Finding Forgiveness - by Rebecca Gardyn Levington (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

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."

Review Quotes

13 Books to Celebrate the Bond Between Sisters (School Library Journal)

"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

"This touching, relatable, and emotional book helps children to understand the importance of asking forgiveness." --Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

"The delightful illustrations by Diana Mayo show a diverse congregation and a woman rabbi wearing a prayer shawl and a kippa. This charming book also includes a glossary and a guide to making meaningful apologies. A great addition to the library of parents and grandparents." --Jewish Community Voice

"In Rebecca Gardyn Levington's touching--and relatable--story channeling the High Holidays spirit, two sisters have an argument on the day before Rosh Hashanah that leaves them both sulking . . . The book includes suggestions for meaningful apologies that all children can use." --The Jerusalem Post

"Finding Forgiveness offers a sophisticated yet child-accessible path to moving through sadness and emotional disruption. It underscores self-forgiveness, accountability and communication, lessons for little ones and the adults in their lives . . . The book reminds us that within Jewish tradition there are ways of handling conflict and being our best selves by both taking accountability for our actions and forgiving ourselves. This is a helpful reminder for readers of all ages and backgrounds." --The Sydney Taylor Schmooze

"What makes Finding Forgiveness especially meaningful is its dual relevance: while rooted in Jewish tradition, its message is universal. The book includes a glossary and a practical guide on how to make meaningful apologies, making it a valuable resource for families and educators alike. Whether shared during the Days of Awe or used year-round to spark conversations about accountability and healing, this picture book is a quiet gem that belongs in every child's library." --Writing and Illustrating Blog

About the Author

Rebecca Gardyn Levington is a children's book author, journalist, and poet who has a particular penchant for penning both playful and poignant picture books and poems, primarily in rhyme. Some of her recent titles include Finding Forgiveness; I Will Always Be . . .; Little Dreidel Learns to Spin!; Afikoman, Where'd You Go?; and Whatever Comes Tomorrow. She lives in New Jersey with her family.

Diana Mayo has illustrated many picture books, both fiction and nonfiction, including Finding Forgiveness by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, Snow Ghost by Tony Mitton, Molly on the Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal, and Yawning Yoga by Laurie Jordan. She enjoys getting messy with watercolors, collage, colored pencils, and pastels to create texture-filled illustrations. She lives and works in Chelmsford, England with her family and two cats.