I'm Bored

K-Gr 2–Languishing on the floor of her bedroom in a funk, a girl is momentarily distracted by a potato, but then laments, “What am I supposed to do with a potato?!!” In a funny twist, the testy tater complains about being stuck hanging out with a child. The youngster’s ire is raised and she enthusiastically takes up the challenge of proving that children are anything but dull. Her cartwheels, ninja kicks, imaginary lion-taming adventures, and proclamations that “Kids can do ANYTHING!!!” all fail to impress the blank-faced spud, who delivers the same verdict–“Boring…Snoring.” In the last laugh, the potato does get its comeuppance. Ohi’s captivating, digitally created illustrations are full of wit and charm. The girl appears as a blue swirling cyclone with pigtails flying, hands sticking out, and a pink heart as she spins in circles. The text size and layout also keep pace with her frenetic antics. Quirky and fun to read aloud, this book is a sure antidote for cases of ennui.–Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada