Families who loved Tyrone the Double Dirty Rotten Cheater by Hans Wilhelm 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 struggling with the concept of sportsmanship or feels a desperate, almost frantic need to win every game at any cost. This story addresses the social friction caused by cheating and the isolation that often follows when a child prioritizes the trophy over the friendship. It follows Tyrone, a large dinosaur who uses his size and sneaky tactics to win every competition at a camp-style outing. Through a series of humorous mishaps during a treasure hunt, Tyrone inadvertently foils his own cheating plan, leading to a natural consequence that helps him see the value of playing fair. It is an excellent choice for elementary-aged children who are navigating the complex social rules of group play and learning to manage the disappointment of losing. You might choose this book to open a non-judgmental conversation about why we have rules and how cheating actually takes the fun out of the victory.
