Glory on Ice: A Vampire Hockey Story

by Maureen Fergus (Author) Mark Fearing (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
A centuries-old vampire decides to bring his crushing-and-destroying skills to the ice in this hilarious story about the newest (and oldest) member of the local peewee hockey team. After centuries alone in his old castle, Vlad is ready to try something new. When he hears the local hockey team gushing about how they'll crush and destroy their opponents in the next game, he knows he's found the activity for him! Vlad immediately gives the game his all, but he soon realizes that super-human powers don't mean much in hockey without a mastery of the basics. After weeks of practice, he's finally ready for the big game...but can a hundreds-of-years-old vampire really learn new tricks? This hilarious, energetic picture book encourages teamwork, perserverance, and a love of hockey that will last a lifetime, even for an immortal being.
Select format:
Hardcover
$17.99

Kirkus

Light, acceptably silly fare for preschool fans of hockey and vampires.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2--This unexpectedly delightful yarn combines vampires, hockey, and teamwork in a uniquely effective fashion. Vampire Vlad's 800-year existence has become dull, so he visits the local community center (umbrella shading his blue-tinged face) to find a new activity. After sampling several activities, he overhears some children saying they will "crush" and "destroy" their hockey opponents, and instantly registers. He buys gear and learns about hockey, but upon arrival discovers becoming a hockey player is a lot of work. Nevertheless he forges on, becomes a passable (and aggressive) player and full member of the team, filling him with true happiness. The story is tongue-in-cheek, with clever nods to his vampiric nature (the store-clerk who gives him "prompt" service is clearly terrified) and the writing is tight, well-paced, and humorous. Impressively, messages about hard work, teamwork, and friendship are woven into the story without ever feeling didactic, perhaps due to the absurd premise. The cartoon-style artwork is entertaining, mixing full-bleed spreads with spot art to create effective page turns and visual storytelling. Fearing inserts clever details such as cameos from Vlad's expressive cat and an iPhone photo in which only Vlad's gear appears. Vlad's team is portrayed as multicultural, including several skin tones and a girl with a red ponytail, although their opponents (who do win) are all large and white. VERDICT Libraries in need of vampire books and/or hockey books need look no further than this briskly funny offering that effectively tucks a lesson under its helmet.--Amy Lilien-Harper, Wilton Lib., CT

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Maureen Fergus
MAUREEN FERGUS is an award-winning author of books for kids of all ages. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, optioned for film and adapted for stage. Her illustrated books include InvisiBill; The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold; You're In Good Paws; Petal the Angry Cow; and Weenie Featuring Frank and Beans: Mad About Meatloaf. When not writing, Maureen runs, reads, bikes, bakes, works and hangs out with her husband, three kids and Buddy the Wonder Dog.

ALEXANDRA BYE works as a freelance illustrator specializing in fun, colorful illustrations for a variety of media such as advertising, animation, licensing, editorial and children's publications. Her work reflects the energy she is inspired by from friends, family and her flourishing New England community. In her free time she enjoys mountain biking, Nordic ski racing, trail running, paddle boarding, camping, Jiu Jitsu, yoga, reading, cooking and hiking in the White Mountains with her fiancé, Alex, and their dog, Oliver.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781524714512
Lexile Measure
830
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication date
October 20, 2020
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV032110 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Hockey
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Vampires
Hockey
Hockey stories

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!