Finding Forgiveness

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Description

A loving, heartwarming picture book about empathy, sisterhood, and finding the courage to ask for forgiveness-and having the grace to give it-both to others and to ourselves. It's Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, a time for new beginnings. But two sisters don't know how to move forward after the fight they had the night before. As they gather for the ceremony of Tashlich, during which they'll symbolically cast away their regrets from the previous year by throwing bits of bread into a body of water, the sisters reflect on their past mistakes. They can't undo their actions, but they can start fresh again this year, if only they take the lessons of Tashlich to heart. With lyrical rhyming text from Rebecca Gardyn Levington and gorgeous illustrations from Diana Mayo, Finding Forgiveness is a tender, universal story of sisterhood and making amends. It's the perfect book to gently start conversations around accountability, apologizing, social emotional learning, and conflict-resolution with your little ones. Back matter includes an author's note which explains Tashlich, a glossary, and a section on "How to Say I'm Sorry and Mean It."

Reviews

"Luminous and emotionally resonant . . . Levington's rhyming text gracefully captures the emotional nuance of reconciliation, while Mayo's warm watercolor illustrations provide a comforting visual backdrop. Together, they present a thoughtful narrative that helps young readers navigate feelings of regret, anger, and healing . . . Whether read at home or in the classroom, it provides a meaningful way to discuss themes of remorse, forgiveness, and emotional growth. A tender, beautifully crafted story about conflict, emotional insight, and Jewish holiday traditions." --School Library Journal

"Gardyn Levington's rhyming couplets skillfully capture the narrator's emotional journey, while Mayo's deftly illustrated, light-filled spreads and pastel colors convey the joy of the holiday . . . The story makes an excellent addition to the very small handful of children's books on Tashlich and the themes of Yom Kippur . . . Conveys a universal lesson on compassion tenderly and with depth." --Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

Rebecca Gardyn Levington is a journalist, children's book author, and poet who has a particular penchant for penning both playful and poignant picture books and poems-primarily in rhyme. Her recent titles include Afikoman, Where'd You Go; Little Dreidel Learns to Spin; and Whatever Comes Tomorrow. Rebecca's award-winning poems and articles have appeared in numerous anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. She lives in New Jersey with her family. RebeccaGardynLevington.com Diana Mayo has illustrated many picture books and nonfiction children's books for publishers in the UK and US, including Snow Ghost by Tony Mitton, Molly on the Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal, and Yawning Yoga by Laurie Jordan. She enjoys getting messy with watery paint, collage, colored pencils, and pastels to create colorful, patterned, and texture-filled illustrations. She lives and works in Chelmsford, near London, in the UK with her family and two cats. DianaMayo.com