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The Time Machine: Because it's never too late to apologize
When apologizing to her best friend proves too difficult, Bailey feels her only hope lies in building a time machine to return to the day she said something mean.
Bailey's building a time machine... not to visit ancient Egypt or King Arthur's court, but to take her to last Thursday. That’s the day she said the Thing that made her best friend so mad. But when it's complete, Bailey discovers the only thing harder than building a time machine is having the courage to revisit a moment you regret.
Bailey's building a time machine... not to visit ancient Egypt or King Arthur's court, but to take her to last Thursday. That’s the day she said the Thing that made her best friend so mad. But when it's complete, Bailey discovers the only thing harder than building a time machine is having the courage to revisit a moment you regret.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 30, 2023
Outstanding book for readers/listeners aged 2-7. Bailey said “the thing” that made Nia cry and tries to build a Time Machine to go back to the time just before she said it. (I especially appreciate the deliberate vagueness of what that thing was that Bailey said.) Along the way, she finds the courage to speak a clear and specific apology that offers no excuses, only regret. Author Pauline David-Sax includes notes to guide caregivers in helping their children apologize and along with talented illustrator Melquea Smith, shows children of various skin tones, body types and one with glasses in realistic settings. A must-have book for elementary school counselors, teachers, libraries, and parents of young ones.
Thanks for sending me a print arc, Cardinal Rule Press.
Thanks for sending me a print arc, Cardinal Rule Press.
May 6, 2025
Bailey is building a time machine so she can go back to a very important moment in the past–last Thursday. On that fateful day, Bailey said something to her best friend Nia that fractured their friendship, and Bailey does not know how to set things right. When her mother and brother are too busy to help her, Bailey knows just the right solution, although it seems impossible because of Bailey's unfortunate past behavior. Luckily, apologies and forgiveness are never too late to achieve when friends make the effort to grow together. This heartfelt picture book features a challenging yet familiar experience in the lives of people of all ages. One choice–whether made in frustration or otherwise–can have far reaching ripple effects. And only through bravery and kindness can relationships be mended after such an event occurs. Because the specific words Bailey said to Nia are only referenced within the narrative and are never overtly stated, readers can easily imagine themselves in the characters' places, enhancing the overall empathy generated by this story. Expressive illustrations, appealing font, and an accessible plot make this book well suited to preschool into early elementary school-aged readers. Supplemental materials are included to help caregivers guide children through similar experiences in their own lives, offering suggestions for continued discussion after the story ends. Uplifting and relatable, this is a particularly powerful addition to social-emotional library collections for elementary school-aged children.
July 19, 2023
Attention primary classroom teachers, guidance counselors and parents, you are going to want this picture book for your lessons on friendship. This book is written in simple terms with attractive illustrations. Although race isn't mentioned, Bailey presents as tan skinned and her best friend, Nia, has darker skin. Both Bailey and Nia use she/her pronouns. Bailey has said something hurtful to her friend. She is having a hard time apologizing. She decides to build a time machine to go back to the day she said the hurtful thing. One of the great things about this book is that the reader never learns what it is that Bailey actually said. This will drive students crazy but, hopefully, it will get conversations flowing. There is also a two page spread at the end with apologizing Do's and Don'ts for more conversations.
A STEM add-on for the book would be to have students draw what their time machine would look like.
A writing add-on would be to have students chose where their time machine would take them in the book (Bailey and Nia pretend to go to Egypt).
For older students, have students write about what they would use a time machine to do. Where would they go? Would they go forward or backward in time? Would they try to change something?
*I received an ARC of this book for my review. For more Cardinal Rule Press titles, be sure to visit their bookshelf! https://cardinalrulepress.com/pages/shop
A STEM add-on for the book would be to have students draw what their time machine would look like.
A writing add-on would be to have students chose where their time machine would take them in the book (Bailey and Nia pretend to go to Egypt).
For older students, have students write about what they would use a time machine to do. Where would they go? Would they go forward or backward in time? Would they try to change something?
*I received an ARC of this book for my review. For more Cardinal Rule Press titles, be sure to visit their bookshelf! https://cardinalrulepress.com/pages/shop
October 31, 2023
If any of us could build a time machine, we would go back in time to when we were kids or maybe to live in a different generation (I’d choose the 1950s). But, Bailey wants to build a time machine to go back to last Thursday. It was a day that she hurt her best friend Nia’s feelings. It was a day she would like to do over and not say “The Thing” that she didn’t mean to say.
