I’m Very Busy: A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book
By Oliver Jeffers, Author/Illustrator
Philomel Books, 2025.
Ages 3 – 8
Welcome to a quirky, funny story about our busy lives and how we can fix our mistakes to show our friends how much we care.
It’s Bridget’s birthday, and she thinks it would be fun to spend the day with friends. She goes about seeking her friends to see who might be available to spend some time with her on this pleasant day. But Royal has places to go, Rodney has to see a man about a dog, Regis has to wash his hair, and Pearl has a list of items she needs to cross off as quickly as she can. Penelope wasn’t free either. Well, Bridget’s friends are all too busy to hang out!
Author Jeffers provides the laughs along the way within the age-old excuses we all have given in one way or another. What could have been a sad story that sank in disappointment instead becomes a touching exploration of how we make things right.
The resolution of this story is heartwarming, showing how genuine care and the willingness to repair a mistake can still make someone feel seen and loved. Jeffers, with his whimsical illustrations, captures this emotional pivot with his trademark charm and simplicity. The art was done in gouache paint and colored pencil.
The theme of even if we do sometimes get it wrong there is always a way to redeem ourselves and be there for our friends. Sometimes, people do forget–and they scramble to make things right.
Oliver Jeffers is an artist, illustrator and writer from Northern Ireland. Jeffers makes art and tells stories- fine art for mostly adults and picture books for mostly children.
Submitted by Karen Kosko
