PICTURE BOOK REVIEWS: How to Apologize by David LaRochelle & Let's Play! by Amanda McCardie
REVIEW
LaRochelle combines humor and animals to present some basic advice on learning to apologize. Starting with a skydiving penguin breaking through the roof of a bathing alligator, readers are presented with the idea that "everyone makes mistakes". And the right thing to do is apologize when those mistakes effect those around us. Meerkats playing pin the tale on a donkey using the broad side of a rhino leaves them having to apologize to an angry, glasses-wearing rhino. Not an easy thing to do. The straight-forward text provides the reader with great advice about how to say you're sorry simply and sincerely. The humorous illustrations and examples help readers understand the important lesson being taught in a light, enjoyable way. The examples of how to do it correctly contrast nicely with the examples of how not to do it. A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable book that shares a very important message. Makes a great book for sharing in classrooms and one and one.
REVIEW
Making friends can be a difficult thing to do for some children, especially when you are new. This story follows the friendship journey of Sukie as she starts trying to make friends at a new school. I was afraid the book would be rather didactic when I first read the title. When the message of the book is stated so blatantly it can sometimes come across as rather in your face. But I was pleasantly surprised to find the book does an excellent job of showing how being friendly and kind encourages others to be friendly and kind back and can develop into a friendship. Sukie's journey through friendship includes both ups and downs as she learns how a real friend behaves and how to bring others together to form more friendships. I ended up really liking the way this book portrays friendship and the qualities that make for a good relationship. A great book for sharing with students and children who are struggling to make friends. The illustrations are fun and appealing and nicely compliment the story. Having the main character be a redhead was a nice touch as it helps her stand out among all the other children.
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