The sorry seeds

K-Gr 3--Young Courtney sees some delicious apples on her neighbor's tree and decides to pick just a few. The only problem is that her neighbor sees her and is angry that she took the apples without asking first. Courtney spends the evening feeling terrible and tries to decide how to make up for her mistake, though none of her ideas seem good enough. In the morning, she takes a bite out of one of the apples and some seeds fall out, giving her the idea to use them as "sorry seeds" in a card for her neighbor, who also happens to be her teacher. Mistakes and making amends is the clear message here, though it is a bit heavy at times, particularly in the spread that shows the neighbor--whose face fills the frame, pointing at Courtney accusingly--shouting at her. This scene is offset somewhat by one in which both of the girl's parents admit to having done something similar in their youth, and similarly, still feel awful for having done so. Richly textured and layered illustrations do much to make the story ultimately enjoyable. Courtney is depicted with fair skin, and her classmates and teacher are a variety of ethnicities. The book includes a QR code which links to an educator's guide with discussion questions, suggested activities, coloring sheets, and more. VERDICT A story with a clear message about owning up to one's mistakes that is sure to inspire discussion.--Sue Morgan

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.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.