Thanks to my friends Karen Krossing, Helen Kubiw, Caroline Fernandez, Adrienne Kress, and Kevin Sylvester for these fun “I’m Busy” photos! I’ll be adding them to my “Reading the I’M… picture books in the wild” Reader Gallery on Pinterest, and would love to add yours, too. For guidelines and to submit your photo, please use this I’M…Reader Gallery Submission Form.
I’m super-excited (yes, that could be new title 😂) about the launch of I’M BUSY, the newest picture book in the I’M… series written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by me, coming out from Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers on Feb. 24, 2026. In this newest story about a Flamingo, Little Girl, and a Potato, the girl always feels way too busy with Important Things, way too busy to play with her friends. Her friends help her figure out how to slow down and find a healthier balance, learning that making space for herself will make more room for friends as well. (Note from Debbie: I identified way too much with this story!)
Uncomfortable about showing your face? Hold the book in front of your face, or take the photo from behind, while you’re reading the book.
If you don’t have a copy of the book (or while you’re waiting to borrow the book), I invite you to customize and share an I’M BUSY door hanger!
If you have pre-ordered our book, thank you! If you have ordered our book for or plan to borrow from your library, thank you! It’s a challenging time to be launching children’s books, and I really appreciate the support.