It isn’t easy to apologize and every time Bailey tries, she gets a lump in her throat and can’t say “I’m sorry”. So, she decided to build a Time Machine instead. But, when her mom or brother don’t have time to help her she starts working on it by herself…until she hears a familiar voice behind her.
Apologies are hard for adults, so naturally they will be hard for kids as well. But, it is an important skill to learn how to apologize properly. In this story, all one friend needed to hear was “I’m sorry.” and all was forgiven. Kids will learn that sometimes an apology can be as simple as that, as long as it is said with true meaning behind it. Acknowledging what went wrong and not making excuses are key to a good apology. The back of the book includes other tips for kids on giving an apology.
The illustrations show appropriate expressions for the hurt feelings as well as the joy of forgiveness. We’ve all said or done something silly and/or hurtful and can all be encouraged to make things right with a friend through this story.
It isn’t easy to apologize and every time Bailey tries, she gets a lump in her throat and can’t say “I’m sorry”. So, she decided to build a Time Machine instead. But, when her mom or brother don’t have time to help her she starts working on it by herself…until she hears a familiar voice behind her.
Apologies are hard for adults, so naturally they will be hard for kids as well. But, it is an important skill to learn how to apologize properly. In this story, all one friend needed to hear was “I’m sorry.” and all was forgiven. Kids will learn that sometimes an apology can be as simple as that, as long as it is said with true meaning behind it. Acknowledging what went wrong and not making excuses are key to a good apology. The back of the book includes other tips for kids on giving an apology.
The illustrations show appropriate expressions for the hurt feelings as well as the joy of forgiveness. We’ve all said or done something silly and/or hurtful and can all be encouraged to make things right with a friend through this story.
October 3, 2023
I loved how real this story was! From the start I personally resonated with Bailey the main protagonist, who regrets saying something (probably mean) to her friend Nia and doesn't know how to apologize. I believe many if not all readers will be able to sympathize with Bailey if they've also been in that position before. What was also real was how we see Nia actually approach Bailey first after initially walking away from her in school. Before bailey has even apologized, Nia seems like she's already forgiven Bailey, though when Bailey finally apologizes, Nia honestly admits how she'd felt hurt (past tense, which is a good sign that she's worked through most of her emotions already). In the end, they hug and then play with the time machine Nia helped Bailey finish building. A sweet, honest portrayal of friendship. Definitely a recommend!
October 20, 2023
Apologizing is no easy task and I absolutely love how THE TIME MACHINE skillfully follows one girl’s journey to courageously take responsibility for her mistake and set things right with her friend.
After offending her best friend Nia, Bailey wants to apologize, but finds it difficult to express her remorse. She sets upon building a time machine to go back and undo her mistake. When she struggles to finish the project, Nia unexpectantly aids in the completion of the time machine. Together, they both venture into the contraption, enabling Bailey to deliver a heartfelt apology. This pivotal moment allows the two friends to mend their relationship and move forward.
I especially appreciate the “Apologizing Do’s and Don’ts” included in the back to help guide readers when making their own amends.
After offending her best friend Nia, Bailey wants to apologize, but finds it difficult to express her remorse. She sets upon building a time machine to go back and undo her mistake. When she struggles to finish the project, Nia unexpectantly aids in the completion of the time machine. Together, they both venture into the contraption, enabling Bailey to deliver a heartfelt apology. This pivotal moment allows the two friends to mend their relationship and move forward.
I especially appreciate the “Apologizing Do’s and Don’ts” included in the back to help guide readers when making their own amends.
March 28, 2023
Very competently done, this brief story tells of Bailey, a girl regretting having said something nasty to a friend, and wanting to build a time machine to go back and rectify the error. But time machines won't work, will they? – and such a thing cannot be papered over, surely? OK, the end situation is not the sole result of Bailey's actions, but she still has enough agency, even if the solution here is that the insulted person is happy to move on. The book shows the very benefit to be had in at least wanting to right our wrongs, and gives a decent lesson in apologising. Nobody should regret buying this for their educational needs – a healthy four stars.
June 12, 2023
There's a reason why I illustrated this book.
