I'm Worried

I'm Bored! #3

by Michael Ian Black, Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Illustrator)

A girl, a flamingo, and a worried potato star in the third book in New York Times bestselling author Michael Ian Black and celebrated 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 no matter what happens…they will always be by his side.

Genres: Picture Books, Emotion, Childrens, Humor, Storytime, Mental Health, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 2019

About the author

Michael 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.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for a small child who is having issues with anxiety - and nice art!

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potato is worried. His friends, a girl and a flamingo, try to comfort him by sharing stories of times they suffered but healed. Flamingo and Potato cover themselves in bubble wrap but instead of protecting them, the bubble wrap only makes them hot. Finally, the three attempt to live in the now, and the story ends with everyone enjoying their time together.

We seem to live in times where everyone worries, even young children. This book should offer a valuable starting point for discussion.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed this fun and yet meaningful tale enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this cute little book. Potato is worried and his friends try to help him figure out why. They explore a few times when Potato was worried and things worked out just fine. He realized that he was happy and didn't need to worry.


I think that this book came to me at a good time. My grandson has entered the phase of being worried about things. I took it over to read to him and he loved it. I hope that his parents can use the book to help him remember not to be worried about things so much.


This is a great book for parents to bring up the conversation of worrying. I definitely recommend it.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything could happen! ANYTHING! OH. MY. GOODNESS!!! Just Panic RIGHT NOW!!! Clowns! Aliens! Monsters! Forgetting to get dressed and heading out the door...completely NAKED! Having to talk to strangers! Eating weird food!

What? You don't feel scared at all? Worried in the least? No? *sigh*

Good for you! You must live in the moment and celebrate the now! And as far as all of those other awful things.... They probably won't ever happen.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is cute and has an important message but I think it would make a bigger impact were it to be performed. There are multiple voices so it might be challenging to do with two readers, but I'd like to try it.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Black's series featuring a potato, flamingo, and little girl! They humorously and reassuringly explore feelings like sadness, boredom, and, in this newest offering, worry. I appreciate how the characters address the fact that sometimes bad things do happen, but that worrying does not help.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Potato is worried about bad things that may happen. His friends try to convince him that since no one knows what can or will happen in the future, it's just best to enjoy the now.

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and simple story about not worrying. Simple enough for kids, and maybe help those with a bit of anxiety.

"Enjoy the now!"

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book depicts the stress and anxiety side of mental health. The potato was talking to the girl about how he was worried about the future and what was going to happen throughout his life. I think that this book is realistic because a lot of children will stress and worry about what will happen to them next week or in the next few years. This book can show children that when they live in the now they are able to celebrate the good things and overcome the bad things. I would probably read this book to first graders to get them thinking about how stress and worry can cause negative effects in the long run. Of course you cannot help but worry in some situations, but children should not have to be worried every single day.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this at the library on the R U OK? Day display. I laughed way too hard at Potato and Flamingo wrapped up in bubble wrap! They are right though. Live for now and try not to wory about the future.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very direct but cute. Potatoes are just inherently funny.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a tendency to worry about the future, so I relate to this book. It's funny and cute.

[Lori Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about how to handle being worried. Other books in this series Rey worthy too.

[Anna Len · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing can be better than a worried potato as the lead character. Throughout the book, flamingo and the potato share their worries. They then decide to wrap themselves in bubble wrap to stay safe, yet in the end, they learn that it is your thoughts that help ease your worries, not bubble wrap. This is a great SEL book to read in a k-5 classroom. It helps students stop and think about times that they felt worried about everything as the hear about potato's and flamingo's worries. It helps children understand that everyone worries and that sometimes it is important to check in with ourselves about how we are feeling.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is I’m Worried, written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, third in the pair’s series on dealing with complicated emotions.

