Zach Apologizes

by William Mulcahy, Darren McKee (Illustrations)

When Zach shoves his little brother to the floor, he knows he did something wrong. Even so, it’s hard to apologize. Like any seven-year-old, Zach tries to ignore the problem, but finally, with his mom’s help, he learns how to make an apology in four Zach Apologizes teaches children social skills using a strategy presented as the “four-square” apology. It is illustrated with prompts so kids will easily understand and remember how to make an apology.

Zach Rules Series
Zach struggles with social issues like getting along, handling frustrations, making mistakes, and other everyday problems typical of young kids. Each book in the Zach Rules series presents a single, simple storyline involving one such problem. As each story develops, Zach and readers learn straightforward tools for coping with their struggles and building stronger relationships now and in the future.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Bean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some elements of a meaningful apology are modeled in this story (acknowledging the hurtful behavior; understanding the impact; reflecting on what can be done in the future; ideas for making amends/repairing the connection) -- including the fact that doing something hurtful does not mean that you're a bad person. I really liked the author's note at the end, which provides more in-depth, constructive advice for families and caregivers. I even appreciated the story's acknowledgment that making sincere apologies can make us (the person who did a hurtful thing) feel better, too. But for me, there was a missed opportunity: when Zach pushes his little brother (which certainly requires an apology!), he's reacting to the fact that his little brother continues to play with Zach's toy without asking for permission. I wish Zach's parent had validated Zach's feelings of frustration, and modeled a better way for Zach to feeling his feelings without reacting with violence. It would allow Zach to move forward and understand that his initial experience of being upset wasn't the problem, but his decision to push his brother.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this story revealed a realistic problem and a helpful solution. Teaching kids how to apologize authentically will certainly be a skill that will help them throughout their lives, and this has a great way of showing a very specific plan (the four-square apology). Recommend! I will also check out other books in the series.

Useful website: www.freespirit.com/Apologu

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of a series of short dramas that portray emotional issues for the very young, this shows a kid getting very ratty about his younger brother allegedly hogging his plastic rocket, and finding he's in the doldrums as a result of said rattiness. The way out? A four-step process of working out the best resolution and apologising. A worthwhile entry to a working library of such issue books.

[LauraW · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series. In short, realistic prose, the author covers a simple, common occurrence and shows kids how to deal with it. This would be an excellent book for the younger grades, Kindergarten through about 3rd grade. I wish there were similar books for slightly older children, who are the ones I prefer to sub for.

I would recommend this book for parents, teachers, and school counselors. Parents should probably get it from the library, though, as it isn't really a book that kids will want to re-read many times.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book about a kid making a bad decision and having to make it right. It had a nice moral, and I think it would be appropriate for a therapist's office. It seems to me to be geared toward children with self-control issues rather than the average child. I showed it to a therapist who works with kids, and they're looking into more of the Zach series for their office.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to help young people not only to say sorry but to learn empathy for the person they have hurt. Love it.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on how to apologize for kids!

[Marina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good story about manners and apologizing. Especially for someone named Zach (heehee).