Books About Losing

The Best Losing Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about losing? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His GRRRRR!
Lost. Found.
You Can't Win Them All, Rainbow Fish
Series
Number One Sam
The Shortlist

Our 8 Favorite Books About Losing

The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His GRRRRR!
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His GRRRRR!

By Rob Biddulph

A champion bear loses his growl before a big contest. Can he find it in time?

40 pages· 773 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
6.4/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 458 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Fred, the reigning champion of the forest's bear contest, wakes up to a nightmare—his mighty growl is missing! As the competition looms, Fred must embark on a quest to recover his GRRRRR. But along the way, he might just discover that there's more to life than winning. Will Fred reclaim his roar and learn a valuable lesson about friendship and self-worth?
Ida, Always
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Ida, Always

By Caron Levis, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)

A polar bear faces loss and finds comfort in memories.

40 pages· 778 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 2,778 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a bustling city park, polar bears Gus and Ida share an unbreakable bond. When Ida falls gravely ill, Gus must confront the heartache of losing his dearest friend. As they navigate this painful journey together, Gus discovers that Ida's presence lingers in the echoes of their shared world. Inspired by a true friendship, this poignant tale explores the enduring power of love and memory, leaving readers to ponder: How do we hold onto those we've lost?
The Spelling Bee Before Recess
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2013

The Spelling Bee Before Recess

By Deborah Lee Rose, Carey F. Armstrong-Ellis (Illustrator)

Three spellers face off in a tense bee. Who will win with a surprise twist looming?

32 pages· 585 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 114 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a tense school spelling bee, three contenders—Cornelius, Ruby, and The Slugger—battle word by word. With recess looming and no winner in sight, the final word holds the key to victory. As the clock ticks, an unexpected twist could change everything. Will The Slugger hit a grand slam or finally strike out? This whimsical tale combines humor and suspense, inviting young readers to spell along and discover the power of words.
The Day War Came
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2018

The Day War Came

By Nicola Davies, Rebecca Cobb (Illustrator)

A child's world shatters as war arrives, leaving her to seek hope in a foreign land.

Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2019)
32 pages· 498 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,234 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A young girl’s life is upended when war devastates her town, forcing her on a perilous journey alone. Stripped of everything familiar, she faces a world that offers no welcome. Yet, amidst the despair, a simple act of kindness from another child offers a glimmer of hope. Will this small gesture be enough to rebuild her shattered world? Experience her poignant journey through evocative language and illustrations that capture the resilience of the human spirit.
Lost. Found.
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2015

Lost. Found.

By Marsha Diane Arnold, Matthew Cordell (Illustrator)

A lost scarf unites animals in a playful winter adventure.

32 pages
3.6/5 Goodreads · 558 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: On a chilly day, a bear's red scarf is whisked away by the wind, sparking a whimsical journey. Raccoons, a beaver, a fox, and squirrels each find inventive uses for the scarf, from tug-o-war to a trampoline. As the scarf changes paws, chaos erupts when all the animals claim it at once. Can the bear restore harmony with patience and friendship? Discover the playful twists in this nearly wordless tale of camaraderie and creativity.
You Can't Win Them All, Rainbow Fish
Sale price
$1049
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

You Can't Win Them All, Rainbow Fish

By Marcus Pfister · Rainbow Fish series

Rainbow Fish learns to accept loss without losing his sparkle.

32 pages· 821 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.3/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 345 ratings
$10.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Rainbow Fish faces a challenge when he experiences losing for the first time. Struggling to maintain his usual sparkle, he must learn the art of being a good sport. Can he find a way to accept defeat gracefully and keep his shine? Dive into this colorful tale of resilience and discover how Rainbow Fish navigates the ups and downs of competition.
Number One Sam
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2014

Number One Sam

By Greg Pizzoli

A top racer faces a new challenge when his friend outshines him. Can he learn to be a true winner?

40 pages· 320 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 858 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Sam, the unbeatable race-car driver, always finishes first. But when his friend Maggie reveals her own racing prowess, Sam struggles with being second. As the competition heats up, Sam must discover what it truly means to be a winner. Will he embrace sportsmanship and friendship, or let rivalry drive them apart? This engaging tale explores the thrill of racing and the heart of true victory.
The Great Sock Secret
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2016

The Great Sock Secret

By Susanne Merritt, Gwynneth Jones (Illustrator)

Where do all the missing socks go? Discover the magical secret Sarah must keep hidden.

32 pages
3.5/5 Goodreads · 20 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Sarah's mother blames the puppy for the missing socks, but Sarah knows the truth involves mischievous fairies. As she navigates this whimsical world, she must keep the secret hidden from her mother. Will Sarah manage to protect the fairies' secret, or will the truth unravel? Dive into a magical adventure where socks disappear and fairies play, and discover a world that will change how you see your laundry forever.
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