November 1, 2002
Famous players, positions, game rules and more make up Matt Napier's Z Is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet, illus. by Melanie Rose. Written in verse, the book begins with the arena where it all happens ("A is for Arena./ The game is played in here,/ A building where the fans all gather/ to clap and boo and cheer"), closes with the Zamboni that cleans the ice for the next face-off, and includes the roles of players and some of the stars ("B is for two Bobbys,/ with last names of Hull and Orr"). Up-close paintings of intent players and landscape views of the rink vary the pacing.
April 1, 2003
K-Gr 4-From "A is for Arena./The game is played in here, /a building where the fans all gather/to clap and boo and cheer" to "-Zamboni for Z-/a machine that cleans the ice, /ensuring for tomorrow's game/a surface smooth and nice," this volume introduces various aspects of the sport and some highlights from its history. For example, "U is for Team USA-/Who, to everyone's surprise, /at Lake Placid won Olympic Gold/before a nation filled with pride." The use of Canadian spelling, according to the author, is a tribute to the origins of the game. Bold acrylic paintings depict professional players, as well as youngsters at play. Buy where demand warrants.-L. R. Little, Penticton Public Library, British Columbia, Canada
Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.