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This story teaches children the importance of being a good sportsman.
He really wants his team to win. When the game doesn’t go his way, can his pals help him be a good sport?
Rooty is trying to take first place. Leading his veggie soccer buddies against the gourds, he’s quick to run and kick the goals. But as he shoots the ball over and over, he forgets to play nice with the losing side.
Obsessed with claiming another victory by challenging the greens, Rooty's high hopes for the tournament wilt after a disappointing loss. And mad that his friends are still having fun, he doesn’t know how to ever be happy about not coming out on top.
Can this little rutabaga learn to enjoy himself without keeping score?
The sun is shining, the weather is glorious, and the residents of the vegetable garden are engaging in a soccer tournament. As veggies watch from the sidelines, Rooty maneuvers down the field and veers around the opposing team. A goal is in his sights. He kicks and...scores! The crowd goes wild!
Win or lose, it's crucial to be a good sportsman. Rooty's behavior was everything we should teach children not to do after playing a game. If you're on the winning side, never make someone feel bad about not performing as well as you. It would be best if you didn't boast about your win to the losing team, either. Don't get frustrated with your teammates if you're on the losing team. Be a gracious winner. Be a gracious loser, too.
Rooty allowed the loss to affect his attitude. He tore off his jersey and stormed off the field. He sulked about the loss, a common reaction with humans. He forgot that winning is great, but having fun is more important. Thanks to a pep talk with sweet potato, he remembered why he started playing the sport. With a new outlook on the game, he was energized and ready to hit the field. He exhibited true sportsmanship qualities and was a proper role model for young readers.
I recommend Rooty the Rutabaga: A Beautiful Game by Steven Megson for children 2-9 years. The story taught children what behavior is appropriate, whether you are on the winning or losing side of a game (indoor or outdoor). Andy Yura's illustrations were spectacular and captured the excitement of the game to a tee! The text placement got muddled with the background in a few places, but nothing overly dramatic.
Be sure and check out the bonus activities after the story: maze, spot the differences, and fun facts page. Be sure to check out Rooty the Rutabaga's other book, too!
Reviewed by
I've been constructing reviews for over a decade and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Most of the reviews will be featured on my blog (Kam's Place), Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, and X (formerly Twitter.) Don't forget to tip your waitress! :D
Synopsis
He really wants his team to win. When the game doesn’t go his way, can his pals help him be a good sport?
Rooty is trying to take first place. Leading his veggie soccer buddies against the gourds, he’s quick to run and kick the goals. But as he shoots the ball over and over, he forgets to play nice with the losing side.
Obsessed with claiming another victory by challenging the greens, Rooty's high hopes for the tournament wilt after a disappointing loss. And mad that his friends are still having fun, he doesn’t know how to ever be happy about not coming out on top.
Can this little rutabaga learn to enjoy himself without keeping score?
About the author
Steven Megson is an award-winning children's book author who lives in Newmarket, Canada with his wife and daughter. When he is not busy working on his next writing adventure, he enjoys reading, watching movies with his family and building very large pillow forts. view profile
Published on June 15, 2023
0-1000 words
Genre: Children's
Reviewed by
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