The 2014 Winter Olympics are taking place from February 7 to 23 in Sochi, Russia. We are looking forward to the 98 events for the next two weeks! We are especially looking forward to . . . HOCKEY! Read these books with your little ones about this amazing winter sport.
The Highest Number in the World
Written by Roy MacGregor
Illustrated by Geneviève Després
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-575-3
“The story’s ending, in which Gabe dreams of her number 9 retired and raised to the rafters, is uplifting in every way. MacGregor’s writing packs an emotional punch without relying on sentimentality…. Expressive pencil drawings, brightened with color washes, perfectly capture the characters’ feelings. From the moment Grandma begins to share her past and her passion for hockey, the story’s context becomes broader, more complex, and more meaningful. A memorable, intergenerational picture book perfect for sharing.” – Starred Review, Booklist
Splinters
Written by Kevin Sylvester
Hardcover | 40 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-0-88776-944-3
“Sylvester’s puckish (sorry) take on the Cinderella story is reflected in squiggly, exaggerated watercolor-and-ink pictures. Most of them float on the page as if on the ice, and this works wonderfully, from Cindy’s parents’ frozen basement apartment to the wide rink. The Fairy Goaltender, by the way, works her magic by whacking Cindy across the legs with her magic hockey stick. Goal!” – Kirkus Reviews
The Hockey Sweater
Written by Roch Carrier
Illustrated by Sheldon Cohen
Translated by Sheila Fischman
Hardcover | 24 Pages | Ages 7-9
ISBN: 978-0-88776-169-0
Paperback: 978-0-88776-174-4
“It’s a classic… you can’t really be a Canadian and not read it. It’s become part of our cultural lexicon.” – Canadian Children’s Book News
Ice Time
The Story of Hockey
Written by Michael McKinley
Hardcover | 80 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-762-3
“From the nostalgic cover photos to the colorful action shots inside, this history of ice hockey is a winner. Tales of early hockey legends…and superb photos, some vintage…add enormous appeal. The author’s enthusiasm for ice hockey is infectious, giving the book widespread appeal especially for fans and former players. It is a highly recommended purchase for school and libraries in areas where hockey is played.” – VOYA
Real Stories from the Rink
Written by Brian Mcfarlane
Illustrated by Steve Nease
Trade Paperback | 96 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-604-6
“Read this book and you will sweep the hockey category at the next Jeopardy challenge.” – TV Guide
Hockey Canada’s Learn All About Hockey
Color and Activity
Written by Al Huberts
Illustrated by Frank Bailey
Trade Paperback | 176 Pages | Ages 4-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-436-7
“Since Learn All About Hockey Coloring and Activity Book really doesn’t have a plot and there is no real characterization, who would choose to ‘read’ it? The answer – Newbies to the game of hockey, especially those who don’t know/understand how the sport is played, how teams are structured, the equipment players, including goalies, need to wear . . . the hockey rink and its ‘parts’, the game’s rules, and especially hockey’s vocabulary, including the visual ‘language’ or hand signals used by the on-ice officials.” – CM Magazine
Screech Owls Series by Roy MacGregor
Puckster Series by Lorna Schultz Nicholson