that has hurt someone or something,
the right thing to do is apologize.
Apologizing can be hard, especially
if the other person is mad ... "
Does it seem too easy to apologize these days? Every time we turn around someone in the news is apologizing for one thing or another. It is very difficult to tell if that apology is honest and forthright, or forced and judicious. How do we get back to just saying sorry ... no excuses, no blame?
Apologizing is an art learned early if we want it to be meaningful, and long-lasting. David LaRochelle begins with that premise with this book that is comically illustrated by collaborator Mike Wohnoutka. Together they balance, with touches of both humor and concern, a message that will help young readers navigate the complexity of being truly sorry for mistakes made. In charming scenarios, they play out ways in which those who are in the wrong show real regret for their actions.
An apology doesn't have to be complicated. On one side of a double page spread they show a NO for making their point. On the facing page, they change it up to YES. The examples are of actions that often happen for the the children and adults who are reading this book together. It's a great 'how-to' on a tough subject.
Resolving conflicts in a real issue at home, in school, in the community, and in the workplace these days. Perhaps we all can use their advice to make for better days. Apologizing should be simple and earnest; too many times it is not. Without preaching in any way, this book certainly makes an important point.
"If possible, try to fix the mistake.
But sometimes you can't.
In that case, you can still say you're
sorry, then take steps to avoid
making the same mistake again.
sorry, then take steps to avoid
making the same mistake again.
We're very, very sorry!"
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