My First Book of Hockey (Sports Illustrated Kids Rookie Books)

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

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"A colorful and lively overview of hockey. Highly recommended." - School Library Journal "Kids who already love hockey will eat this up, but its stealth audience may be the clueless kid whose BFF is a rabid fan." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "A must-have, friendly introduction to the sport...a great series for burgeoning sports fans big or small." - Mom Read It "Hockey may be the least understood of the four major North American sports and therefore the most in need of a primer for newbie fans. My First Book of Hockey will shoot and score for them." - NC Teacher Stuff "An easy to read and easy to understand lighthearted look at the game of hockey."- Mrs. Mommy Booknerd "A great way to introduce hockey to little readers and possibly get them interested in a new sport!"- Outnumbered 3 to 1 "It's funny, makes a great read aloud!"- Batch of Books "Sports Illustrated Kids does an impressive job of explaining the game for even the youngest player to understand."- Sincerely Stacie "A must read for all young fans...they'll love how fun this book is!" - Christy's Cozy Corners "A great series for little players. Highly recommended." - Jean Little Library