Potato (yes, that is a sentient potato on the front cover) is worried. About everything, really; anything and everything could go wrong at any moment, and bad things can happen at any time. He shares his anxieties with his friends – a little girl and a flamingo – who sympathize with the troubled spud. In fact, his worries begin to rub off on Flamingo, until they are both feeding off each other’s fear of the unknown. Keeping a cool head, the little girl encourages her friends to try to live in the present instead of worrying about the future; it’s true that bad things can happen, and sometimes do, so it’s all the more important to appreciate the good things – and people – in our lives whenever we can. At last, the three friends conclude that they are glad to have each other as they face the scary stuff, and the good stuff too.

An interesting and honest look at anxiety for readers of all ages. Indeed, there’s plenty to worry about in the world these days; furthermore, it’s easy for little ones (and yes, big ones too) to sometimes feel paralyzed by those fears. What this story does nicely is validating those troubling thoughts, even the irrational ones, by saying that it’s okay to have them. It’s a small thing, but an important one, because the message is not that we SHOULDN’T worry, but that we should try to redirect our minds and energies so that our worries don’t consume us. It’s subtle, thoughtful, and very well done. The illustrations are thoroughly charming and pair well with both the serious moments and the comedy that keeps things from getting too heavy. The length is fine for any age, and JJ liked it. A nice, kid-friendly reflection on mental self-care, and we enjoyed it – Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Karen McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The little girl, potato, and flamingo are back with another lesson on feelings and how to accept them. My middle school students and my 4 year old son have loved the first two in this series. "I'm Worried" is such an important topic for all ages, and it is handled in a great way. My son was delighted by the bubble wrap, and the story opens doors for important conversations about how we don't know what the future holds but it doesn't help to worry about it.
I love the message of "enjoying the now". I did not find the ending as strong as the other two books, in fact the first two times I read this story I was flipping the last page thinking there had to be a bit more. Overall, a great series and I hope there will continue to be more. #LitReviewCrew

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's Picture Book. A potato, a flamingo, and a young girl discuss worrying. This book acknowledges that bad things happen, but worrying about them only takes the enjoyment out of the present.

"Since we don't know what's going to happen in the future, maybe we should just enjoy the now."

Simple text with illustrations on a mostly white background. This book is a good book to use for social-emotional-learning and identifying what worry is, though some children will need additional resources on coping with severe anxiety or worrying about things that may actually happen (ie unsafe home situations).

[Sara Magnafichi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Ian Black does it again with his story, I'm Worried. His storytelling, along with Debbie Ridpath Ohi's illustrations show kids that it is important to live in the moment instead of worry about what "could" happen in the future. I am a huge fan of Ohi's illustrations. She is also an amazing person, who my class has been fortunate enough to skype with, and whom I have met a few times. This is a great story to guide a conversation with a child who struggles with the unknown, anxiety, or worries. Thank you to author Michael Ian black and Simon and Shuster Books for Young Readers for providing a copy of this great picture book for our #collabookation reading group!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world is becoming more and more stressful every day. Kids have so much to deal with and managing emotions can be tricky. This third in the humorous "I'm Bored" series has Potato stressed out because something bad might happen. Potato's worry causes Flamingo to worry. The little girl helps them remember that worrying doesn't help, because no one knows what's going to happen in the future. It's best to be happy in the present time. This is good advice for everyone, and the centerpiece of the practice of mindfulness. Young readers will get a few chuckles at the humorous side of this book.

[DB in Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for younger children -ages 3-7 depending upon the child - which tackles worrying. Worry is presented with wonderful, simple, "silly" artwork which presents ways to deal with worry that won't set off fear in children. I'm probably not wording this right - wait, that's just me worrying ;o) After each reading of this book (from our local library, yeah!), my grandchild and I had very interesting conversations about silly and real things one worries about - falling down and getting a scrape on knee, etc.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potato worries about what bad things might happen. Flamingo is no help. It's up to Girl to tell Potato that everything will be okay. But she doesn't, because it may not. Instead, she reminds Potato that, no matter what, she and Flamingo will always be there to listen and to help when they can. This honest and funny look at anxiety is perfect for kids (or anyone) who sometimes worry too much about things that are beyond their control.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Emotions are discussed with such humor and brilliance. In this one, potato is worried. In the future anything can happen and this is terrifying to poor potato. His friends are quick to reassure their friend. The characters are as darling and unique as ever. Their conversations are pure perfection. A must read for any kiddo that is filled with worries and a great read aloud for anyone.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potato, Flamingo and the little girl are back. This time Potato is worried about the future and bad things that could happen. Flamingo joins the worry party. The three think about past bad events and how they handled them.
Excellent message for young readers - no one can promise nothing bad will happen but living in the now and enjoying the present helps people cope.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect book to read to any child - whether they have issues with anxiety or not. It could possibly help those who *don't* have anxious moments sympathize with friends who do, and could help those who suffer from anxiety with it's honest, straight forward answers and information.