I've been someone who has said something mean to someone I love and has gone through many ways of trying to apologize. This story not only resonated with me, but it WAS me. Too many times! Pauline's story struck me to say "yes" to work on this manuscript. Bailey and Nia came to life every time I read Pauline's words. Their similarities and their differences shine through each page of the book. This is a great story for little ones to learn how to be a friend, how to show up, and how to mend a relationship, even when it's difficult to form the words to do so.
I've been someone who has said something mean to someone I love and has gone through many ways of trying to apologize. This story not only resonated with me, but it WAS me. Too many times! Pauline's story struck me to say "yes" to work on this manuscript. Bailey and Nia came to life every time I read Pauline's words. Their similarities and their differences shine through each page of the book. This is a great story for little ones to learn how to be a friend, how to show up, and how to mend a relationship, even when it's difficult to form the words to do so.
September 3, 2023
This story for young children is deceptively simple, offering moral guidance and emotional intelligence without being preachy. I also enjoyed the illustrations.
Bailey has said something horrible to her best friend Nia (we never learn what, leaving space for the reader's imagination) and now she just can't seem to apologize. Building a time machine to go back to just before she said The Thing seems the only way out of her misery ... unless, maybe, there is another solution?
I read a digital advanced reader's copy courtesy of the publisher. Thank you for this delightful read, Pauline, Melquea and Cardinal Rule Press!
Bailey has said something horrible to her best friend Nia (we never learn what, leaving space for the reader's imagination) and now she just can't seem to apologize. Building a time machine to go back to just before she said The Thing seems the only way out of her misery ... unless, maybe, there is another solution?
I read a digital advanced reader's copy courtesy of the publisher. Thank you for this delightful read, Pauline, Melquea and Cardinal Rule Press!
September 17, 2023
"When apologizing to her best friend proves too difficult, Bailey feels her only hope lies in building a time machine to return to the day she said something mean."
What a wonderful way to introduce young children to a social emotional tool that's probably not covered often: apologies. There are many adults who can benefit from this book as well!
The Time Machine takes such a playful, compassionate approach to the topic of apologizing, yet shows how simple it can be. I especially loved the tips at the beginning of the book of thoughts and feelings to notice before, during, and after reading the story.
What a wonderful way to introduce young children to a social emotional tool that's probably not covered often: apologies. There are many adults who can benefit from this book as well!
The Time Machine takes such a playful, compassionate approach to the topic of apologizing, yet shows how simple it can be. I especially loved the tips at the beginning of the book of thoughts and feelings to notice before, during, and after reading the story.
September 20, 2023
Pauline David-Sax writes a touching story for younger children about the challenges many of us face when apologizing for having hurt a friend’s feelings. I appreciated how the author approaches the complexities of the art of the apology, for young and old! I also really liked how the “wrong” that led to hurt feelings was never revealed, highlighting for the reader that what was said or done in the past is less important than the act of a genuine apology. Thoughtful questions and discussion points are also included in the front of the book which are helpful in helping children understand the many layers of the book. Overall, a great book that I recommend!
October 17, 2023
What a surprising joy this book was! When I saw the cover, I thought it was a STEM-type book, but it's not. It's so much better! When a girl says a horrible thing about her BFF, all sorts of emotions arise, and it's hard to figure out what to do. Yet creating this time machine to return to that horrible moment is a nice twist on dealing with childhood disputes. Perfect for every classroom. The beginning and end pages have so much excellent information to remedy hurt feelings for teachers and students to use for discussion. A book I will be reading over and over to all my early ed classrooms. Excellent for students up to third grade, in my opinion.
December 18, 2023
I don't know about you but I know there has been a time or two when I said something to someone and then wished I could take it back. When Bailey says some hurtful words to her best friend, she finds it hard to apologize. Bailey wants to build a time machine to go back to that day. Will her friend ever forgive her?
This is a great book to read and discuss with your children about friendship and learning to apologize and forgive. I like how the book showed Bailey's emotions and how she feels about hurting her friend. The back of the book has helpful do's and don'ts for apologizing.
Thank you to @cardinalrulepress and @prettykittypaintings for the #gifted book.
This is a great book to read and discuss with your children about friendship and learning to apologize and forgive. I like how the book showed Bailey's emotions and how she feels about hurting her friend. The back of the book has helpful do's and don'ts for apologizing.
Thank you to @cardinalrulepress and @prettykittypaintings for the #gifted book.
