My First Book of Hockey
(Sports Illustrated Kids Rookie)

PreS-Gr 2—A colorful and lively overview of hockey. Readers are introduced to the basic principles of the sport and move on to learn the object of the game, where it is played, and how the game is divided before the narrative follows the trajectory of a real-life hockey game. In the left-hand corner of each spread, a box keeps track of the period (there are three periods overall), and in the right-hand corner, a box keeps track of the time (there are 20 minutes to each period). The center of each spread is dedicated to a particular aspect of the game, with a key concept highlighted. For instance, in the first period, with six minutes and 45 seconds left on the clock, a player is shown winding up for a big shot. The term slap shot is enlarged. Photographs feature current players, who are often accompanied by illustrated thought and speech bubbles that are sure to entertain older readers more familiar with the game. (The authors have even included an emoji joke.) One caveat, though: these very contemporary details may prematurely date the book. In addition to the two time markers in the corners of each spread, the pages are color-coded to correspond to the current period (first period is blue, second period is orange), which may provide young readers with entertaining lessons on colors and counting, too. VERDICT Highly recommended purchase for all sports collections.—Laura Lintz, Henrietta Public Library, Rochester, NY