No one likes losing, but unfortunately, it is a reality of life and therefore it’s extremely important for children to learn how to be both respectful losers and humble winners.
This collection of books is perfect for opening up conversations about giving your best effort, supporting your teammates, winning with grace, and losing honorably.
What are your best tips for teaching sportsmanship? Have you used any of the books pictured here?
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I Really Want to Win by Simon Philip; illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti
(Ages 3 and up)
In this humorous book packed with kid appeal, a confident young girl plans how she will celebrate winning her school’s Sports Day. When she trips at the finish line of a race and proceeds to lose each subsequent competition, however, she grows angrier and angrier until her friend advises her to simply find joy in the things she loves. It is only when the girl focuses on her interests, that she truly finds success.
With its positive message about healthy competition combined with colorful, energetic illustrations and lively rhymes, this book is, in fact, a real winner!
The Big Cheese by Jory John, illustrated by Peter Oswald
(Ages 4 and up)
After continuously winning every competition he enters, The Big Cheese has a little bit of a big head! Full of confidence, he boasts and brags every chance he gets. When Wedge moves into town, however, and becomes the new champ, The Big Cheese must learn how to process losing. With a new perspective, he learns about empathy, humility, and the joy of participating in a variety of activities even ones he’s not very good at.
Full of humorous puns, this fantastic lesson in social emotional learning is perfect for classroom and home libraries!
Wally the World’s Greatest Piano-Playing Wombat by Ratha Tep, illustrated by Camilla Pintonato, 2022
Wally believes he is the greatest piano-playing wombat of all time until he meets Wylie, who is even better. Envious of Wylie, Wally adds more and more difficult elements to his act only to be bested by Wylie each time. Feeling defeated, Wally gives up playing the piano. During a surprise visit from Wylie, however, he realizes that in trying to beat Wylie he actually pushed himself to become an even more talented piano player. He finds that working with Wylie helps him develop his skills further and is a lot more fun.
Learning at an early age how to talk about competition and do what makes children happy instead of focusing on being the absolute best is invaluable. My kids loved reading about Wally’s comical antics and appreciated the sentiment that they are enough no matter how they perform.
Evie’s Field Day: More Than One Way to Win by Claire Annette Noland; illustrated by Alicia Teba
(Ages 4 and up)
Evie was used to winning, so she was looking forward to defeating her competition on Field Day. She watched in dismay, however, as event after event led to another classmate’s victory. As the best jumper, she excitedly began the sack race where she knew she could at least win one contest. When a bird fell out of its nest right in front of her, though, she realized helping others was more important than winning. This story is further enhanced with talking points and recommendations on exhibiting good sportsmanship.
The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear by David Bruins
(Ages 4 and up)
When three best friends, a ninja, a cowboy, and a bear, begin arguing who is the best, they participate in a variety of competitions. They ultimately discover that each has their own strength allowing them to realize their unique traits should be celebrated and not challenged. This engaging story also invites readers to play an alternate version of rock, scissors, paper using the book characters instead.
Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli
(Ages 4 and up)
Readers follow Sam as he bears the disappointment of losing a big race, but learns to focus on trying his best and having fun. Most importantly, children will feel comforted in knowing they will still be loved and accepted even if they don’t always win.
Fancy Nancy and the Mean Girl by Jane O’Connor
(Ages 4 and up)
Our family loves Fancy Nancy, so we were thrilled to find this Easy Reader focusing on sportsmanship. As a nonathlete, Nancy dreads field day. When she over hears another girl complaining that her team will lose because of Nancy’s slow legs, she fakes an injury to avoid running the next day. Her parents notice and help her work through her hurt feelings. The next day she confronts the girl stating, “I will run as fast as I can. But if we lose, don’t say mean stuff. You are a good runner. But you are not a good sport.” Nancy’s maturity pays off, as the girl treats her with kindness after they lose the race.
Mama Lion Wins the Race by Jon J. Muth
(Ages 4 and up)
This imaginative tale follows a group of stuffed animals through a whimsical car race. Eye-catching watercolors capture the racers as they zoom through a beautiful countryside. While there are a few comical antics, acts of kindness help the racers realize that winning friends can be even sweeter than obtaining a trophy.
