called celebrity author—someone who made a name for him or herself in Hollywood and then decided to write children’s books—but Michael Ian Black has proven to be the exception to the rule." (Julie Danielson Kirkus Reviews blog)

"Black...tells his story in sprightly fashion. The illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi convincingly draws a child full of life, a potato full of — well, potatotude, and computer drawings that look just like good old-fashioned linocuts. Her smart cartoony artwork matches Black’s perfect comic timing, making for a fun ride that should leave you amused, perhaps pensive, and no longer bored." (The New York Times Sunday Book Review)

About the Author

Michael Ian Black is a writer, comedian, and actor who has created and starred in many television series, including Michael and Michael Have Issues, Stella, and The State. 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) and the children’s books Chicken Cheeks, The Purple Kangaroo, A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea, and I’m Bored. Michael lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children.

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the illustrator of I'm Bored, a picture book by Michael Ian Black. Her other published works include short nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and a nonfiction book for writers. She lives in Toronto, Canada. For more info, please visit DebbieOhi.com, and follow her on Twitter @inkyelbows.

Product Details

• Age Range: 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (September 4, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1442414030
• ISBN-13: 978-1442414037
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,153 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A new bedtime favorite! September 27, 2012

By MommaMia VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

I received this book in the mail 2 days ago, and between me, my husband and my babysitter, we've read it at least 16 times! My daughter adores this book, it's silly, and very fun to read outloud. She took it to school and eagerly shared it with friends and her teacher as well. It's creative, imaginative and the illustrations are adorable and really add to the fun of this book. She's NEVER taken to a book quite like this one, and I'm more than thrilled to have added this to her book collection. I would recommend for any children, even toddlers would appreciate this cute, quirkly story. This is FIVE STAR FUN!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A very sweet and funny picture book. September 4, 2012

By Joanne

Format:Hardcover

I got a chance to steal a sneak peek at this one before it released and am so glad I did! So cute and funny and I just loved the illustrations. I'm not a big reader of picture books, but this one had me turning the pages right until the end. Very sweet and funny.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Loved this one! November 7, 2012

By M. Hertzler

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

I will fully admit to not being the biggest fan of Mr Black's children's books. I love this comedy but the others fell flat for me thus far. This one, however, is adorable.

In january of this year, I banned "bored" from our home. Saying the word as a description of your current state of mind cost $.25 in the glass jar on the counter. Thus far, we have about $10 in there. My children are 5 and 9 and too old to not be able to entertain themselves.

When this book came out, I was elated! What a great way to explain the unnecessary use of "bored" if you are a child, with little responsibility and all the time in the world. This book is about a girl who meets a potato (yes, a potato) that says all things kids like are boring. After an exhausted list of fun things kids can do, the potato only has one thing on its mind with the definition 'fun'.

The drawing are sweet, the colors aren't too flashy, won't give you a headache and is lovely, simple and thoughtful. Parents will enjoy this book for its wit and children will love the silliness. A perfect combination!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Bored to Fun November 1, 2012

By Catherine W. Hughes

Format:Hardcover

When young girl who is bored tries to explain to a potato why being a kid is fun, she can't help but start to have a good time. She realizes that being a kid is a whole lot of fun, especially more fun than being a potato, or even a flamingo. Children ages 3-6 will like this sassy girl and her sense of fun.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So funny! March 15, 2013

By Ali

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

When I find a humorous children's book, I buy it. This one is precious! The illustrations are endearing. You'll fall in love with this little girl and her potato buddy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Son's favorite book March 6, 2013

By epsamom

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Up until now my son has never laughed so hard during a story. This is a great book and works wonders when I hear the words "I'm bored" from my four year old. I just get this book out, read it, and he realizes how amazing his imagination is (of course laughing all the way through the book).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You Must Read This Book March 2, 2013

By Irene's Christian Reviews

Format:Hardcover

This book is a must read for all children! I enjoyed the illustrations and thought they added to the story and really made it more enjoyable. I gave this book 5/5 stars. I loved how it showed just how fun being bored can be! When the main character is talking to the potato you cannot help but smile! Please have your child read this book or at least read it to them!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Adorable February 22, 2013

By Miss Patrice

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love love this book, and so do my nieces and nephew. They're constantly looking through it, making up words for the pics and repeating the story. It's wonderful how the story and pictures feed their imaginations!