Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the high expectations and eventual letdowns that often come with school events or competitions. It speaks directly to the 'all or nothing' mindset of young children who feel like a failure when they do not win the prize they wanted. Through the eyes of the hilariously unfiltered Junie B. Jones, kids see their own big frustrations mirrored in a way that feels safe and funny. The story follows Junie B. as she prepares for the school carnival, convinced she will be the star of every game. When things do not go as planned, she must navigate feelings of jealousy, embarrassment, and the ultimate disappointment of winning a heavy, 'yucky' fruitcake instead of a toy. It is an excellent choice for ages 5 to 8 to normalize the fact that school life is messy, winning isn't everything, and it is okay to feel grumpy about a fruitcake.