The illustrations are adorable and the message is wonderful. A great kid's read!

[Alee Hofman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Used it in a therapy session with one of my kiddos today. I like the ending with the bubble wrap... Great way to show that we are not in control at all times, despite our best efforts. 👏 oh and the strengths-based perspectives were great too!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great children's book that addresses living in the present to minimize worrying about the future. I had never read a book about a worried potato before! The illustrations might inspire similar drawing or writing projects with kids.

[Kaitlynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute little book. It has a nice little lesson that teaches you it's better not to worry about things that we can't control, and that we should all try and enjoy the here and now.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I mentioned in my review of I’m Sad, I absolutely love this series. So far it consists of I‘m Bored, I’m Sad, and I’m Worried. In very few words the issues are addressed. And to me, they aren’t pat answers, they are truthful.

These cute books consist of a flamingo, a little girl with pigtails, and a potato. Yeap, that’s a crazy cast of characters. But trust me. Michael Ian Black manages to make it work.

The potato whose text is always brown is worried and anxious about the future. Like many of us, his imagination is running wild. A volcano might erupt, an alien could appear, or a dinosaur, or a googly-eyed spider. The what-ifs are endless.

So Potato asks his logical friend to assure him that nothing bad will ever happen. The little girl, whose text is alway blue, replies

"I wish I could, Potato, but I can’t."

Of course, that’s not what Potato is hoping to hear. His brown, capitalized text lets the reader know just how he feels about that answer.

"WHY NOT???"

I’m sure Potato doesn’t figure her reply can get any worse, but it does. She says

"Because nobody knows what’s going to happen."

Potato’s fears seem to be contagious. The pink text of Flamingo shows up with an illustration of a very worried bird

"Um, now I’M worried."

You see what I mean. These answers are truthful. But they feel a little scary, don’t they? After all, Flamingo is now worried about what he’s hearing.

For most of us, our inclination is to calm a child’s fears by promising that everything will be just fine. But can we promise that? And don’t out kids see through that weak promise anyway? The I’m series addresses things the way I think they should be.

Even with a picture book review, I don’t give away endings, but like the other books in this series, the ending is truthful and at the same time conveys a comforting answer and way to cope and at the same time tosses in a bit of humor.

What Concerned Me
Nothing at all.

What I Liked Most
I like how the issue is addressed and that it isn’t didactic in any way. It’s honest and the truthfulness is comforting at the same time.

This is a book to definitely share with the little worrier.

More reviews at https://pickagoodbook.com

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Potato is worried about the future, which causes Flamingo to worry, too, but the little girl tries to convince them to focus on the present.

Potato: I'm worried ... [about] the future ... Because what if something BAD happens?"

Because of a bad past experience, Potato worries that something bad may happen in the future. Potato's fear causes Flamingo to recall a bad past experience, and he begins to worry as well. Their solution is to wrap themselves in bubble wrap to prevent future injuries, which results in another negative experience.

Little Girl: Since we don't know what's going to happen in the future, maybe we should just enjoy the now.

Then their friend explains worrying about the future won't necessarily prevent anything bad from happening and only detracts from the present, and they decide to take her advice to focus on the present and stop anticipating future negative events.

This humorous story encourages readers to focus on the present rather than worrying about possible misfortunes lurking the future. Fears that something bad may happen in the future are common for children [and adults], so even young readers who don't have nervous anxious temperaments will relate to Potato, and this story will allow readers to reflect upon their own feelings and experiences.

And it's hard not to love a worried potato.