I’m Sorry – Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2021. 9781534415881
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Picture book
What did you like about the book? If you do not find the character of Potato quite impossibly hilarious, you need to have your funny bone checked. Potato (yes, a Potato!) and Flamingo are best friends – until Potato hurts Flamingo’s feelings. Flamingo is miserable. A little girl offers to go and talk to Potato. Potato admits it is his fault. “Mine! It’s all my fault! Flamingo will never want to be my friend ever again. I feel terrible.” Suggestions are made as to what Potato can do to make amends; Give her a sandwich? No, an apology. Potato thinks of running away, wearing a disguise, giving her all his money (he has none). “Potato, you have to tell Flamingo you’re sorry.” “But that’s SO HARD. Saying I’m sorry is maybe the hardest thing to say in the entire world.” The illustrations are large, bold and outlined in black. Potato’s words are in brown, the little girl’s in blue and Flamingo’s in pink. The huge two-page spread of Potato saying “I’m sorry.” is worth the price of the book.
Anything you did not like about the book? Not a thing.
To whom would you recommend this book? This is the fourth book starring Potato, Flamingo and the little girl. Others are I’m Sad, I’m Bored and I’m Worried. Kids just might be inspired to offer their own apologies after having the difficulty of doing so demonstrated in this story. Good choice for storytime.
Who should buy this book? Public libraries, kindergartens and day-care centers
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? If you are anything like me, you would.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Editor, Youth Services Book Review
Date of Review: September 10, 2021
Youth Services Book Review 
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