________________ CM . . . . Volume XVII Number 41 . . . . June 24, 2011

cover

Freddy's Hockey Hero.

Susan Chalker Browne. Illustrated by Hilda Rose.
St. John's, NL: Tuckamore Books, 2010.
32 pp., pbk., $12.95.
ISBN 978-1-897174-62-3.

Preschool-grade 2 / Ages 4-7.

Review by Natalie Schembri.

**** /4

   

excerpt:

Then Freddy stood up.
"Time to find Billy Binkle!" he announced.

"Billy Binkle?" Dad frowned.
"What makes you think he's here?"

"I just know it!" explained Freddy, exasperated. "C'mon Dad, let's go. It'll be fun!"


Susan Chalker Browne's story, Freddy's Hockey Hero, describes young and eager Freddy on his mission to meet Mr. Billy Binkle at a Habs and Leafs exhibition hockey game.

internal art      Freddy's determined expedition around the arena generates a parade of followers, including a security guard, teenagers and booth vendors. Browne continually describes the individuals, "dodging, dipping, twirling and leaping," on their march towards Mr. Binkle. The repetition establishes an energetic and youthful rhythm to the story that leaves readers curious about Freddy's next steps to find Binkle and ask for a hockey stick autograph. Browne uses common hockey language, such as "the Leafs tore down the ice in a pace. Fans cheered and jeered as the puck boomeranged off the crossbar," to authentically depict the spirit of a Canadian hockey game.

      Complementing the heightened level of anticipation throughout the story, Hilda Rose's illustrations boldly and colourfully establish a sense of playfulness that captivates readers. Further, the fast-paced nature of Freddy's adventure matches the exhilaration and thrill of the hockey game itself.

      I would recommend including Freddy's Hockey Hero in a school or public library collection. Susan Chalker Browne's playful story will generate a thrill in young readers through Freddy's mission to meet his hockey idol.

Highly Recommended.

Natalie Schembri, a Toronto Maple Leaf fan, lives in London, ON.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364
Hosted by the University of Manitoba.
 

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