Lucy Tries Hockey is a fun and inclusive introduction to a beloved sport
Every time I walk by a display of Lisa Bowes’ Lucy Tries sports series, I am drawn by the bright images. And every time I fan through one of the four books, I am charmed by Lucy and her willingness to try new sports. In Bowes’ latest book, Lucy Tries Hockey, Lucy is out for a family skate. From the start, the story promotes family-based active play and that’s great because, it has been shown time and time again, that kids are more likely to participate in physical activity when parents set the example. 1. It makes trying something new look fun. Kids who are intimidated to try new things will find a great role model in Lucy who has fun trying new skills and doesn’t focus on winning on losing. Author: Lisa BowesHere are some of the things I loved about the book:
Lucy Tries Hockey
Illustrator: James Hearne
Published by: Orca Book Publishers
Pages: 16 pages
In Print (Electronic available)
Price: $12.95
2. It’s a conversation starter. Reading the book as a family helps parents to talk to kids about trying new sports and any expectations or preconceived notions they might have. It also emphasizes the importance of being active and a host of other important topics that families can discuss (see #4).
3. It’s full of fun illustrations. My kids often notice the little details in storybooks and because of this, I love the sticker on Lucy’s shiny red helmet (I’ll let you and your kids look for it). However, my ultimate favourite detail in the book is a person on a sledge joining in the hockey fun at the local pond.
4. It focuses on important themes. It raises awareness about physical disabilities and inclusion in sports and helps normalize adaptive equipment. You’ll also find other topics like girls in sports, confidence in skills, active and supportive parenting, physical literacy, and healthy communities.
5. It’s super fun! It’s super Canadian. The fun facts at the end of the book are short, sweet, and informative. The rhyming from page to page makes this a catchy read. With my three kids in a French school, I also love that some titles are available in both our national languages.
I would certainly recommend this book to parents and educators that are keen to get kids moving.
