I'm Sorry

From The Critics

Three very short stories are used as examples of when to say "I'm sorry." We sometimes hurt other people without meaning to—we bump into them or spoil their projects by accident. It's important to recognize our mistakes and apologize for them in a polite way. Boldfaced discussion questions can help reinforce this understanding with little listeners and readers. Part of the "Courteous Kids" series. 2001, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $14.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: C. Leonard-Schmidling SOURCE: Parent Council, September 2001 (Vol. 9, No. 1)

Children's Literature

Saying you're sorry is one of the hardest things for a young child to learn. In I'm Sorry, part of the "Courteous Kids Weekly Reader" series, three stories demonstrate why it's important to say you're sorry when you've hurt someone's feelings or done something wrong. In "On the Beach," Teresa knocks over a little boy's sandcastle while playing Frisbee with a friend. After seeing how she's upset the little boy, she says she is sorry and helps him build a new castle. When Cassie steps on Karen's foot in the second story, "Ouch," Cassie realizes she's hurt Karen. Once she apologizes, Karen forgives her and understands that it was an accident. Finally, in "Late for the Game," Bill is late picking up his little brother, Daniel, for the hockey game. When Bill arrives he rushes Daniel and makes him feel badly for their tardiness. After realizing that it is his own fault, he apologizes to Daniel. Each story offers ample opportunities for parents to prompt children and discuss what's happening. Children can then draw their own conclusions about the right thing to do in each situation. Despite the value of the messages conveyed, the writing is somewhat stiff and the stories may not hold the interest of many children. 2001, Gareth Stevens, $19.93. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Emily Cook