Families who loved Hunter & Stripe and the Soccer Showdown by L. M. Elliott 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's competitive spirit starts to overshadow their kindness, especially during sports or games. It is a perfect choice for the young athlete who struggles with losing or who becomes a 'different person' on the field, losing sight of sportsmanship and friendship in the heat of the moment. The story follows best friends Hunter and Stripe, a raccoon and a cat, whose friendship is tested when they end up on opposing soccer teams. As the 'Soccer Showdown' approaches, their competitive drive turns into mean-spirited rivalry, leading to hurt feelings and a fractured bond. Through their journey, the book explores themes of frustration, the weight of an apology, and the importance of prioritizing people over winning. It provides a gentle, relatable framework for parents to discuss how to balance passion for a hobby with the respect due to friends and teammates. Ideal for children ages 4 to 8, it models how to mend a relationship after a blowout and reminds us that the best games are the ones played together.
