Howard B. WIgglebottom doesn't like losing ... only winning. He gets loud and angry when he loses. What will it take for Howard to learn that some things are more important that winning all the time?

(Read Aloud) In this book, Howard learns what it means to be a good sport. Before he had been obsessed with winning and would do whatever it took to win (even if that was cheating). He realizes how poorly he is behaving after one soccer game and learns it’s more important to be kind and have good sportsmanship than to win. I thought the message of this book was really good and not too lengthy, so it’ll keep children’s attention. This is a good book for children because it brings up many good discussion points and the back of the book even has discussion questions. This is a good read aloud because it can keep children’s attention while teaching them, and it can start a conversation about good behavior.

Howard wants to be the best at everything and is a poor sport when he isn't. When he is forced to sit out of his game because of his behavior, he notices a parent showing poor sportsmanship, he realizes what his behavior looks like to others, and decides to change. ( )

Howard B. Wigglebottom loved to win. He had to be the best at everything. At the fair he won the seed spitting contest, the pie eating contest and the sledge hammer contest. He was best at lots of things. There was a time when Howard came in second. He wasn't very happy. As a matter of fact he got so mad he kicked his second place trophy and hurt his toe. When it was time to play soccer with his team his anger was the worst. He yelled at the coach and other team players. Howard wanted to win so bad he hogged the ball and tripped some players. The coach made him sit out of the game. It wasn't until Howard saw a parent yelling and throwing a tantrum that he realized how bad he must have looked. He was embarrassed and ashamed. Howard asked the coach if he could play. He promised he wouldn't let the team down, and he didn't.

This is a wonderful book for kids. The soft illustrations are vibrant and fun. Howard teaches kids how to have fun, respect others and play fair. Teaching a small child sportsmanship is a tough thing to do. Winning can be a lot of fun but losing will teach a lesson too. Teaching kids to do their best no matter what is it's own reward.

At the back of the book parents and teachers will find helpful tips and lesson plans to educate young readers. The We Do Listen Foundation is a non-profit organization that creates entertaining, education books and songs to help young children be better listeners, learn important life lessons and feel better about themselves. The website offers free animated versions of the books, games and songs as well as teaching and parenting resources. To find out more, visit www.wedolisten.org. ( )