Finding Forgiveness

Ages 5 to 8

From the creator of the Ezra Jack Keats Honor-winning picture book Every Little Kindness, this powerful and positive wordless story explores the all-important theme of forgiveness.

When a young boy’s beloved bird flies away, the only thing harder than tracking it down is forgiving the friend who let it escape. As he searches the town from sidewalk to treetop, what he finds instead of his lost pet is that people make mistakes all the time. But it might take his own mistake to discover the truth: even when all seems lost, forgiveness is a gift that comes back to you. 

Told entirely in wordless illustrations with pops of color for every moment of forgiveness, this simple yet powerful story can be enjoyed by young readers, families, classmates, and friends. For anyone who has had a fight or experienced conflict with someone they care about—something we all go through—this gentle picture book shares comfort and timeless wisdom.

WHY FORGIVENESS MATTERS: Apologies are hard to give, and forgiveness is even harder, but each genuine moment of sincerity can soothe hurt feelings. This heartwarming book demonstrates that unintentional mistakes are a part of everyday life and that choosing to forgive is a form of kindness.

TEACHING VALUES: Created by award-winning Slovenian artist Marta Bartolj, this universal story furthers the message in her debut book, Every Little Kindness. It demonstrates how to build on kind acts by pairing a sincere apology with genuine forgiveness.

“A beautifully illustrated story about one of the most challenging human experiences—learning that forgiveness is the kindest act of all. No words needed.”

—Alison Oliver, author-illustrator

“This book is a silent journey that follows one boy and his tiny bird as they discover a big new understanding.”

—Cynthia Alonso, author-illustrator

Perfect for: Parents and caretakers looking for books about forgiveness Classroom book for teachers and educators Anyone looking for a sweet, heartwarming children’s book Fans of wordless picture books Readers of Every Little Kindness, Heartstring, Enemy Pie, and How to Apologize

About the Author

Marta Bartolj is an award-winning artist and illustrator. She has loved birds since she was little, seeing them as symbols of freedom and playfulness. When she watches them take flight, she sometimes imagines joining them. Her debut book, Every Little Kindness, received an Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Honor and a Kristina Brenkova Special Prize for outstanding wordless picture book. She holds a master’s degree from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Ljubljana, Slovenia, where she immersed herself in the study of illustration. She lives in Trebnje, Slovenia.