November 28, 2024
A good book about how to apologize. Bailey said something that upset her friend, Nia. The reader never knows what this thing was, nor should they. It is up to the imagination. Bailey is determined to make things right with her friend. She builds a Time Machine to try and go back to the incident so she can erase it. Because apologizing seems too hard. She’s tried, lots of times! But what if she tried just one more time and really meant what she said? Would that help? Find out!
Bailey and Nia are very well drawn characters and I like the idea of building a Time Machine for apologizing. Very inventive! :)
Mia’s Year of Books: Day 263
Bailey and Nia are very well drawn characters and I like the idea of building a Time Machine for apologizing. Very inventive! :)
Mia’s Year of Books: Day 263
September 6, 2023
Apologizing is hard! Pauline David-Sax gets to the heart of the matter with the Time Machine. Bailey truly misses her best friend, Nia - building a Time Machine is her idea of fixing the problem. Sounds plausible, right? These relatable characters are not in a fantasy - they are living in the real world and trying to make sense of it. The illustrations by Melquea Smith work perfectly with the narrative. This book offers discussion topics to help kids become better at making amends. Who knows? Maybe the grown-ups reading the stories will learn something, too.
October 17, 2023
Touching story of a young girl, Bailey, who says something that hurts her best friend. She struggles to apologize so decides to build a time machine to go back to that day and change what she said. While she is working on it, her friend arrives and she apologizes in person. Nia shares how she felt and Bailey listens. They resolve the problem and head off in the time machine to other locations. David-Sax includes helpful information on apologizing at the end of the story. The illustrations capture the emotions well. Terrific dialogue starter for families.
October 17, 2023
Beautifully illustrated and well written book for young children. Bailey, is regretting saying something to her friend that made her cry. She doesn’t know how to fix it and decides to build a Time Machine to go back in time and fix it. However, she couldn’t find anyone to help and she didn’t have her friend to help. When her friend arrives Bailey is happy and realizes that a Time Machine is not necessary but a sincere apology is. An excellent story that show’s children the benefits of apology.
Many thanks to Library thing and the author for providing me with a copy to review.
Many thanks to Library thing and the author for providing me with a copy to review.
September 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book about friendship and forgiveness. Hurting a friend's feeling is such a common dilemma for kids, and yet I've never seen another picture book about it! This is a very sweet story (and model for young children) on how two friends reconcile after an unkind comment. It shows the big emotions on both sides, and what it takes to come back together. Helpful social emotional tips in the back matter are an extra bonus.
May 2, 2023
5 stars for this book that deals with the very difficult task of sincerely apologizing for our behavior, words, and actions. Bailey has upset her friend and can't seem to find a way to apologize so she tries building a tie machine so c=she can go back and makes amends. Highly recommend.
I read a digital advanced reader's copy courtesy of the publsiher
I read a digital advanced reader's copy courtesy of the publsiher
August 22, 2023
With empathy and a child-centered focus, The Time Machine acknowledges the mistakes we make and helps frame the apologies we give. A must-have resource for parents and teachers.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. For more Cardinal Rule Press titles, be sure to visit their bookshelf at https://cardinalrulepress.com/pages/shop.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. For more Cardinal Rule Press titles, be sure to visit their bookshelf at https://cardinalrulepress.com/pages/shop.
September 15, 2023
Apologizing can be hard for kiddos, heck… for some adults too!
This book is sure to set kiddos on the right foot, and help them overcome any worries when it comes to apologizing.
I love books that start open conversations with my kids, and this one did just that.
It has fantastic back matter on the do’s and don’ts of apologizing too, which is a great way to start chatting with kiddos.
This book is sure to set kiddos on the right foot, and help them overcome any worries when it comes to apologizing.
I love books that start open conversations with my kids, and this one did just that.
It has fantastic back matter on the do’s and don’ts of apologizing too, which is a great way to start chatting with kiddos.
October 11, 2023
Pauline David-Sax is a lighthouse. In simple ways, she shines a light on complex and enduring issues that transcend time and place. Her books, including The Time Machine, cause a slight discomfort as they remind us what is important. They teach us lessons that make us, and the world, a better place.
October 23, 2023
Sweet story about how hard it is to apologize...your balloon pops, your sign blows away, and maybe it's just not worth it. But life isn't as sweet without your best friend. So she builds a time machine to fix the moment she said the bad thing. Her friend appears to help finish the machine and go on its first trip. Really nicely done, not preachy at all. Back matter for how to apologize.
