I’m Sad by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, published by Simon and Schuster is not only funny, but also deep and impactful. 

A funny little story featuring a girl, a flamingo, and a potato, yes that’s right a potato, cue silliness.  In this charming story the flamingo is sad and is not really sure why or  when it will not be sad anymore.  The girl and the potato try and help by telling the flamingo about all the things that make them feel happy but it just isn’t working.  The most important line in the story come near the end when the flamingo worries it will not be liked if it’s sad.  The little girl in response says, “I like you all the time.  When you’re sad or angry or bored or anything else.”  What an important message for our children.  It’s okay to feel sad.  Sadness is a feeling that affects us all at many points in our lives.  The important thing is to have those around us who will support us and give us the space to feel all of the feelings we need to when we need to.  Not just sadness, but anger, happiness, boredom and all those other feelings that can feel so big sometimes.  I’m Sad is a fabulous book to have on your shelves to help children know their feelings are valid and important.

The art by Debbie Ridpath Ohi in this story is so great.  Contributing to its perfection for a read aloud, the pictures are big and bold and easy to see.  They jump right off the page and give the book and animated quality.  Frankly, I feel I'm Sad wouldn't be the fabulous book it is without her amazing illustrations.  Only Debbie Ridpath Ohi could bring this book together in such a fun way.