Families who loved The Big Game from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is feeling intimidated by older kids or expressing anxiety about an upcoming sports event or gym class. It provides a humorous outlet for the very real fears children have about physical competition and social hierarchies at school. Hubie and his classmates face a daunting football game against older, bigger students, leading to wild imaginings of monster-like opponents and impossible odds. Through Mike Thaler's signature blend of hyperbole and silly wordplay, the story normalizes the feeling of being the underdog. It is a perfect choice for early elementary readers who need to see their anxieties reflected in a way that is funny rather than frightening, ultimately teaching that showing up is the bravest part of the game.
