What do you do when something you’ve done really, really upsets someone? With gentle warmth and humor, this picture book companion to How to Cheer Up a Friend shows how Elephant learns to say “I’m sorry.”

When Elephant mistakenly does something that upsets his friend, he’s not sure what to do. Should he run? Hide? Blame someone else?

In time, Elephant’s able to put himself in his friend’s shoes and say the two words he truly means: I’m sorry. An answer doesn’t come right away, but Elephant’s patience is rewarded when his friend invites him to play again.

With a light touch, How to Say You’re Sorry and its companion book How to Cheer Up a Friend show children ways to be kind and get along with one another.

About The Author

Stephanie Calmenson

Stephanie Calmenson is the acclaimed author of many popular books for young readers including How to Cheer Up a Friend, Dinner at the Panda Palace, May I Pet Your Dog?, and the Ready, Set, Dogs! and Allie and Amy series written with Magic School Bus author Joanna Cole. A former early childhood teacher and children’s book editor, Stephanie feels fortunate to be able to teach, entertain, and encourage kids through her books. To read more, please visit StephanieCalmenson.com.

About The Illustrator

Shannon McNeill

Shannon McNeill is a Canadian-born, San Diego-based illustrator whose books include Are We There Yet? by Dandi Daley Mackall, Wild & Wooly by Mary Jessie Parker, How to Cheer Up a Friend and How to Say You’re Sorry by Stephanie Calmenson, and her own Wheels, No Wheels. Her work is influenced by local nature, loitering in coffee shops, old books, child art, and long walks around the block. Learn more at LittleDrawings.com.

Product Details

Publisher: Beach Lane Books (March 17, 2026)
Length: 32 pages
ISBN13: 9781665958394
Ages: 4 - 8

Browse Related Books

Raves and Reviews

McNeill’s softly hued, smudgy mixed-media illustrations, a combination of gouache, pencil, and cut paper, blend with Calmenson’s plainspoken text for a straightforward yet sensitive exploration of a situation encountered by most kids . . . A quiet tale to spur useful conversation about blame, accountability, and apologies.

– Kirkus, December 15, 2025