November 4, 2023
Read this one with both my youngest and they enjoyed it. They were both curious as to what the girl said to her friend that was mean. But I liked that it wasn’t specified so that you can apply it to different situations.
Thank you to @cardinalrulepress for my gifted ARC, all opinions are my own.
Read Nov 2023
Thank you to @cardinalrulepress for my gifted ARC, all opinions are my own.
Read Nov 2023
August 14, 2023
What a great story to help kids understand the importance of apologies! My 7 yr old and I read this together and he said it was amazing! I love the apology do’s and don’ts in the back. This would be perfect for a classroom at the start of the year as well to help set expectations for citizenship.
October 16, 2023
Have you ever said something and instantly regretted it? Did you wish you had time machine, so you could take it back?
The Time Machine by Pauline David- Sax is an adorable story about a little girl named Bailey, who wants to build a time machine to travel back in time to right before she said “the thing” that made her best friend, Nia, cry. Every time Bailey thought about apologizing, her stomach would twist in a knot, and she would let the opportunity to apologize pass. As she builds her time machine by herself, she wishes Nia was there to help.
When Nia shows up to lend a hand, Bailey is thrilled and makes sure Nia knows how sorry she is for the hurtful words she said. Accepting her apology, Nia and Bailey spend the rest of the day traveling in their new time machine.
I am happy to join @cardinalrulepress on their #booktour for The Time Machine. Parents, teachers, and counselors will definitely benefit from owning this book to use as a social emotional lesson for children. I appreciate how the author left out what Bailey said that hurt Nia’s feelings because it allowed the reader to focus on the apology in the story and not the harm done. This book is a great tool to acknowledge and validate someone’s hurt feelings and how we can apologize to make it right. After reading this book with my children, we had conversations about what Bailey might have said to harm Nia and how we would handle apologizing for those hurtful words.
This picture book highlights the importance of an apology, and I loved how the author included a guide in the back to help children navigate how to apologize to a friend. The illustrations by @prettykittypaintings are diverse and inclusive, and I think all kids will love them. Her attention to details is impressive.
*I received an ARC of this book for my review. Order your copy here: https://shop.cardinalrulepress.com/pr...
The Time Machine by Pauline David- Sax is an adorable story about a little girl named Bailey, who wants to build a time machine to travel back in time to right before she said “the thing” that made her best friend, Nia, cry. Every time Bailey thought about apologizing, her stomach would twist in a knot, and she would let the opportunity to apologize pass. As she builds her time machine by herself, she wishes Nia was there to help.
When Nia shows up to lend a hand, Bailey is thrilled and makes sure Nia knows how sorry she is for the hurtful words she said. Accepting her apology, Nia and Bailey spend the rest of the day traveling in their new time machine.
I am happy to join @cardinalrulepress on their #booktour for The Time Machine. Parents, teachers, and counselors will definitely benefit from owning this book to use as a social emotional lesson for children. I appreciate how the author left out what Bailey said that hurt Nia’s feelings because it allowed the reader to focus on the apology in the story and not the harm done. This book is a great tool to acknowledge and validate someone’s hurt feelings and how we can apologize to make it right. After reading this book with my children, we had conversations about what Bailey might have said to harm Nia and how we would handle apologizing for those hurtful words.
This picture book highlights the importance of an apology, and I loved how the author included a guide in the back to help children navigate how to apologize to a friend. The illustrations by @prettykittypaintings are diverse and inclusive, and I think all kids will love them. Her attention to details is impressive.
*I received an ARC of this book for my review. Order your copy here: https://shop.cardinalrulepress.com/pr...
November 8, 2023
I won this book as a giveaway for my kids. My oldest is 3 and as I was reading it to him, we were talking about how Bailey felt and how Nia felt and what each girl should do. It’s a great book to use to teach about apologizing and how to apologize the best way. Well done!
November 18, 2023
The Time Machine is a powerful story of regret, apology, forgiveness, and friendship. I love it so much and think it will help so many kids learn how to apologize after they hurt someone’s feelings. Highly recommend!!
February 25, 2023
Super cute, well written, great message.
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
August 15, 2023
Such a sweet story of friendship...regret and forgiveness. It would be a great addition to any primary classroom library!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews