A teacher asked me recently if I had any good recommendations for books about apologies as she had several students in her class in need some tips! So, I decided it would be a great theme for a Top 10 post! Below are my favorite “I’m Sorry” books for those in your class (or your home) who might need a little reminder!
Party Pooper – Jennifer Gray Olson
Did you know that not everyone loves parties. In fact, sometimes the party pooper shows up, unexpectably! You may not have wanted one. You certainly did not invite one. So what should you do? This is a hilarious, tender, and sincere picture book about making mistakes, owning up to them, and asking forgiveness. Love! (Roaring Brook Press, 2023)
The Last Day Julian Was My Best Friend – Jody Jensen Shaffer
Anthony and Julian are best friends. But after taking Julian’s new birthday marble, Anthony is wracked with guilt that his friendship is ruined. Such a wonderful, emotional book with an important message. A perfect book for reading aloud and launching discussions around guilt, friendship, compassion, and forgiveness. (Two Lions Publication, 2024)
The Time Machine (because it’s never too late to apologize) – Pauline David-Sax
Bailey wants to build a time machine to go back to last Thursday, the day that she hurt her best friend Nia’s feelings. It was a day she would like a “do over” and not say “The Thing” that she didn’t mean to say. I really like how this story explains that, while an apology can be simple, acknowledging what went wrong and not making excuses are the key to a good apology. The back of the book includes other tips on giving an apology. (Cardinal Rule Press, 2023)
Way Past Mean – Hallee Adleman
Wow – this new book in the “Way Past” series is so relevent and poignant. Told in first person, the story tackles the desire for popularity and how it can prompt children to be cruel in an effort to belong. I think a lot of kids will relate to the pattern of slipping into being mean to feel cool. And this book does a wonderful job of demonstrating a way out. Big love for this one! Perfect for intermediate students! (Albert Whitman & Company, 2024)
Three Jumps To Sorry A Yom Kippur Story – Amy Novit
When Hannah accidentally breaks a glass treasure of her mother’s, her Mom comes up with a very practical method of getting Hannah past defensive and angry to genuinely sorry. A great picture book about learning to say sorry woven well with the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2023)
I’m Sorry – Barry Timms
After an argument, best friends Swoop and Scribble learn the importance of apologizing with their hearts, not just their words. (Tiger Tales Publishing, 2020)
I’m Sorry – Michael Ian Black
I love this series! In this edition, Potato learns how to apologize after he hurts Flamingo’s feelings. Even though Potato would much rather wear a disguise or go to the South Pole to live with penguins, he learns that saying “I’m sorry” is the worth any initial uncomfortable feelings if it makes the hurt go away. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2021)
Tumford The Terrible – Nancy Tillman
This is an older book but I just love the humour, the illustrations (Tumford’s “not apologizing” face!), and the rhyming text. Tumford is an unrepentant cat who won’t ever apologize when he gets himself into all sorts of trouble. As he hides from the outrageous mess he makes one day, he thinks about how apologizing might make him feel happier inside . . . and so he does. (Feilwel & Friends, 2015)
Sammy Says Sorry – Paige Addison
A great book to teach little ones about boundaries and apologizing. Written by an Elementary School Counselor, this story follows Sammy the Sloth’s journey to mending a friendship after his jokes unintentionally hurt his friend. Laughter mixed with heartelt moments. Cute illustrations. (Independently published, 2024)
How to Apologize – David LaRochelle
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone knew how to apologize? Fortunately, this humorous guidebook is full of practical tips about when, why, and how to say you’re sorry. From a porcupine who accidentally popped his friend’s balloon to a snail who was running so fast he stepped on a sloth’s toes, this book is jam packed with hilarious examples and sweet illustrations. One of my VERY favorite apology books! (Candlewick Press, 2021)
Sorry (Really Sorry) – Joanna Cotler
When Cow wakes up in a bad mood, he passes it on to Duck. Now Duck is in a bad mood and passes it on to Frog. Soon, the “bad mood” begins to filter through the barn. A great book to show the domino effect of one bad action and how one act of kindness can help ease the bad feelings. ( Philomel Books, 2020)