I’M… Picture Book Series

(Updated 2025-11-23: I’m in the midst of heavily revamping this resource page! Stay tuned. — D. )

Welcome to the I’M… Book Resource Page! This picture book series written by New York Times bestselling author Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi features a girl, a flamingo, and a potato.

Titles in the series so far: I’m Bored, I’m Sad, I’m Worried, I’m Sorry, I’m Busy (Feb. 24, 2026)
Author: Michael Ian Black ~ Illustrator: Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

How the I’M books were made:

The Inspiration: What inspired author Michael Ian Black to write these books?

• Coming soon!

The Writing Process: How did author Michael write these books?

• Coming soon!

The Illustration Process: How did illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi illustrate these books?

• Coming soon!

Putting It All Together: What happens after the writing and art are finished?

• Coming soon!

Publication!

• Coming soon!

Also see: How I’m Bored was created and How the I’M books were created

CLASSROOM GUIDES:

HOW SOME EDUCATORS AND LIBRARIANS ARE USING THESE BOOKS WITH YOUNG READERS:

Tina Cho uses I’M SORRY with young readers and asks questions like “Have you ever felt hurt like Flamingo? Tell us about it” as well as role-playing. Find out more in her Teachers | Books | Readers blog post.

Andrea Mack uses I’M WORRIED with her kindergarten students to talk about emotions. Read her blog post suggesting activities (Drawn & Write, STEM, STEAM) and discussion topics.

Margaret Hale uses the books in her 1st grade potato unit. “These books are a highlight of my 1st grade potato unit. You can teach EVERYTHING using potatoes, including science, math, graphing, art, and social emotional skills!”

Are you an educator or librarian with other blog posts or ideas? Please let Debbie know!

Graphics for sharing series: