Teaching children the value of trying – and that not everything is always about winning – is a tough task delegated to adults, parents or educators, especially when it is human nature to want to be on top of the pyramid. Many parenting books will tell you that inculcating this lesson in them involves showing, not telling. But often times, finding ways to show them this trait is a major challenge. In moments like this, I turn to storybooks. For this particular lesson, Lysa Terkeurst’s Win or Lose, I Love You became my dependable ally.
Meet best friends Lulu and Max who hang out with talking animals, Bear-Bear, Coyote, Goosey, Raccoon, Chipmunk, and Rabbit on Field Day.
It was a day meant for the animals to participate in different contests. Coyote won the Costume Contest, which upset Goosey who thought that her natural wings deserve the recognition. Raccoon triumphed in the Stick Toss Contest and everyone was happy. Later in the story, Goosey won the marathon with obstacle course but this made Coyote mad as he believes that he is the fastest animal in Grand Forest. The angry Coyote stomped over to the pie table, where the pies for the Pie Tasting Contest were laid out. He kicked the table very hard causing the pies to splatter all over the meadow.
In between these contests, Lulu reminded the animals that losing is inevitable but there’s no need to be angry because the most important part of every competition is not about being hailed as the winner; it is about the fact that you sincerely tried to do your best.
The illustrations by Jana Christy are superb and uncomplicated – and are very fitting for a children’s book. I especially love having a central character in Lulu who wears a tutu. There’s something so adorable about a little girl going about her childhood wearing a tutu… not to mention that tutu rhymes with Lulu.
A lesson in leadership is also included in this story with Bear-Bear stepping up enabling the group to move forward after Coyote’s angry episode.
Terkeurst included 10 biblical verses at the end of the book that shares wisdom on whether you win or lose. My most favorite part of this story is the ending when Lulu, Max, and the animals climbed the Tall, Tall Tree while they sang Lulu’s words:
You may not win, but you must try.Sometimes you’ll lose, but there’s no need to cry.Win or lose, one thing that’s true-No matter what, I love you!
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