Personalised children's book about saying sorry

What happens in your child Says Sorry Properly

1. Your child joins a friend at the drawing table.
2. A splash of paint spoils the friend's picture.
3. Your child pauses instead of hiding the mistake.
4. Your child says sorry and listens to how their friend feels.
5. Together, they create a new picture with room for both ideas.

How the first page could read

Your child had chosen the brightest blue paint in the tray. Beside them, a friend was adding tiny yellow stars to a picture of a night-time garden. Then your child's elbow nudged the water pot. Splosh. Blue water rippled straight across the stars.

Your child’s name, look and little details replace these words, and the whole story is written for their age.

Why this story works

For children aged 3 to 6, saying sorry can feel harder than the accident itself. This story keeps the problem familiar and manageable: a spilled pot of paint, a disappointed friend and a quiet table. Your child does not simply say the words and move on; they notice the friend’s feelings, apologise clearly and help with the next step. The ending shows that making things right can include listening, offering help and creating something together. Personalising the book lets families use your child's own name while talking about everyday moments involving paint, play and friendship.

Reading it together

• Pause after the spill and ask your child what your child could say before turning the page.
• Use the apology scene to practise simple words such as “I’m sorry” and “How can I help?” together.
• After reading, invite your child to draw a small picture for someone they care about.

Suggested art style: Storybook watercolour

Soft watercolour paint marks make the spilled-blue scene clear while keeping the classroom setting gentle and familiar. A sidekick idea: a careful friend with a star-shaped paintbrush. You can pick any of the four styles and change the details in the form.