The Hockey Sweater

As a massive hockey fan, I love it! Can't wait to pass it on to my little cousins to spread the love of the game!

The Hockey Sweater is a book that I grew up loving and when I entered Teacher's College (Primary) I made it priority to have it in my library. I have found the book is excellent to read to students of all ages. The religious connotation is not a problem for public schools as long as a pre-intro is given to tell children that the Quebe education system was for the majority made up of Catholic schools. Living in a different country where ice hockey is not well known it has been a perfect book to describe hockey, which I get a lot of questions about. For the older students I have used it too describe the hidden cultural tension that exists behind the sport. I.E. the french and english rivalary and then expanded this to incorporate how rugby for example is similar when we look at New Zealand...North and South Island or even in a larger context....New Zealand versus Australia.

The Hockey Sweater is such a nice little childrens book that can melt the heart of any hockey fan no matter how old. The book is great for young people, the illustrations are adorable and there is some hockey history laid in the book as well. It is a nice look back on a semi-forgotten time and it is nice to introduce old-school hockey to the youngsters. I am going to read this book to my nephew once he is old enough and if that is not recommendation enough to get your hands on this book yourself, then I am lost for words.

Every Canadian or kost can relate to this book. It will make you want to go play hockey today. This good is great to read to those young kids that play hockey.

All Canadians can identify with the character in this book, be they Montreal, Toronto, Detroit or other hockey teams fans. Everybody who grew up standing in hockey rinks, playing on the ice or dreaming about getting back on has gone through what the main character has. This is a true example of Canadian culture and can also be applied to other sports.

My husband and I saw the short film that the book was based on (or vice versa) and were completely enchanted. When I saw The Hockey Sweater at our local bookstore, I bought it immediately and have shared it with everyone who remembers standing in the freezing cold at outdoor skating areas, listening to sticks crack on anything that could be used as a puck. There's no way not to love the innocence, beauty and evocative illustrations, especially if you love all of the good things about ice hockey, and remember the joy in following a favorite team - no matter what!