Reviews

Martha doesn't say sorry! by Samantha Berger, Bruce Whatley

kristenremenar's review against another edition

4.0

Bruce Whatley's art absolutely delights me! Even though there's a clear lesson to be learned with this book, it's done so well and with such humor that kids won't mind. Charming!

bookarian's review against another edition

3.0

"learning to apologize, otters, a trifle didactic but not too bad; child makes own decision to apologize"

trixie_reads's review against another edition

4.0

Cute and not didactic. Hmmm...I wonder if my six-year-old (non-apologizing child) got the message?

dandelionfluff's review against another edition

3.0

While I thought this was a cute way to talk about apologies, it did bother me that Martha only apologizes once she realizes she can't get what she wants. No one will pay attention to her or give her things because she doesn't say sorry. There's also not a lot of emphasis on why we say sorry: because we understand and feel empathy for the person we've hurt. It's a promise that you're also not going to do it again. I dunno.

[b:I'm Sorry|8514358|I'm Sorry|Gina Mayer|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328032346s/8514358.jpg|375920] seems like a better book to use in the classroom because it emphasizes how saying sorry isn't always enough, too.

Overall, it's a cute read, but I'm not sure Martha's resolve to say sorry is out of a genuine desire to stop making people upset.

emtobiasz's review

5.0

My preschoolers love this book, and it's a good reminder for them of the importance of saying sorry-- especially to the people you care about.