Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Grape learns about forgiveness in warm, funny picture book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE SOUR GRAPE used to be sweet, enjoying time with family and friends. But now they hold grudges against anyone, like when Banana slips and bumps into them or when Orange forgets to call them back. Grape's face gets squished and frowny, and life gets harder. But when Grape makes a mistake too and has time to reflect, they wonder if the key to being happier is to be compassionate to others.
Is It Any Good?
With lots of humor and clear language about forgiveness, this lovely picture book is full of reminders not to always take others' actions personally. It also helps to understand that if someone hurts your feelings it isn't always intentional. The Sour Grape encourages readers to give others the benefit of the doubt and recognize that everyone makes mistakes. Using funny, clear examples, the fruits on these pages teach adults and children alike that life is happier, better, and more fun when we extend empathy to others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about a time when someone has quickly forgiven them for a mistake, the way Grape learns to in The Sour Grape. How did you feel when your mistake was forgiven? How did you move on?
What can you do to help create situations for compassion and forgiveness?
What other books about friendship and feelings have you read?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Pete Oswald
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper Collins Publishers
- Publication date : November 1, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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