Hockey Opposites
Although hockey-themed picture books are growing more common, few of those offerings are aimed specifically at the preschool set. This slim Canadian import helps fill that gap by using the action on the rink to introduce pairs of opposites. On each double-page spread, vibrantly colored, boldly outlined digital artwork shows two hockey teams of animal players facing off on the ice, while a single word on each side introduces a contrasting idea: facing pages reading “one” and “many,” for example, feature first a single skater and then a crowd of teammates. Children will likely need adult help to puzzle out specific terms (“defender” and “winger”) as well as some spreads in which the illustrations don’t immediately make clear what, exactly, is being described: one showing players getting “on” and “off” the ice, for example, may be confusing. Gürth’s illustrations capture the speed and stick-clashing excitement of the sport, though, and the endearing animal players, whose gear cleverly accommodates horns and tails, will help turn preschoolers into hockey fans. Preschool. --Gillian Engberg