The Moccasin Goalie [School & Library Binding]

William Roy Brownridge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1996 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

I had four best friends. We lived for hockey. I was the goalie. I had a crippled leg and foot, so I couldn't wear skates. But my leather moccasins were fine. I was quick and could slide across the goalmouth really fast. They called me Moccasin Danny. Danny and his friends, Anita, Petou and Marcel, are typical prairie youngsters hockey mad. The four are always playing road hockey or involved in a game of shinny on the community rink. One day a town team, the Wolves, is formed. The friends are overjoyed, but when the time comes to choose the team, only Marcel is picked. The other three friends are not chosen; Anita is a girl, Petou is too small and Danny cannot skate. It is the biggest disappointment of Danny's life. But near the end of the season, the regular goalie is injured and Danny is asked to replace him. If the Wolves can win the game, they will make the playoffs! This is Danny's chance to prove that even though he can't wear a pair of skates, he can still play the game. Born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, and now living in Calgary, Alberta, William Brownridge grew up steeped in the hockey culture that is the lifeblood of any small Canadian town. A graduate of the Alberta Institute of Technology and Art, Bill has worked in graphic design, producing work for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and, more recently, designing the new uniforms for the NHL Calgary Flames. In 1976 he was awarded a Canada Council grant to paint and draw the disappearing railroad architecture of the Prairies. Based on his love for hockey and his own childhood experiences as a moccasin goalie, this is Bill's first book for children. The Moccasin Goalie is the first of three books in a series. Book two is The Final Game Book three is Victory at Paradise Hill

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3--Danny loves to play hockey with his friends in their small Canadian town. Though he can't skate because of a ``crippled leg and foot,'' he plays goalie in his leather moccasins. When a town team is formed, he is cut because he can't skate. Very disappointed, his spirits are revived when weeks later the coach asks him to replace the team's injured goalie in the biggest game of the year. Danny steps in, plays well, and is invited to stay on the squad for the playoffs. While the large, lavishly colored paintings adequately sustain the mood of the story, the text leaves much to be desired. Told in the first person, it often reads in a staccato manner. Except for regional interest, ``ice'' any thoughts of purchasing this one.

Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WI

Copyright 1996 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Brownridge's paintings of the wintry Canadian landscape feature bold dabs of paint applied in an impressionistic style to create a mosaic of blues, golds, and brilliant pinks . . . It's enough to make you put down your book, bundle up, and head out into the snow." (Hungry Mind Review 19960701)

". . . makes a nice read-aloud book as well as a read-by-myself book for early readers. It contains beautiful, big, full-color illustrations that add feeling to this emotional story." (Christian Library Journal 19951001)

"Although it's a winter story, the direct language and zinging art "score" with boys and girls all year-around." (Mosaic 19951001)

"Although the story highlights hockey, it also deals with friendship, abilities and prejudice." "There are never enough good hockey stories for young children. This is a welcome addition." "The happiness of the friends and the feelings . . . are vividly portrayed." (Resource Links 19951001)

"The illustrations are impressive." "Children will sense [Brownridge's] love for hockey and his experiences as a 'moccasin goalie.'" "Remember to stock this picture book for young hockey fans." (Canadian Bookseller 19951124)

"This book is highly recommended both for its positive message and for its joyous celebration of youthful pastimes." "The pointillist technique used to depict ice and snow gives the pictures a scintillating, sparkling effect." (Canadian Children's Literature 19951224)

"Brownridge's full-colour paintings . . . powerfully capture both the biting cold of prairie winters and the eye-dazzling brightness of the season's days . . ." "The combination of a warm, affirming story and fine illustration makes this a book for all collections serving young listeners and readers." (CM Magazine )

"The art of William Brownridge charges the white small-town Prairie winter with the excitement and energy of a child's perception. The story captures both the pain and the glory for children involved in minor sports." (Regina Sun ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Turtleback Books: A Division of Sanval (July 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613102134
• ISBN-13: 978-0613102131
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,735,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book that makes me look forward to story time., March 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Moccasin Goalie (Hardcover)

This is a book that my 5 year old son and I both love and we revisit it over and over again. I usually let him choose the 2 books I'll read before bed and this book is chosen many times. The story is engaging for him and me, the illustrations have a surreal quality that make you feel like you've been there. There is even the lesson about working hard, teamwork, and not underestimating anyone. A great childs book that adults can enjoy also.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, August 13, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Moccasin Goalie (Hardcover)

This was a really good book. I liked the characters.

I really wish they lived in my neighbourhood. I would

join them at the outdoor rink near my house. I'm not

not sure I would be able to keep up with Marcel though, and

Danny seems pretty hard to score on, but I would try.

The pictures in the book are very nice. They make

you imagine what the players were going through.

This is an exciting book.

I can't wait until The Final Game is published.

Paul H. Age 7

5.0 out of 5 stars A book that makes me look forward to story time., July 3, 2002

By 

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

This review is from: The Moccasin Goalie (Paperback)

This is a book that my 5 year old son and I both love and we revisit it over and over again. I usually let him choose the 2 books I'll read before bed and this book is chosen many times. The story is engaging for him and me, the illustrations have a surreal quality that make you feel like you've been there. There is even the lesson about working hard, teamwork, and not underestimating anyone. A great childs book that adults can enjoy also. The illustrations are dreamlike, and the story is one of determination and working to make your dreams come true that is sure to delight any kid (or Dad!).