I'M BORED by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

A while ago I did a feature on the very talented author/illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi.  And now I am very happy to share that the book she illustrated, I'M BORED, has made its way into the world and it's awesome, full of wit and charm . . . and a potato.

But don't just believe me.  Here's what the New York Times has to say about it:

"Black is a comedian and actor (“Stella,” “The State”) when not writing children’s books (“A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea”), and he tells his story in sprightly fashion. The illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi convincingly draws a child full of life, a potato full of — well, potatotude, and computer drawings that look just like good old-fashioned linocuts. Her smart cartoony artwork matches Black’s perfect comic timing, making for a fun ride that should leave you amused, perhaps pensive, and no longer bored." - David Small, The New York Times Sunday Book Review


In any event, here's a synopsis, and if you are interested in more information please visit Debbie's page on her website about it which has links galore!

I'M BORED

 

Written by Michael Ian Black
Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

There is NOTHING boring about being a kid, but one little girl is going to have to prove it in this anything-but-boring picture book from comedian Michael Ian Black.

Just when a little girl thinks she couldn’t possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring. But this girl isn’t going to let a vegetable tell her what’s what, so she sets out to show the unimpressed potato all the amazing things kids can do. Too bad the potato is anything but interested.
This tongue-in-cheek twist on a familiar topic is sure to entertain anyone who’s ever been bored—or had to hear about someone else being bored—and is filled with comedian Michael Ian Black’s trademark dry wit, accompanied by charismatic illustrations from newcomer Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Inkygirl - Debbie Ridpath Ohi

I met Debbie Ridpath Ohi a couple years ago.  She is a fellow Toronto children's book author (and illustrator - so she one ups me on that score . . . I shake my fist and cry out: "Ohi!!!!!!"), and one of the founding members of a Toronto based children's book author group . . . social gathering club . . . I don't know what you'd call it.  Well I know what we all call it.  We call it: TorKidLit.  And it recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary!

For the past two years we have gathered once a month at various pubs around the city (they never know what hits them) and chat about what we're working on, on the joys and frustrations of being an author, and also just about life stuff.  But it goes beyond that.  We also go to each others' book launches, do writing retreats, and share good news about each other on the interwebs.  It's in general a brilliant supportive group. 

So that's how I know Debbie.

I also know her through twitter, where she is known as InkyElbows.  If you are a writer and on Twitter, her feed is a must follow.  Daily she posts extremely helpful links about the publishing world, and writing in general.  She's on the ball, my friends, on the ball.

She also has a website called InkyGirl, and this is what I would recommend to all of you today to check out.  Aside from her wonderfully witty comics which you simply must read, she is insightful, generous in posting about others' achievements, and a total technophile.  She is the first to try out the latest tech stuff out there, one of the first people I knew to get an iPad, one of the first to join Google+ and she lets you know her thoughts on it all.

Also she has her first children's book illustration project out next year with Simon & Schuster called I'M BORED, which you all must purchase the moment it hits the shelves.

So here's a link to her website:  InkyGirl.com (from which you can then find her personal website, blog and all manner of goodness).

And here's a picture of the two of us.  And vegetables.