I'm sorry you got mad

In this witty epistolary classroom drama, a student struggles to apologize to a classmate about a knocked-over block castle. Jack's first effort, scrawled on lined notebook paper, reads "DEAR ZOE, I'M SORRY YOU GOT SO MAD!!!" When teacher Ms. Rice has him try again, he's shown grinding away furiously at the pencil sharpener. There's improvement, but Jack next tackles the misdeed passively: "I'm sorry FOR REAL that your castle got knocked over." After Ms. Rice explains that apologies have three parts--"1) What I did 2) That I'm sorry 3) And I'll help you fix it"--a more nuanced understanding of the incident emerges. "I wanted to play in it with you. But Ben and Jeremy said I couldn't because castles are for girls." Jack's almost there ("Can we check in about your letter?" Ms. Rice writes), but there's more to come before Zoe receives a complete note. Polished renderings by Kwon (Waiting for Tomorrow) reveal the peers' grimaces, side-eyes, and clowning, offering believable classroom context as Lukoff (There's No Such Thing as Vegetables) writes a sparkling examination of messy feelings and meaningful apologies. Classmates are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 3--7. (Aug.)

Gr 2--4--If celebrities on social media have taught us anything it's this: apologizing is hard. Thankfully, this charming picture book is here to model how to write a sincere apology at a young age. We can infer that young Jack knocked over his classmate Zoe's block castle and his teacher has tasked him with writing an apology note. The book's title is Jack's poor first attempt. Smartly told, the sole text is that written on Jack's often crumpled letters. He continues to revise his apology, and his teacher provides feedback on how to try again. Jack eventually nails the apology--sincere, no excuses, seeking to make amends--and repairs his friendship with Zoe. The artwork adds layers to the story, showing readers what occurs while the letters are being composed. A particularly memorable scene involves an art assignment to "paint one's feelings." Jack's artwork is a hot-tempered splatter of red paint. VERDICT Lukoff models good behavior for kids (and, let's face it, adults) without being lecturing or preachy. A must-have.--Chance Lee Joyner