Podesta, Lena. I Am Not Boring: The True-Life Story of a Log. Lena Podesta, Illus. Ten Speed, 05/2026. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-0-5938-3829-7. GRADES Kindergarten–2. OUTSTANDING.
A confident but unreliable narrator and an opinionated log team up to subvert expectations and delight with droll humor. Amongst the laughs readers learn that, while a log may not talk, or sing, or move (on its own), it can do many surprising, amazing, glorious, life-changing things. Cheerful, digitally-created cartoon illustrations are full of detail and simple charm. Speech bubbles, expressive eyes, and some swell one-liners give the log plenty of personality. An excellent nature-themed readaloud that is easy to tie into curriculum. Back matter highlights a log’s four key contributions to the ecosystem. An author’s note provides guidance, encourages exploration, and poses questions. Review based on an ARC.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired