THE SORRY SEEDS

A girl learns lessons in forgiveness and kindness.

Courtney’s next-door neighbor and teacher, Ms. Smith, catches her picking up an apple that fell from Ms. Smith’s tree. Displeased that Courtney didn’t ask permission, Ms. Smith tells Courtney’s parents what happened. Courtney’s disappointed in herself; that apple isn’t appetizing anymore. Courtney dreads returning to school. How to make things right? Prepare an apple treat? Write an explanatory letter? Courtney bites into an apple; seeds burst out, giving her an idea. She collects, washes, and wraps the seeds attractively, with a note attached. At school, she presents the package to Ms. Smith, who’s pleased, especially with the “I Am Sorry” note. Ms. Smith concedes that she, too, once took something without asking first and “felt rotten.” She and Courtney agree to plant the seeds together. The final scene shows Courtney planting a bed of “sorry seeds.” The message of the book, narrated by Courtney in first person, is that saying sorry isn’t so hard. Really meaning it isn’t hard, though doing so may initially come at a cost. But admitting things feels good afterward—and the stronger friendships that result are invaluable. Some readers may believe that Ms. Smith overreacted, which might spur discussion. The digital illustrations, created with mixed media, are lively and warm. Courtney is, appropriately, apple-cheeked. She and her parents are light-skinned; Ms. Smith is brown-skinned. Background characters are diverse.

A sweet story that plants good food for thought.