Woohoo! A single, precious copy of I’M BUSY by Michael Ian Black and me just arrived on the weekend, along with a sweet note from our editor at Simon & Schuster Children’s, Justin Chanda.
Don’t you love Laurent Linn’s fabulous book design?
This newest in our I’M… series about kids’ emotions launches Feb. 24th, 2026. Please consider pre-ordering? Pre-orders are a huge help not just for the publisher but also creators like me.
I was SO excited when this package arrived that I forced my husband to drop everything he was doing and take these photos in our backyard right away. I am unshowered with unbrushed hair, no makeup (not that I wear a lot anyway), but at least I was wearing my favourite sweatshirt, purchased during Brain Cancer Awareness recently. I used my illustrator dedication at the front of I’M BUSY for my dear friend Luisa, whose husband (Reid, another dear friend) was diagnosed with a glioblastoma back in February. Those who look closely at the illustration on the cover and interiors will see that I’ve added many references to brain and brain science throughout. I was just hanging out with Reid & Luisa last night; I look forward to showing them the book next time I visit!
“I wrote I’m Busy as a reminder for the over-scheduled kid (or parent) that even though we’re so lucky we get to do so many amazing things, it’s also important to take some time to hang out with your buddies and just look at the clouds.” – Michael Ian Black, I’m Busy author
I’M BUSY’s title is ironic, really, because so much of it applies to my own life. Reminder for me not to get SO caught up in work stresses that I forget to look after my own mental health, putting on my own oxygen mask and knowing when to say no even when it’s difficult, and so I am better able to help support friends and family who need it.
Related links and resources
I’M BUSY resource page
I’M BUSY Classroom Guide