"Martha Doesn't Say Sorry!" is a delightful book. The artwork by Bruce Whatley is super and I love that there's a useful message to share with kids.

The book starts off by saying that "There are many things Martha does, but apologizing isn't one of them." Accompanying that text are six images of Martha crossing two pages that show Martha skateboarding, singing, practicing karate, etc., ... and finally Martha standing with her arms cross, chin up, obviously, stubbornly refusing to say sorry.

It then goes on to show some of the nice things Martha does, with the final caveat being that she doesn't apologize. Then having set the scene Samatha Berger, the author, shows us Martha misbehaving and making her family upset with her.

The best part of the story is how the author guides children through the process of understanding their feelings. She doesn't do it with text so much as with the drawings which are good enough that I think even very young children are going to be able to 'read' the characters emotions.

Talking Points:::
I really wish this book had been in print when my children were younger. I don't know about your household, but in ours, the kids had a terrible time learning to say they were sorry. I think this book would have given us a way of talking about how those simple words, "I'm Sorry", could make things better.

Definitely recommend this one if you want to talk about this issue. The artwork is so sweet. The story has its funny moments, and it's 'learning' moments. Heartwarming and a good Read-aloud.

Be sure to emphasize how miserable everyone is when there's that loss of harmony in the family... and enjoy!

Pam
Somewhere in the X-burbs