Sorry!

This is such a great book. Really has nice pictures and a good storyline. Has a lot of key moments that give you the chance to talk about what makes a real friend, as well as how it feels when someone uses 'sorry' as an excuse. Also I like how it can lead to the moral of the story that real friends do not ask us to do things that are hurtful or wrong. I didn't realize how this story would have multiple themes in addition to saying 'sorry' without meaning it!I would heartily recommend. I have read it to 2-5th graders. K-1 could also enjoy it as well. I think all pictures books are meant to be read together with a grown up because it can lead to great discussions. AND, picture books are NOT for little kids. As you can see, this is an example of one that is great for all ages. Help end the myth that you can only read picture books when you are little. I still love reading them myself!

Themes: Respect, Responsibility, FriendshipContent areas: Reading: making connections for comprehension; Guidance: friendship dangers, character pillars.Authentic storyline with situations that open up multiple avenues to discuss the disingenuous behavior of the chronic apologizer. Teachers will particularly enjoy this story about a boy named Charlie who has been aided by the adults in his life, in getting away with bad behavior. Charlie has learned that as long as you say you're sorry you can get away with just about anything. Even more illustrative is Jack, the timid boy who goes along with Charlie just so he can be "cool". Jack knows better, and feels upset by his own actions; but fails to stand up to Charlie for fear of losing his perceived standing at school. In the end, both Charlie and Jack learn a lesson or two about the false apology of just saying sorry.What makes this simple illustrative story really come together is the inclusion in the back of the book of a discussion on the ramifications of a false apology, as well as a note from the author that lays out a great way to remember the steps to a good apology, which is comprised of the "three R's: Regret, Responsibility, and Remedy". Also included is a list of questions for discussion about the book, and an "Apology Dos & Don'ts" list of reminders. Perfect for elementary school students to make connections to their own experiences, and discuss common behavior problems and their solutions.

If you're looking for a book to use that will directly address the importance of truly heartfelt apologies rather than simply rote "I'm sorry," then Sorry! is the book for you. Warning-- Ludwig's antagonist is pretty unlikeable and will model some very mean behavior for your children. But, the lesson learned by the protagonist is powerful and important for children to understand. Make sure you allow for discussion time and be sure to read this one the first time with your children. Ages 6-9, but great for older elementary students as well.

Great!

Please help! How many kids think saying sorry fixes everything? This book is a great non example and the main character turns it around in the end to be an example.

This book is the best I've read. It really gets it how much of a jerk some kids can be. This book is excellent because it "Shows" rather than "TELLS" and kids can see it. They can recognize the bad behavior of this character and realize someone they know does that sometimes and it's ugly, unkind and ultimately uncool.

I bought this book to use in a classroom lesson. I didn't realize until I was in the middle of the book that there were missing pages that had been ripped out.

The story is helpful for teaching children (and adults) about the importance of an effective apology. The word "sorry" was being abused in our house and I was looking for a way to teach the true meaning of being sorry. My children enjoyed the story and thought the pictures were helpful in expressing how the characters felt. Don't skip over the last pages, because they contain the most important information in the book - how to issue a proper apology. It has really made everyone think before just popping out the word "sorry".

A great book for bringing up situations your child might find themselves in with their peers. My 4 and 6 yr old love the story, they love discussing why various characters do what they do, and they love feeling like they know better than the characters. LOL! We read it at least once a month, if not more. I particularly love the parent bit at the end where there is an explanation of what constitutes a sincere apology. We've discussed this bit quite a few times. I remember one night, my 4 yr old said something mean to her brother and then got told off because she was adamant that everything was ok cause she said sorry. So we asked her if she thought she had apologised properly and she replied. "Can we read the sorry book tonight mummy? I forgot how to apologise properly". After that, I loved this book even more!

I started with "Sorry" and "My Secret Bully" and I have just finished buying ALL of her books for my classroom(a mixed grade classroom with English as a second language students from grade 1-9). My students relate to the stories. They are prompted to share memories of their own feelings. Many related to both sides of the story. Having the story told in first person by another kid they could relate to was amazing, I could see their expression change as we read the book. It was so much easier to make connections to the ideas by using these stories. I wish that I had found these books sooner.My families and I thank you Trudy for helping to make an end to a culture of verbal and relational bullying in my classroom.

This is an amazing book. I've used it with students from grades 1 to 4. Not only did they all enjoy the text and the illustrations but they were all able to take away the important lesson at their own level.A 'must have' title for all teachers who work with their students on social skills.

I liked the way it gave my boys some perspective on what an apology really is and means to the both person receiving and giving.

Good resource for classrooms