A Picture Book That Teaches Kids True Friendship and Faith: The Best Trophy

What does it really mean to win?

That question feels simple on the surface, but it’s one we spend a lifetime answering—especially in a world that loves trophies, first place, and shiny rewards. The Best Trophy begins with the excitement of a children’s trail race, but quickly becomes something deeper: a gentle, faith-filled exploration of friendship, courage, and choosing others first.
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This is the kind of picture book that invites families to slow down, read closely, and talk together about what truly matters.

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Choosing People Over Prizes: My Thoughts
I connected with Liam immediately. His nerves, his hope, his fear of failing again—it all feels so real. He wants to win, yes, but more than that, he wants to prove something to himself. That longing is something children understand instinctively.

As the race unfolds, the story moves quickly and energetically—until it doesn’t. When an unexpected moment forces Liam to choose between the finish line and his friends, the heart of the story comes into focus.

What I love most is how faith shows up here. Not loudly. Not preachy. Just present. A remembered prayer. A moment of clarity. A choice that reflects God’s heart. Liam’s decision models faith in action—the kind that shows up when it costs something.

That theme immediately reminded me of Remmy’s Sticky Situation. While the stories are very different, both center on friendship and the realization that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is give something up for the sake of others. Those lessons tend to stay with children long after the book is closed.

An Author Who Writes Faith Into Everyday Choices
Jennifer Noel Wilson has a clear gift for writing stories that meet children right where they are. She captures the emotional mix of fear, determination, and hope with authenticity and care.

Her faith is woven naturally into the story, reflecting biblical values through action rather than explanation. The result is a book that feels sincere and welcoming—well suited for families, classrooms, homeschool settings, and church libraries.

Illustrations That Capture Movement, Emotion, and Compassion
Ahmad Sabadunya’s illustrations bring warmth and motion to every page. You can feel the rush of the race, the tension of the moment, and the compassion between friends through expressive faces and dynamic scenes.

The artwork does more than support the text—it deepens it. Young readers will enjoy “reading” the illustrations, noticing details, and interpreting emotions, which makes this a wonderful choice for shared reading.

Problem-Solving in the Middle of the Race
While The Best Trophy isn’t a traditional STEM book, it includes meaningful, real-world thinking. When a friend is injured, Liam pauses, assesses the situation, and uses what he knows and what’s around him to help.

That kind of problem-solving—thinking critically, adapting, and applying knowledge—is an important skill for children. It’s a quiet reminder that learning is meant to be lived out, especially in moments that matter.

Friendship, Empathy, and the Courage to Do What’s Right
The social-emotional learning elements in this story are strong and clear. Children see perseverance, empathy, self-control, and courage modeled through Liam’s choices.

Most importantly, they see that friendship sometimes requires sacrifice—and that choosing people over prizes is always worth it. In today’s world, that message feels especially needed.

The Best Trophy Is Friendship
The Best Trophy gently reminds readers that God’s definition of winning looks very different from the world’s. Through engaging storytelling, expressive illustrations, and a faith-filled message, this book creates space for meaningful conversations about kindness, courage, and true friendship.

It’s a great addition to any child’s bookshelf and one that invites us all to rethink what it really means to win.

Let’s Talk About Friendship and Sacrifice
I’m giving away one copy of The Best Trophy to a reader who joins the conversation! To enter, simply leave a comment below. One winner will be selected in the first week of February—so don’t miss your chance to cross the finish line with this wonderful book.

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Step into Story: Learning with Heart and Purpose
This story's excitement doesn’t stop at the finish line. These handpicked activities invite children to keep running with the ideas from The Best Trophy—through playful learning that blends movement, STEM thinking, and social-emotional reflection. Each link below leads to an external resource designed to spark curiosity, encourage teamwork, and help young learners explore what it really means to win by choosing kindness, courage, and friendship along the way.

Author Jennifer Noel Wilson
Shop Jennifer Noel Wilson's Store
PBS Friendship Take Home Packet
22 Best Social-Emotional Activities for Preschoolers
​Can You Win the Race: A Preschool Activity
Wheel and Axle Simple Machine Activities -Race Car STEM Challenge Project - TPT - 1st - 3rd grade
Pony Bead Friendship Bracelet Craft

*The links in this section will take you to outside websites with activity ideas and resources. I don’t earn anything from items that may be sold there (although most are free) — I’m just sharing ideas I think are worth exploring. As you click around, keep an eye out for sneaky clickbait download buttons or pop-ups and stick with the obvious, kid-friendly links.

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