Book review: How Hockey Works by Keltie Thomas, Maple Tree Press Inc.

Our country's national winter sport appeals to kids of all ages. For younger minds, particularly children aged 8-12, their initial impressions of hockey will revolve around trading cards, shinny games on ponds, and enrollment in minor leagues. If you know a playmate, brother or sister, son or daughter, niece or nephew, or grandchild who enjoys the game, the book How Hockey Works is sure to delight, and also inform, the young reader.

Toronto-based writer Keltie Thomas, a former editor of OWL magazine, initially penned the book in 2002. The book, which has also been translated into French for the Quebec market, was re-released last year to include the updated NHL post-lockout rules. How Hockey Works is a diverse assembly of scientific explanation of various facets of the game. A young reader would learn concepts such as the science of how ice is made, and how sticks have been made over time.

Historical tidbits are provided, such as the creation of Jacques Plante's mask and Stan Mikita's banana-blade stick. Young hockey players will appreciate the different tips for game strategies, and also facts about star players.

"I started writing How Hockey Works to get the inside story on the science of hockey for kids," says Ms. Thomas. "I've always been a big hockey fan, especially as a kid, and I love science. So it just seemed a natural thing for me to write."

Packed with colourful illustrations, the book has certainly captivated a young audience, as it was a Silver Birch Award finalist nominated by the Ontario Library Association. "There's lots of different entry points in the book, " the author explains. "There are lots of legends and stories and sidebars. It's a book that you can really pick up and dip into at any point. It's very visual. Whatever grabs kids' interests, they can start there and read on."

Ms. Thomas is quick to express her appreciation to the staff at the Hockey Hall of Fame, including curator and resource centre VP Phil Pritchard, for their assistance. "I went to the Hockey Hall of Fame and did research in their archives. They were really helpful. A lot of the photos in the book came from the Hall as well."

With the rise in popularity of women's and girls' hockey, Ms. Thomas made the effort to complete a work that was non-gender specific. "How Hockey Works appeals to girls as well as boys. There's information about women's hockey and about female players.

"I walked around and I talked to kids in school. What amazed me was how popular the book was with girls. I even had people come up to me and say "I don't like hockey, but I really liked reading your book!"

How Hockey Works was the first book in a series that also includes How Baseball Works, and How Basketball Works, with a title How Soccer Works scheduled for release later this year. In addition to her books on sports, Ms. Thomas has also authored the Planet Earth News Presents series about the world of nature, which includes the books Nature Shockers and Super Humans. The self-proclaimed Harry Potter fanatic explains her aptitude for writing children's books. "I think writing stems from the love of reading. By the time I was eight I had fallen in love with books. Also, everyone has the experience of being a kid, so it's all about finding books on subjects that kids are interested in, and preparing material that is challenging to kids."

Will we see her with a stick and puck in the near future?

"It was my dream as a kid to be a hockey player, but I have to admit, I'm not a good enough skater," is her own self-assessment.

Yours truly will have to find her a pair of skates, while in the meantime handing a copy of How Hockey Works to my 11-year-old nephew.