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Reviewed By Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers’ Favorite
Darby Hobbs created a tribute to her parents in her children’s book, Hockey Island. Hobbs describes the location of the island and reminds children to use their imaginations to get there. She details the moon and the people who inhabit the island, focusing on a businessman, a lighthouse, the moon, an island Shaman, a boy, and a girl. The moon provides the backdrop for the description of the “spooky lighthouse” and skaters led by the girl, Ella Sophia. Children can build a large hot chocolate machine from a cement mixer with the businessman, Maxwell Connor, and find “treasures” with the boy, George, as he trawls along in his boat. Under the aurora borealis, readers can chant “wind words” meant to bring love, peace, and light to the world.
Darby Hobbs imbues her words with a rhythmic quality so entrancing that children will either sit in rapt silence as they absorb every word or fall asleep to the blissful descriptions of the magical island. Each page conjures up visions of the island that will dance through readers’ minds as they learn more about the snowy setting and charming characters. Readers and listeners will be transported to Hockey Island, where they will sail aboard George’s ship while he eats a swirling blue raspberry lollipop, and move gracefully alongside Ella Sophia as she spins on the ice beneath the full moon. Listeners will see the words come to life as they use their imaginations and gaze upon the beautiful watercolor illustrations. Readers who enjoy magical realism and descriptive storytelling will enjoy Hockey Island.”
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