Franklin Plays The Game

A parent might reach for this book when their child is having a tough time with competition, showing frustration or poor sportsmanship after losing a game. This story addresses the big feelings that come with not winning and the importance of being a good team player. In the book, Franklin the turtle loves playing soccer, but his intense desire to win makes him angry and unkind to his friends when his team starts to lose. He has to learn that how you play the game and treat your teammates is more important than the final score. It’s a gentle and relatable story for children aged 4 to 7, using familiar characters to model emotional regulation, empathy, and the true meaning of teamwork. It provides a perfect, low-stakes way to start a conversation about being a graceful loser and a supportive friend.