Review: I'm Worried by Michael Ian Black

I'M WORRIED

by Michael Ian Black

Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book 

40 pages

ages 4 - 8

A girl, a flamingo, and a worried potato star in the third book in New York Times bestselling author Michael Ian Black and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s series about feelings—and why they’re good, even when they feel bad.

Potato is worried. About everything.

Because anything might happen.

When he tells his friends, he expects them to comfort him by saying that everything will be okay. Except they don’t. Because it might not be, and that’s okay too. Still, there’s one thing they can promise for sure: no matter what happens…they will always be by his side.

MY TIDBITS

This odd trio—a potato, a flamingo, and a little girl—take a very worrisome worry and flip it upside down until worry disappears.

Potato is worried about...well, anything. Especially the future because bad things can happen. Flamingo agrees and begins to worry, too. The little girl, however, refuses to budge from reason. A fall from the table or evil peanut butter jars or dangerous accidents are possible. And this book takes a look at what to do with all of that worry.

The trio demands attention and is sure to catch young readers' attention from the get-go. With simple illustration, the story concentrates (very clearly) on whether or not worry is a valid way to look at the future or not. A shivering potato is easy to sympathize with, and the flamingo adds an even more funny twist. Readers will laugh about certain incidents, and yet, see something the recognize in others. It definitely brings the message home.

This makes a great read-aloud and opens the door to discussions. Kids do worry about things, and through a playful manner, this problem is nicely addressed.

And here they are...

The Author...

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. 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 many children's books including The Purple Kangaroo, Naked!, and A Child's First Book of Trump. Michael lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children.

The Illustrator...

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 (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.