SONNY SAYS SORRY!

A mysterious present at the park offers temptations.

Sonny, a fox whom readers may recognize from Sonny Says Mine! (2021), has a problem. Should he or shouldn’t he? He finds a box wrapped in polka-dot wrapping paper with a tag that says “For: Honey,” and he’s eager to know what’s inside. He pokes and sniffs the box. “Something smells delicious.” When Sonny’s friends join him, he gives in to his curiosity and opens the box. Boo, a bespectacled rabbit, looks inside with him, but Meemo, a dog clad in wristbands and a headband, disapproves, repeatedly pointing to the gift tag, barking, and finally silently leaving with slumped shoulders. Meanwhile, Sonny and Boo do more than just peek inside the box. They dismantle the cake one delicious decoration at a time and then chunk by chunk. Honey arrives, sees Sonny’s chocolaty hands, Boo’s chocolaty face, and the open box, and sobs. Sonny and Boo feel horrible and apologize, but Honey continues to cry. Finally, Sonny suggests that they all bake a delicious new cake together, and even Meemo joins them, the friendships restored. Brightly colored illustrations and simple text combine for an all-too-relatable tale—with a delightful ending and a solid lesson—that will appeal to preschoolers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Just the thing to help children deal with making a mistake—and amends.