About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to participate in organized play, sports, or school competitions and feels the pressure of performance. It is a perfect choice for the toddler or preschooler who gets frustrated when they don't win or feels embarrassed when they make a mistake in front of others. Lucy Cousins uses her signature bold illustrations to follow Maisy and her friends through a variety of outdoor games where things don't always go perfectly. Through simple, repetitive text, the story emphasizes that the joy of sports comes from teamwork and laughter rather than the final score. It normalizes the 'oops' moments, like dropping an egg during a race, and shows how friends support one another. This is an essential tool for building early resilience and a healthy attitude toward social play, helping children see that falling down together can be just as fun as crossing the finish line first.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The approach is entirely secular and focuses on prosocial behavior in a safe, play-based environment.
Ideal Reader
A three-year-old attending their first organized playgroup or a preschooler who is beginning to show signs of 'sore losing' and needs a low-stakes model of sportsmanship.
