The Magic Hockey Stick (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

by Peter Maloney (Author), Felicia Zekauskas (Illustrator) "Mom never knew why she was sent Two tickets to go to that "special event" She just said to Dad, "It's for a good cause..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2-A young hockey player receives the ultimate gift when her parents accidentally buy Wayne Gretzky's hockey stick at a charity auction. However, her father insists that she keep the expensive collector's item displayed on pegs above her bed. Temptation overcomes, and the stick is smuggled to the ice rink inside a huge stuffed giraffe. With the autographed stick, the child scores goal after goal and her team has its best season ever. Meanwhile, Gretzky himself is in a scoring slump. The newspaper says he's lost his stuff. After a sleepless night full of guilty dreams, the protagonist hurries to Madison Square Garden determined to return the magic stick. The hockey pro is so touched by his young fan's generosity that he requests her autograph. A satisfying ending shows the famous stick displayed at the Hockey Hall of Fame. This story is told in humorous rhyme and is accompanied by delightful cartoon illustrations. Even children who have no knowledge of hockey will be entertained by this book and impressed by its message. Maloney and Zekauskas have scored a winning goal with this one.
Jackie Hechtkopf, University of Maryland, College Park
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
Do you believe in magic? Tracy does. When she starts using Wayne Gretzky's hockey stick, won by her parents at a charity auction, she suddenly becomes the best player on her hockey team. She hasn't become a better player overnight-it's the magic of The Great One's stick! But while Tracy's star is on the rise, Wayne's is steadily dropping. He's in the greatest slump of his career. Tracy knows that Wayne needs his magic stick back, but she needs it, too. The question is: Who needs it more? This heartfelt story, with its clever rhyme and vibrant artwork, will delight young readers.

"Even children who have no knowledge of hockey will be entertained by this book and impressed by its message. Maloney and Zekauskas have scored a winning goal with this one." (School Library Journal)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142300152
• ISBN-13: 978-0142300152
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #49,637 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A child's book that has it all, for my kids and for me!, April 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Magic Hockey Stick (Hardcover)

This book is so enjoyable it really makes me look forward to storytime. The story, based in truth, is one adults can identify with and kids find amusing. The rhyme scheme reminds me of Dr. Suess and the illustrations are first rate. The little girl in the story learns how to help others, in this case the Great Wayne Gretzky, at the expense of her own good fortune. It shows an intact loving family (a rarity in today's culture), shows that little girls can be the star of a story, and can play hockey. If you like hockey, love kids, or remember reading Dr. Suess as a kid, you'll love this book.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great Children's Book, October 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Magic Hockey Stick (Hardcover)

This is a great children's book that will also entertain any adult. The book follows a girl and how Wayne Gretzky's hockey stick helps her become the great player on her hockey team. She make a choice to return the stick to Wayne Gretzky to pull him out of his slump. This a great lesson for kids

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A child's book that has it all, for my kids and for me!, July 3, 2002

By	Michael L. La Porte (Franklin Lakes, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Magic Hockey Stick (Hardcover)

This book is so enjoyable it really makes me look forward to storytime. The story, based in truth, is one adults can identify with and kids find amusing. The rhyme scheme reminds me of Dr. Suess and the illustrations are first rate. The little girl in the story learns how to help others, in this case the Great Wayne Gretzky, at the expense of her own good fortune. It shows an intact loving family (a rarity in today's culture), shows that little girls can be the star of a story, and can play hockey. If you like hockey, love kids, or remember reading Dr. Suess as a kid, you'll love this book.