Fine print: We are an independent review organization; we do not use generative AI for any textual content, nor do we accept compensation for book reviews. We are participants in the Westminster Books, Christian Book, Bookshop, and Amazon LLC affiliate programs; purchases you make through these affiliate links may earn us a commission. Read more here.
Friends would never forget your birthday, would they? Even if they were very busy?
I’m Very Busy: A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book by Oliver Jeffers. Philomel, 2025. 32 pages.
- Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8
- Recommended For: Ages 4-8
It’s Bridget’s birthday! “It was a lovely day, Bridget thought, a lovely day to spend with friends.” So off she heads to find her friends.
The first friend she meets is Royal (pictured on the cover; Royal is pink and Bridget is green). However, Royal is very busy and has people to see, places to go…. Next up is Rodney (he’s blue). Does Rodney want to spend time with her? Alas, Rodney has important stuff regarding a dog (who is invisible). And on it goes through each friend. The last friend (Pearl, who is orange) overhears Bridget sigh about having no one to spend time with on her birthday.
And so Pearl visits each friend in turn, asking if they know it’s Bridget’s birthday. Each has a clearly made-up-on-the-spot protestation that yes, they absolutely, um, of course, remembered Bridget’s birthday and they were just going to, um, that’s right, get a card (or make a cake or whatever).
All’s well that ends well, and the friends rally around Bridget with a lovely party. This reviewer couldn’t help but be reminded of the parable Jesus tells about the bridegroom inviting people to the party but everyone was too busy. That’s not the point of this simple book, but parents may find that a good connection! Jeffers’ signature quirky, colorful illustrations add much to this book (such as the detail of Bridget’s watch on an opening page, emphasizing the “busy” part of the title, and Rodney’s invisible dog). Kids will find this book a fun read as well as a subtle reminder to pay more attention to those around them. Adults may find this an uncomfortable read if they have allowed themselves to be too busy to spend time with their children!
Bottom Line: Look for I’m Very Busy at your library! It will make a fun read aloud, especially for a group of friends.
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Review: Vacation: Three and a Half Stories is a fun read for this age group about another group of friends.
- Review: Otto and the Story Tree (starred review) is a charming picture book about some unlikely friends (with quirky illustrations, fun for fans of this style).
- Review: The Other Side (another starred review) is an excellent picture book about making, and being, friends.
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
We'd love to hear from you!
Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!
Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.