Winner of the Children’s Book Council’s 2025 Teachers' Favorite Award

Saying the words "I'm sorry" isn't always easy and sometimes words alone don't feel like enough. But with a courageous heart, finding a way to ask for forgiveness can make even rotten feelings grow into something sweet.

This uplifting story explores the feelings that come with making mistakes, owning them, and learning how to ask others for forgiveness. When first-grader Courtney is caught taking an apple from her neighbor's tree without permission, she wonders how she can make things right again and apologize in a way that shows how she feels in her heart. And since her neighbor is also her teacher, she will have to figure it out by morning. Tossing and turning throughout the night, Courtney realizes it's not always easy to find a way to authentically say she's sorry to someone she cares about. Fortunately, an idea takes root and gives Courtney the courage to bring an apology to fruition.

With illustrations that reflect the warmth and emotional depth of the story, young readers will look to this book as a reminder of the power within themselves to make positive choices even when it feels hard to do so. It's an excellent tool for caregivers and educators to open a discussion on making mistakes and asking for forgiveness, and will be a welcome addition to any library or classroom collection.