That's Hockey
by David Bouchard
illustrated by Dean Griffiths
View Excerpt
- Age:
- 0 to 5
- Grade:
- p to k
- Reading age:
- 3 to 5
- Short-listed, Chocolate Lily nominee
- Short-listed, SYRCA Shining Willow nominee
- Commended, CCBC Our Choice
- Commended, Resource Links "The Year's Best"
When Etienne takes his cousin out to play street hockey for the first time, he has a lot of explaining to do. Street hockey is nothing like ice hockey. Everyone has to wear a No. 9 Canadiens hockey sweater, but beyond that, the game has more to do with a fun day in the snow than with winning or losing. Etienne's cousin comes away with a talisman and a story worth passing on.
close this panel
The ball hit the road and the game was on.
Once the game started, time stopped for me.
For all of us.
We played. And played. And played.
And were they good! I never saw a pro handle a puck the way these kids handled an old red ball.
"Bouchard captures the authentic thrill of a game played simply for the joy of it."
"Bouchard trumps our expectations in this winsome tale of how they play hockey in the Far North."
"A terrific celebration and homage to the grand game of street hockey."
"Joins Canadian hockey classics for and about children."
"Injects a vigorous note that challenges gender stereotypes that still exist in what is often viewed as an all-boys' sport."
"A marvellous story...of the spirit of friendship, the love of the game and a shared passion among children."
"The story moves at a lively pace, and illustrator Griffiths's hockey players are both comical and endearing."
"Large, colorful, and expressive cartoons show hockey-playing youngsters whose faces radiate enthusiasm and a love of the game."
"A first-rate picture book that will appeal to hockey fans of both sexes."
"Sure to inspire many a road hockey game."
"Highly recommended."
"Bouchard and Griffiths combine words and illustrations to delightfully deceive readers."
"Highly recommended."
