Book 4: Harold's Sports Day Slip-Up
Theme: Perseverance & Resilience
About the Book
In Harold's Sports Day Slip-Up, Harold learns an important lesson: Keep trying even when you fall; effort matters more than perfection This engaging story shows children ages 7-13 how this value applies to their own lives through humor, relatable characters, and heartfelt moments of growth.
Sneak Peek
Meet Hazardous Harold
Harold is all arms and legs, elbows and knees—a 9-year-old with light brown hair who's taller than most kids his age and has a special talent for creating unintentional chaos wherever he goes. For Harold, every day is an unpredictable adventure. But behind each mishap is a valuable life lesson—teamwork, perseverance, good sportsmanship, and knowing when to ask for help—that helps him grow in the most heartwarming ways.
Chapter 1: This Time Will Be Different
Harold stood in his backyard, doing stretches that looked more like a baby giraffe learning to walk. Spike, his Jack Russell Terrier, watched with his head tilted, clearly confused about what his human was doing.
"This year, Spike, Sports Day is going to be DIFFERENT," Harold announced, attempting to touch his toes and nearly falling over. "No disasters. No chaos. No epic fails."
Spike barked once, which Harold interpreted as encouragement rather than scepticism.
Sports Day at Bondi Primary School was this Friday, and Harold was determined to prove he wasn't just "Hazardous Harold"—the kid who'd turned the Science Fair into a foam disaster, accidentally stolen a parakeet, and launched Murphy's birthday cake like a frosting missile.
"I've been practicing!" Harold told Spike, who was now chewing on a tennis ball. "I can almost run in a straight line now. Watch!"
Harold took off across the yard. His long, gangly legs pumped. His arms windmilled. He made it approximately six meters before tripping over Spike's water bowl.
SPLASH!
Harold lay on the wet grass, staring at the sky.
Spike trotted over and licked his face.
"Okay," Harold admitted. "Maybe I need a LITTLE more practice."
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Chapter 2: The Sports Day Lineup
Friday morning arrived bright and sunny—perfect weather for disaster, Harold's mum joked as she made breakfast.
"Mum, that's not funny," Harold protested, though he was secretly worried she might be right.
"You'll be fine, sweetheart," she reassured him. "Just remember what we've learned: think before you act, ask for help when you need it, and—"
"And don't bring Spike to school," Harold finished.
Spike, hearing his name, bounded into the kitchen and sat at Harold's feet with his most angelic expression.
"Sorry, buddy," Harold said, scratching behind Spike's ears. "No dogs at Sports Day. But I'll tell you all about it when I get home."
Spike's tail drooped.
"Don't worry," Harold's mum said, patting Spike's head. "I'll take you for an extra-long walk this afternoon."
At school, the oval had been transformed. There were lanes marked with chalk, hurdles set up, a long-jump pit, and banners everywhere reading "BONDI PRIMARY SPORTS DAY!"
Harold met Murphy and Mia at the Blue House tent (they'd all been assigned to the same team).
"Ready to NOT cause a disaster?" Murphy teased.
"Absolutely," Harold said confidently. "I've been practicing. I'm like an athlete now. Basically."
Mia looked at him sceptically. "Harold, you tripped getting off the bus."
"That was a practice trip," Harold said defensively. "To get it out of my system."
Mrs. Patterson gathered the Blue House team. "Alright, everyone! We have six events today: the sprint, hurdles, long jump, three-legged race, egg-and-spoon race, and the relay finale. Let's show great sportsmanship and do our best!"
Harold listened carefully to which events he'd been assigned:
Three-legged race (with Murphy)
Egg-and-spoon race
Relay (anchor position—the last runner!)
"No worries," Harold whispered to himself. "Just three simple events. What could possibly go wrong?"
Murphy and Mia exchanged a look that clearly said: "Everything. Everything could go wrong."
Where to Buy
Print & Kindle (Amazon):
eBook Stores - Draft2Dogotal
Libraries, Schools, Bookstores (IngramSpark):
Bonuses
When you buy this book, don't forget your extras!
· Harold's Circle of Friends (free bonus chapters & sneak peeks)
· Exclusive Coloring Pages
· Educator Notes Pack (lesson plans & guides)
