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How to Apologize
From the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award–winning creators of See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog comes a funny and handy guide that explains just how (and how not!) to say “I’m sorry.�
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone knew how to apologize? Luckily, 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, hilarious examples and sweet illustrations abound. For both listeners who are just learning and older readers who need a refresher, this book will come as a welcome reminder that even though apologizing can be hard, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone knew how to apologize? Luckily, 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, hilarious examples and sweet illustrations abound. For both listeners who are just learning and older readers who need a refresher, this book will come as a welcome reminder that even though apologizing can be hard, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 11, 2021
7 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
March 25, 2022
Someone recently told me that this book is good for everyone. That everyone needs a copy and that it's important. So I bought it for the high school library I work at. And they're not wrong! It's short, simple and includes good and bad examples. Can I hand this out to the world?
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May 10, 2021This is a funny book that is both entertaining and an actual primer on how to apologize. This book will be a hit with parents and will actually entertain kids, too. A winner.
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May 5, 2021For both those who are just learning and older readers who need a refresher, this book will come as a welcome reminder that apologizing doesn’t have to be complicated.
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January 7, 2024Some of y’all need to read this and get a little refresher…not me though
August 3, 2021
'A straightforward (and laugh-out-loud) guide to saying you're sorry', 'How to Apologise' presents, in picturebook format, a series of scenarios in which some animal, somewhere, makes a mistake. Whether it's a bunch of meerkats playing 'pin the tail on the donkey' on the side of a rhino or a huge elephant on his mobile phone, bumping his car into those of a mouse's in front. LaRochelle and Wohnoutka present us with moments in our lives where saying sorry could go a long way to easing conflict and problems.
Written in a humorously didactic way, with a soft sense of gravitas, LaRochelle tells us why it's important to apologise, even in situations when it might not feel fair or right. I did chuckle in the 'Not Sincere/Sincere' vignettes and how the second half of the book saw the power in resolutions but I don't know how well the suggestions and discussion would work here in the UK. I also felt the anthropomorphic nature of the animals added to the humour a lot, using real children in similarly humorous situations may have brought the reality and the moments closer to home.
Written in a humorously didactic way, with a soft sense of gravitas, LaRochelle tells us why it's important to apologise, even in situations when it might not feel fair or right. I did chuckle in the 'Not Sincere/Sincere' vignettes and how the second half of the book saw the power in resolutions but I don't know how well the suggestions and discussion would work here in the UK. I also felt the anthropomorphic nature of the animals added to the humour a lot, using real children in similarly humorous situations may have brought the reality and the moments closer to home.
August 14, 2021
This book is adorable! It's a great lesson of how to apologize sincerely without making excuses. Many adults could use this lesson as well. I would highly recommend this book for people of all ages. We are never too old for a picture book or too old to learn a new skill.
June 9, 2021
There isn't a person among us who hasn't made a mistake at some point. Some of those mistakes are downright embarrassing, while others cause harm or pain to others. This picture book reminds readers that the best thing to do after making a mistake is to own up to it and apologize. Not only does the book offer reasons for doing so, but it also provides a blueprint for what to say and what not to say. Being sincere is essential, and even if the apology is long overdue, there's no reason not to say those two words that might change everything. With its humorous gouache illustrations featuring animals behaving badly and then making up for it, this picture book would be useful in a lesson on manners, common courtesy, and how to treat others. After all, an apology makes both parties feel better. While the book is intended for young readers, older ones will enjoy it equally and possibly decide to make amends for something they've done in the past.
July 3, 2021
Basic, to-the-point, and an absolutely necessary skill. There's no good reason not to apologize if you screwed up: not if they owe you an apology, not if the offense was a long time ago, not even if it was an accident. Being sincere is clearly covered, as is not making excuses.
And honestly, even if you have nothing to do with the offense, an .
And honestly, even if you have nothing to do with the offense, an .
