I'm Very Busy

A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book

Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
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$17.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Philomel Books
24 per carton
On sale Oct 07, 2025 | 9780593622308
Age 4-8 years
Reading Level: Lexile 490L | Fountas & Pinnell K
Sales rights: US, Opn Mkt (no CAN)

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A poignant—and laugh-out-loud funny—story about our busy lives and how we can fix our mistakes to show our friends how much we care by world-renowned artist and picture book creator Oliver Jeffers.

It’s Bridget’s birthday, and she thinks it would be fun to spend the day with friends. 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. Bridget’s friends are all too busy to hang out!

Will Bridget have to spend her birthday all alone?

In a story that shows how friends are more important than the busy-ness of a day, Oliver Jeffers’ bold and brilliant art pair with a powerful story that makes readers realize what truly matters. Another masterpiece from the internationally bestselling picture book creator of Here We Are and Begin Again.
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Praise for I'm Very Busy:

"Quirky illustrations, droll humor, and an amusing twist elevate this concisely told tale... Cleverly avoiding the predictable, this jaunty tale nonetheless offers a happy ending and celebrates the joys of friendship." —Kirkus Reviews

About

A poignant—and laugh-out-loud funny—story about our busy lives and how we can fix our mistakes to show our friends how much we care by world-renowned artist and picture book creator Oliver Jeffers.

It’s Bridget’s birthday, and she thinks it would be fun to spend the day with friends. 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. Bridget’s friends are all too busy to hang out!

Will Bridget have to spend her birthday all alone?

In a story that shows how friends are more important than the busy-ness of a day, Oliver Jeffers’ bold and brilliant art pair with a powerful story that makes readers realize what truly matters. Another masterpiece from the internationally bestselling picture book creator of Here We Are and Begin Again.

Photos

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Praise

Praise for I'm Very Busy:

"Quirky illustrations, droll humor, and an amusing twist elevate this concisely told tale... Cleverly avoiding the predictable, this jaunty tale nonetheless offers a happy ending and celebrates the joys of friendship." —Kirkus Reviews