5 Books to Help Children Learn About Teamwork

We’ve all heard the cliches, “Teamwork makes the dream work,” “Together Everyone Achieves More.” As adults we know how much of an integral role that teamwork plays in our every day lives; in our friendships, relationships, and most certainly in the work place. Teamwork is all about supporting each other and working to achieve a common goal not just as part of a sports team but in life. 

But what does that mean to children, and how can we teach them from a young age to be part of a team? Here are a few books to help teach your child about teamwork. We recommend these titles since they speak directly to teaching cooperation and teamwork, but as always with children’s materials, parents should preview for family alignment and age appropriateness.

Tractor Mac Teamwork By: Billy Steers

Recommended Age: 2-5 years

All the vehicles and animals on Stonybrook Farm are enlisted to help build a new swimming hole for their town’s residents. It is a big job, but Tractor Mac and his pals are willing to lend a hand. But a tractor named Deke thinks he can do it all by himself–and do it better than everyone else. He soon learns that a complex job is done best when each member of a team does his or her part.

We are Better Together By: Roger Priddy

Recommended Age: 5-6 years

You can’t paint a picture without paint, or make a milkshake without milk. This charming book of teamwork and friendship shows how individual things are so much better, when they all work together! Flour, eggs, butter, and sugar all join together to make a cake; paper, scissors, and tape wrap a beautiful present. Designed with a mixture of photographs and fun illustrations to engage little ones and make them smile, there are cute rhymes to read and share in this celebration of teamwork in its many forms.

The Hard Hat for Kids By: Jon Gordon and Lauren Gallager PhD

Recommended Age: 4-7 years

An inspiring story with lessons on teamwork—written for kids, but valuable to everyone

Adapted from Jon Gordon’s bestseller The Hard Hat, The Hard Hat for Kids is an inspiring story that teaches children how to be a great teammate. An engaging tale that resonates with all children, the 10 Ways to be a Great Teammate and the “We before Me” philosophy, make this book an enjoyable read and an invaluable teaching tool for coaches, teachers, and parents. 

The Hard Hat for Kids presents practical insights and life-changing lessons that are immediately applicable to everyday situations, giving kids—and adults—a new outlook on cooperation, conflict resolution, friendship, and the selfless nature of true teamwork.

Teamwork (Hugo the Happy Starfish) By: Suzy Liebermann

Recommended Age: 3-5 years

Hugo is a little starfish and he longs to visit the real world. On the Island of Cooperation he discovers that a team working together can achieve so much more than one alone. Come on a sea adventure with Hugo the Happy Starfish as he finds that happiness begins with cooperation. 

EDUCATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES Hugo the Happy Starfish Hugo is a little starfish and he longs to find happiness. His journey isn’t quite as straightforward as he had hoped it would be. He is sent to a series of different islands where he is taught important character lessons. By the end of his journey, Hugo has visited fourteen islands, made many more friends, and, most importantly, has learned how to be happy. 

Teaching children life skills can be tricky, but with this exciting children’s book series your children will come across some of the most important lessons there are to be learned. Like Hugo, their journey to the real world will be full of character lessons along the way. In Hugo, children, parents, and educators will discover a lovable and engaging role model with whom they can identify. 

The book consists of 29 gorgeous illustrations showing a colorful and magical underwater world. The book includes 10 coloring and workbook pages in order to intensify the learning process. Children will laugh at the delightful characters, hold their breaths in suspense and love to read these stories over and over. The series is suitable as a read aloud book for preschoolers or a self-read book for older children.

Teamwork Isn’t my Thing and I Don’t Like to Share! By: Julia Cook

Recommended Age: 5- 12 years

RJ’s having another bad day… His teacher wants him to work with bossy Bernice, messy Frankie, and Norma (who just sits and picks her nose) on a report about Egyptian mummies. 

After a frustrating school day with his team, RJ goes home to find only one cookie left in the jar. And his mom makes him share it with his sister! With the help of his coach, RJ learns that working together as a team and sharing are skills needed not just on the soccer field, but in school and at home too!