Families who loved Horrid Henry's Sports Day by Francesca Simon 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 facing a school event where they feel they cannot win, or when they are struggling with the 'fairness' of rules and competition. It is a perfect choice for the child who feels like a 'bad kid' because they find it hard to lose gracefully. Through the lens of the mischievous Henry, the story explores the high-pressure environment of a school sports day. It validates the frustration of not being the best while using humor to take the sting out of failure. Henry is a relatable anti-hero for children aged 5 to 9 who are navigating the complex emotions of jealousy and sibling rivalry. While Henry's schemes are often over-the-top, they provide a safe space for parents and children to laugh at the chaos of school life together. You might choose this book to normalize feelings of anger or unfairness, showing your child that even 'horrid' feelings are a common part of growing up.