• Age: 6 to 8
• Grade: 1 to 3
• Reading age: 6 to 8

"This is intro to hockey, and it's time to begin!"

Lucy and her family are skating on an outdoor rink when she sees a game of hockey going on. It looks like fun, but maybe too challenging. Supported by her parents, Lucy enrolls in an introductory hockey clinic, and thanks to an encouraging instructor, she and her friends learn basic hockey skills, have fun on the ice and decide to add hockey to their list of favorite sports!

The Lucy Tries Sports series encourages children to get active and participate in sports and recreation.

Lisa Bowes is a sports anchor who made Canadian broadcasting history when she became the play-by-play voice for the National Women’s Hockey League. While working for CBC’s Sports Journal, she was nominated for a Gemini Award for best writing in an information program or series. In February 2010, Lisa was CTV’s host/reporter for women’s hockey at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. She currently works at CTV Calgary and freelances for TSN. For more information, visit www.bowesknowssports.com.

Lisa Bowes' profile page

James Hearne is an artist who loves illustrating books for children. He lives with his patient and amazing wife Paula and two beautiful daughters, Mikayla and Vicky, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He wonders how he got so lucky. James can be reached through his website www.jameshearnedesign.com

James Hearne's profile page

"The game of hockey has so much to offer in terms of teaching life skills and building character. Lucy proves that as long as you work at it, your passion and love for the game is what matters."

Mark Giordano, captain of the Calgary Flames

"Written with an energetic rhyming scheme and includes fast sport facts at the end of the book for readers curious to know more. The lively, colourful illustrations by James Hearne once again capture the movement and fun Lucy and her friends have on the ice, and, of course, Lucy continues to be a character with a zest for discovery and a love of being active."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"I'm so happy Lucy has the opportunity to practice the sport she loves, it's not only for boys anymore but for any kids who are willing to learn new skills and challenge themselves. Sport is the best school of life, you learn what it takes to get better, to work together to achieve a common goal AND you make friends for life!"

Danielle Goyette, Honored Member Hockey Hall of Fame, 2 x Olympic Champion, 7 x World Champion

"Hockey is a game for everyone. If you love the game you will love this book. Lucy and her friends show us that kids can do anything they put their minds to!"

Hayley Wickenheiser, six-time Olympian

"Bowes makes no bones about it: She wants all kids to get involved with sports. And as less and less emphasis is being placed on sports and free recess in schools, the book is timely. Hearne brings a friendly, undemanding cartoon aesthetic."

Kirkus Reviews

&quotThis upbeat sports story is pleasing in many ways…The latest volume in the Lucy Tries Sports series scores when it comes to encouraging girls in athletics.&quot

Booklist

&quotThe Lucy Tries Sports series is terrific for children! It inspires them to be physically active and reinforces so many aspects of their social skill development. A really positive assistance to parenting children.&quot

Dave King, Member of the Order of Canada, Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and IIHF Hall of Fame inductee

"I had the privilege of overseeing the early development of four-time Olympic gold medalist Charline Labont&eacute. I saw firsthand how Charline used her favorite sport, hockey, to have fun and flourish. Lucy Tries Hockey captures the essence of what makes hockey a sport for life."

David Marcoux, BPE, MSc, former NHL goalie coach (Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes), David Marcoux's School of Goaltending

"Lucy likes challenges! She loves learning new things and tries her best. As a coach, I love Lucy's attitude and think that it will have a positive impact on young readers."

Martin Gelinas, coach and former NHL player

"This adorable picture book is perfect…With its message of participation in physical activity, this book also encourages kids to try new things…The bright colors and clean lines of the illustrations enhance the story…I rate Lucy Tries Hockey as 5 out of 5 stars."

Amie's Book Review Blog

"Playing sports and being active empowers girls for life. Lucy Tries Sports encourages girls to try a wide range of sports and teaches them valuable lessons in leadership, supporting one another, and working towards—and achieving—your goals through sport!"

Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO at CAAWS (Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity)

"Fitness should be fun, and the Lucy Tries Sports series is a shining example of that."

Eric Smith, television and Sportsnet Radio play-by-play voice of the Toronto Raptors