That's Not Fair

What should we do when life isn’t fair?

When someone takes Spud’s favorite swing, he’s faced with this timeless question. After a series of failed attempts, (crying, yelling, getting even, and even being mean himself) Spud learns that none of these reactions make the playground, or his heart, any better.

That’s Not Fair is a fun children’s picture book about emotional intelligence, empathy, and making good choices when faced with unfair situations. With simple language and expressive illustrations, this story helps children recognize their feelings, reflect on their responses, and discover that kindness and self-control can make even an unfair world more beautiful.

Perfect for parents, teachers, and counselors, That’s Not Fair supports social-emotional learning (SEL) and encourages conversations about fairness, forgiveness, and personal responsibility. Whether read aloud at home, in the classroom, or during storytime, Spud’s journey shows young readers that while we can’t always make things fair, we can always choose to make them better.

If your child enjoys books like What Should Danny Do? or Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, they’ll love growing alongside Spud in this thoughtful and uplifting story about turning life’s challenges into opportunities for kindness.