________________ CM . . . . Volume VIII Number 4 . . . . October 19, 2001

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Brady Brady and the Great Rink.

Mary Shaw. Illustrated by Chuck Temple.
Toronto, ON: Stoddart Kids, 2001.
32 pp., pbk, $6.99.
ISBN 0-7737-6224-8.

Subject Headings:
Hockey stories.
Skating rinks-Juvenile fiction.

Grades 1-3 / Ages 6-8.

Review by Ian Stewart.

*** /4

Brady Brady and the Runaway Goalie.

Mary Shaw. Illustrated by Chuck Temple.
Toronto, ON: Stoddart Kids, 2001.
32 pp., pbk, $6.99.
ISBN 0-7737-6225-6.

Subject Headings:
Hockey stories.
Fear-Juvenile fiction.

Grades 1-3 / Ages 6-8.

Review by Ian Stewart.

*** /4

 

Imageexcerpt:

Brady loved winter. He loved winter because he loved hockey. Hockey was all he though about. He thought about it so much that everyone had to call him twice to get his attention. It drove his family crrrrazy!

"Brady, Brady! Is your bed made?"

"Brady, Brady! Hatrick wants to go out."

"Brady, Brady! You're spilling your milk!"

Pretty soon they just called him Brady Brady. It was easier that way.

Young Brady Brady's adventures centre on his love of hockey and his team, the Icehogs, plus their quest for the Frosty Cup. In the story of Brady Brady and the Great Rink, we find our young hockey fanatic determined to build his own backyard skating rink, even though his mother says the cold will freeze off his nose; his dad says he cannot help because he has a bad back; and his sister says it is too much work. He will not be deterred. After days of shoveling and shoveling, flooding and flooding, Brady finally finished his rink and spent all his time practicing skating backwards, crossovers and perfecting his shot. When the day finally arrives to play for the Frosty Cup, Brady Brady and his team are ready. Tragedy strikes, however, when the lights go out in the arena. Where can they play? Brady Brady has the answer - his great rink; the day is saved as all his hard work pays off in an unexpected way.

     In Brady Brady and the Runaway Goalie, our young hero faces a different challenge. The Icehogs are going to face the nastiest team in the league, the Dragons. However, Chester, the team's goalie, has a sudden case of nerves and runs away. Brady Brady finds him hiding under the Zamboni and convinces him that team spirit and brains will lead the Icehogs to victory over the Dragons. Naturally, it does.

     These are great little books that young hockey fans will enjoy because they have a ring of truth about them. All little players want to have their own rink where they could practise to their heart's content, and to have the championship game played on it would be hockey night heaven. Although they might not admit it, many youngsters will have to face the fear of failure, and Brady Brady gives a positive message to youngsters about teamwork and effort.

     Chuck Temple's cartoon-like illustrations capture the lighthearted spirit of Brady Brady's hockey adventures and will bring a smile to the faces of all readers.

Recommended.

Ian Stewart is a Winnipeg teacher who remembers many cold days shoveling the rink at the community centre and having a great time doing it because then you could play hockey.

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

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