September 27, 2021
An excellent picture book that outlines in detail how one should apologize and how one should not apologize. It seems to be a very simple concept, but I think many of us adults could benefit from reading this book. 🤓 The illustrations are funny but practical in laying out possible situations at the beginning of the book then resolving them after sincere apologies are made at the end. Cute and quirky with an important message! -5 stars
November 4, 2021
I love love love this book. It is fantastically written and illustrated. It doesn’t talk down to the reader or the listener, it presents the request in a way that is respectful of the intelligence and time and emotions of the people it is directed at. This book should be in every children’s classroom library.
September 9, 2021
Very clear and concise, a nice overview of what an apology is, what it's for, and how to go about giving one. Good for the 4-8 year old crowd, and perhaps as a conversation starter for older children as well.
April 15, 2023
Saying you're sorry is never easy. This book is a perfect blend of short, easy to understand teaching and fun. The illustrations really make this book, and we were delightfully surprised. We'll see if it works...
May 19, 2021
This book should be on every family's bookshelf. Funny an informative.
July 26, 2021
A really great and adorable picture book about apologizing, and telling kids how to do it the right way. This will be great to give to so many parents, kids and educators.
July 30, 2021
Useful book with cute illustrations that help to show how simple and important it is to sincerely apologize. A good resource for children learning this skill, and a reminder for adults.
September 14, 2021
An amusing, cute, but truly useful book for teaching kids how and why to apologize.
March 13, 2022
Teaches, but not didactic. Humorous, but also heartwarming. Definite addition for every elementary library.
January 17, 2023
Adorable book on the importance of apologizing and how to apologize correctly. I loved the examples and non-examples... makes it concrete for students!
April 5, 2025
When to apologize, why apologize, how apologize? This book answers all these questions and more with a hint of humor and a lot of sincerity.
October 11, 2021
I love this duo! All of their works together are awesome. They're smart and funny, my favorite combination!
November 7, 2021
An engaging and instructional picture book for all ages. No one is too old or too young to read and appreciate a story lesson in the simple process of apologizing and the reasons behind why it is necessary as well as how and how not to go about it.
March 26, 2022
Kids AND grown-ups need this wonderful book. =)
July 6, 2021
Making mistakes and saying you are sorry is such a universally relatable social skill but I have rarely seen it discussed in a book in such a approachable, fun way. The words are straightforward and clear, which great, but it is the illustrations that elevate the book with their adorable animals and comedic timing. This is one to read aloud. It's one that will be enjoyed again and again.
August 17, 2021
I love this! I love that the concept of apologizing is getting some attention. Thanks and .
November 28, 2021
I really hate when another teacher tells a child to "Say you're sorry" without checking to see if the kid truly feels any remorse. I like that this book frames things to apologize for as "mistakes." Not sure that it would work for a class readaloud, but will recommend to social worker and psychologist. Our guidance counselors were all laid off, or I'd recommend it to them ...
April 19, 2022
This was the perfect book to read to my first graders when I noticed that we were struggling to authentically apologize. Not only are the pictures truly adorable (and hilarious) but the message of the book is very authentic and clear.
I plan on bringing this one home to read to my own children.
Recommended age: 3 and up
I plan on bringing this one home to read to my own children.
Recommended age: 3 and up
May 7, 2022
I call it a winner when a book can be entertaining and educates people on good principles at the same time. And this book definitely does that. The illustrations are so engaging and the concepts in the book are so enlightening and easy to understand! Great work David LaRochelle and Mike Wohnoutka - we hope to see many more books like this from you both!
June 2, 2021
I really liked this one--though I actually wish it had been a tad longer and talked about "I'm sorry you were offended" apologies and why it's important to apologize even when the other person won't apologize back.
But overall, a clear and helpful book for kids!
But overall, a clear and helpful book for kids!
June 16, 2021
With a book like this, it's hard to not become didactic, but LaRochelle manages it! This text clearly shows you how to apologize in a funny manner with animals doing wrong and then needing to apologize. This is great for all readers and could work in a storytime about apologies.
October 15, 2021
It sounds simple but there is an art to apologies, and this book cleverly shows a range of scenarios requiring one. This is an important SEL skill for kids to learn, and some adults would benefit from this book, too.
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