This fun picture book combines a vampire and hockey, what young reader in Maine wouldn’t like it?! Vlad has lived a long time and he needs a new hobby. He tries a few things before overhearing the words “pound” “crush” and “destroy”; he has to know what hobby involves these things. Hockey, of course. So Vlad signs up, get the gear, watches a lot of hockey, and then shows up for his first day. Parents who have participated in hockey will appreciate the ogrelike smell of the locker room and the mom tying skates, and kids will giggle at Vlad’s attempts to move. On ice! With blades on his feet! Vlad is not great, but he has fallen in love with the game so he is determined and persistent . In the end, his team plays a tough opponent and he gets to use some of his vampiric skills (cunning and courage), but it is not enough to win. Luckily, there is always next time. Fearing’s illustrations have movement and color and Fergus clearly enjoys writing about this beloved winter sport. This will make a great read aloud and should fly off the shelf.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth