“I’m bored!” A refrain and a feeling familiar to many children (and adults in their lives who have to hear it) leads the child at the center of this story to launch into a stream-of-conscious, ever expanding consideration of what causes boredom, what it means to be bored—and not bored—whether other creatures or inanimate objects are ever bored, and so on. In other words, boredom becomes opportunity and impetus for creative thinking that turns out to be pretty entertaining. If not for the child in the story, who’s not willing to admit as much, certainly for the child audience, for whom the Japanese protagonist’s imaginative musings are depicted in illustrations that also make clear how much fun the “bored” kid is having. (Ages 3–7)

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2019

Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

The Boring Book is a humorous picture book that follows the story of one particularly bored boy.

As the story progresses, our protagonist discovers there's actually more to boredom than what meets the eye—more questions, more theories, and heaps of humor.

This exploration of boredom from acclaimed author-illustrator Shinsuke Yoshitake playfully—and hilariously—unpacks the ways in which a seemingly stagnant state is actually a portal into a dynamic, life-enriching experience.

• Embraces the topic of boredom—an ever-so-popular kid complaint—and runs with it
• The unique comic format, fast pace, smart humor, and narrative approach makes it ideal for reluctant readers
• A universally hilarious book that will amuse children ages 5 to 8, as well as adults

In addition to banishing boredom, Yoshitake's distinctive illustrations promote visual literacy and show young readers what the process of creative thinking looks like.

This smart, laugh-out-loud picture book just might change your child's perspective on the state of boredom forever.
• A wonderful gift for parents, teachers, educators, librarians, caregivers, and anyone who has to answer to the statement "I'm bored!"
• Perfect for readers of early chapter books
• Great for fans of the Fox & Chick series by Sergio Ruzzier, Waiting Is Not Easy! (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems, and I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black