I'm Very Busy

A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book

Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
$10.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Philomel Books
On sale Oct 07, 2025 | 9780593622315
Age 4-8 years
Sales rights: US, Opn Mkt (no CAN)

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A poignant, 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 helps readers realize what truly matters. Another masterpiece from the internationally bestselling picture book creator of Here We Are and Begin Again.
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

“Modeling kind actions in lieu of an extended apology session, Jeffers (Begin Again) shows how sometimes making things right speaks louder than words.” —Publishers Weekly


“Quietly quirky, this readaloud is sure to spark conversations about feelings, friendship, and last-minute celebrations.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books


“This is a story that reassures readers we all forget things at times, but when people work together, the day can end on a positive note and be memorable.” —School Library Journal

About

A poignant, 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 helps readers realize what truly matters. Another masterpiece from the internationally bestselling picture book creator of Here We Are and Begin Again.

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

“Modeling kind actions in lieu of an extended apology session, Jeffers (Begin Again) shows how sometimes making things right speaks louder than words.” —Publishers Weekly


“Quietly quirky, this readaloud is sure to spark conversations about feelings, friendship, and last-minute celebrations.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books


“This is a story that reassures readers we all forget things at times, but when people work together, the day can end on a positive note and be memorable.” —School Library Journal