I'm Sad

by Michael Ian Black, Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Illustrator)

Overview

A girl, a potato, and a very sad flamingo star in this charming sequel to I’m Bored by New York Times bestselling author and comedian Michael Ian Black and celebrated illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Everyone feels sad sometimes—even flamingos.

Sigh.

When Flamingo announces he’s feeling down, the little girl and Potato try to cheer him up, but nothing seems to work. Not even dirt! (Which usually works for Potato.)

Flamingo learns that he will not always feel this way. And his friends learn that sometimes being a friend means you don’t have to cheer someone up. You just have to stick by your pal no matter how they feel.

Even if they’re a potato.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781481476270
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Publication date:	06/05/2018
Series:	I'm Books Series
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	674,957
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 10.70(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Michael Ian Black is a writer, comedian, and actor who has appeared on Another Period, The Jim Gaffigan Show, and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. He created and starred in many television series, has written screenplays, and regularly tours the country as a stand-up comedian. Michael is the bestselling author of the book My Custom Van, 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!, Cock-a-Doodle-Doo-Bop!, and I’m Sorry. Michael lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children.

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the author-illustrator of Where Are My Books? and I Want to Read All the Books. Her illustrations also appear in Sea Monkey and Bob, written by Aaron Reynolds; I’m Bored (a New York Times Notable Book), Naked!, and I’m Sorry, 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.

Editorial Reviews

"Bibliotherapy done right." - Kirkus

"A lighthearted approach to a common tough topic." - School LIbrary Journal

From the Publisher

[I]n I’m Sad, the funny and tender-hearted follow-up to 2012’s I’m Bored, a girl, a potato and a flamingo learn that sometimes, the only way to cope with negative feelings is by giving yourself the time and space to fully feel them.

The Globe and Mail

07/01/2018
PreS-Gr 1—In this follow-up to Black and Ohi's I'm Bored, a sad flamingo joins a young girl and talking potato in a search for answers. When Flamingo asks, "Will I always feel like this?" the young girl reasons, "I don't think so," while the potato reassures readers in stating that, "[e]verybody feels sad sometimes"—even potatoes. In this fresh, unconventional story, the text emphasizes that there are ways to feel better, that it's okay to let yourself be sad, and that the burden of sadness eventually lightens. The lively, digital cartoon artwork pairs seamlessly alongside the story line, offering uncluttered white space that appropriately highlights the three characters, their body language, and facial expressions. The dialogue playfully changes color to reflect each character's voice. By the end of the story—after talking, cheering up, and having some laughs—Flamingo reasons, "I still feel a little bit sad, but I also feel a little bit better." VERDICT This is an accessible picture book that delicately handles the subject of sadness in children. Pair with Mo Willems's My Friend is Sad for a lighthearted approach to a common tough topic.—Brianne Colombo, Fairfield Free Public Library, NJ

School Library Journal

2018-04-25
Bibliotherapy done right.In their latest picture-book collaboration, Black and Ohi (I'm Bored, 2012) serve up some good life lessons with the help of a quirky trio of friends: a child with a dress and pigtails; a talking flamingo, who is the titular sad character; and an anthropomorphic potato. As the flamingo expresses its sadness and the other characters, in their own ways, try to provide comfort, the text is delivered entirely in color-coded dialogue, and Ohi's spare visual aesthetic matches the writing's restraint. The stolid potato's lines provide ample comic relief, while the human child exudes empathy. No reason is ever given for the flamingo's sadness, and neither the child's many ideas for cheering it up, nor the potato's one idea ("Dirt!" and "Soil!") help. The child assures the flamingo that it's OK to be sad, but finally, a just-this-side-of-mean wisecrack from the potato gets everyone, including the flamingo, laughing. "I still feel a little bit sad, but I also feel a little bit better," the flamingo says on the penultimate page, and here Ohi depicts the friends in silhouette, which provides a gently melancholy tone for the sweet conclusion.Happy to see such a well-done feelings book. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews