I’m Very Busy: A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book

K-Gr 2–Bridget does not want to spend her birthday alone, especially when it comes time to blow out her birthday candles. But as she visits five different friends to ask them what they are doing later that day, they all tell her they have plans. Jeffers’s funny dialogue and artwork, rendered in soft tints of gouache paints and colored pencils, include reasons that may be familiar to readers, such as washing hair or meeting someone, but also the silly and unexpected, like digging a hole or crossing off items from a list. The invisible dog that makes a few appearances in the book will be appealing to readers. Artwork includes memorable characters who are shades of purple, pink, blue, and orange, as well as all the lovely things found at birthday parties, such as cake, presents, and cards. Although the birthday comes together in a hurried way, each friend brings an item to the party to celebrate.