From School Library Journal
K-Gr 3--Danny loves to play hockey with his friends in their small Canadian town. Though he can't skate because of a ``crippled leg and foot,'' he plays goalie in his leather moccasins. When a town team is formed, he is cut because he can't skate. Very disappointed, his spirits are revived when weeks later the coach asks him to replace the team's injured goalie in the biggest game of the year. Danny steps in, plays well, and is invited to stay on the squad for the playoffs. While the large, lavishly colored paintings adequately sustain the mood of the story, the text leaves much to be desired. Told in the first person, it often reads in a staccato manner. Except for regional interest, ``ice'' any thoughts of purchasing this one.
Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WI
Copyright 1996 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"The art of William Brownridge charges the white small-town Prairie winter with the excitement and energy of a child's perception. The story captures both the pain and the glory for children involved in minor sports." (
Regina Sun 19951224)
"Brownridge's paintings of the wintry Canadian landscape feature bold dabs of paint applied in an impressionistic style to create a mosaic of blues, golds, and brilliant pinks...It's enough to make you put down your book, bundle up, and head out into the snow." (
Hungry Mind Review 19951001)
"Makes a nice read-aloud book as well as a read-by-myself book for early readers. It contains beautiful, big, full-color illustrations that add feeling to this emotional story." (
Christian Library Journal 19960901)
"Although it's a winter story, the direct language and zinging art 'score' with boys and girls all year-around." (
Mosaic 19960701)
"Although the story highlights hockey, it also deals with friendship, abilities and prejudice." "There are never enough good hockey stories for young children. This is a welcome addition." "The happiness of the friends and the feelings...are vividly portrayed." (
Resource Links 19951001)
"The illustrations are impressive." "Children will sense [Brownridge's] love for hockey and his experiences as a 'moccasin goalie.'" "Remember to stock this picture book for young hockey fans." (
Canadian Bookseller 19951001)
"This book is highly recommended both for its positive message and for its joyous celebration of youthful pastimes." "The pointillist technique used to depict ice and snow gives the pictures a scintillating, sparkling effect." (
Canadian Children's Literature 19951001)
"Brownridge's full-colour paintings...powerfully capture both the biting cold of prairie winters and the eye-dazzling brightness of the season's days." "The combination of a warm, affirming story and fine illustration makes this a book for all collections serving young listeners and readers." (
CM Magazine 19951124)