Hockey in the Wild

Life in the Wild

by Nicholas Oldland

The lovable Life in the Wild trio can’t wait to get out on the ice to play hockey. Except, well, they’re going to have to! It’s wintertime, and the bear, the moose and the beaver can’t wait for hockey season to start. They’re so eager, in fact, they head out onto the ice before it’s thick enough, and they all fall through. Twice. While they wait for the lake to freeze, they try to take their minds off hockey. There’s competitive napping. Karaoke. Lots of comfort food. Until, at last, the day arrives when the ice is ready. But, after all that time not being active, are they ready? Part of the bestselling Life in the Wild picture book series from Nicholas Oldland, this funny romp is, at its heart, a love letter to the sport of hockey and the joys of playing in the wild outdoors. Oldland’s distinctive dry humor shines here, making this a fun read-aloud. But the hilarious visual story — including the character’s facial expressions and numerous asides — mean children, even nonreaders, will also want to spend time with the pages on their own. Children who love hockey will appreciate the friends’ devotion to the game and the difficulty of waiting for conditions to be just right, but every child who has had to wait for something (that is, every child) will relate to the situation. In this, the book offers some character education lessons on patience and perseverance. Separately, there are connections to healthy outdoor activity and winter safety.

Genres: Picture Books, Sports, Animals, Childrens, Canada, Hockey, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

Nicholas Oldland earned a degree in Fine Arts at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Canada and enjoyed success as a commercial artist and filmmaker before taking up the role of Creative Director at Hatley, a popular apparel company.

Reviews

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for this free ARC in return for my honest review.
Super book. Fun book. So wonderful to finally get a book that has no hidden meanings, no messages, or lessons to be taught. This is a book about having fun with 3 animals as they attempt to play their favorite sport - Hockey! Good illustrations and it is just refreshing to have a kids book that is not an attempt to teach kids something, only to have some fun. Remember to be young is to have fun in whatever you do, even reading!!

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a Canadian, I felt that I had to pick up a book about hockey. It's basically law!

Hockey in the Wild by Nicholas Oldland is a fun book about friends playing the fun and frozen game of hockey! The beaver tries to jump into the lake to swim, but the lake is frozen! He grabs his buddies and they decide to lace up their skates and go play a good old game of hockey! Unfortunately, the ice wasn't totally frozen over yet. In the meanwhile, they found other things to do until they could finally play their game!

The illustrations are cartoon-y, simple yet fun. I really enjoyed the style and felt it mashed well with the story. The beaver was the most amusing character design wise for me; he had me giggling a lot.

The safety element of not going on shin ice wasn't there, which got to me as someone who preaches safety, but maybe that could be a learning element? I wouldn't want kids to think it's funny...

Two out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you know when the lake is too frozen to swim but not frozen enough to play hockey on it? It can be really hard to wait patiently. And then when the ice is thick enough you are completely out of shape for all the eating and waiting...

The story is fun, although I liked Walk on the Wild Side (from the same series) better. The three characters are still delightful, and the illustrations amazingly fun. There are other books in the series I haven't read yet and I plan to do it soon.

I received this book from Kids Can Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read all the other books in the Life in the Wild series. For me, this one is the weakest. The story isn't very interesting, and although there are some amusing moments, the whole thing doesn't live up to the humour and heart of the other books.

The beaver tries to go swimming one day, only to find that the lake has frozen over. So he gets his friends, the bear and the moose, to come and play hockey with him. Unfortunately, the ice isn't thick enough for that, and they all end up falling in. While they wait for the weather to change, they do lots of other activities. Finally, it gets cold enough for the ice to thicken, and the animals can enjoy their hockey game.

I guess this might appeal to hockey-obsessed kids, but that's about it. I don't know that I'd even recommend it to fans of the series if they aren't really into hockey, because there's really not much more of a story here. The animals have to wait to play. That's about it. It's not like there's a problem for them to actually solve; patience is all that's required, and while that's a decent message, it makes for a fairly boring picture book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beaver, a moose and a bear playing hockey, well it doesn't get any more Canadian than that! I like the silly art, story and humor. Just a lot of fun and very entertaining. I like it!

[Tamar...playing hooky for a few hours today · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Hockey in the Wild is like joining in on the fun with old friends the Beaver, the Moose, and the Bear…I’m pretty sure I’ve read all the other books in this series. Each or all of these three friends always seem to get into a bit of trouble while looking for a shortcut, or trying to be more adventurous, or competing with one another (my favorite). In this book the three buddies are determined to start playing ice hockey the moment the lake freezes over – but the ice isn’t thick enough or strong enough. After several failed attempts the three decide to wait for the lake to freeze over. While waiting they hang out together and have fun eating, sleeping and singing karaoke. Finally, the temperature is low enough but they are out of shape! Next comes a regimen of healthy eating and exercise and finally before they take the leap – they look! Once they run all their tests to see that the ice is ready, they play and play and play…..

Thank you Edelweiss and Hatchett Book Group, NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read Hockey in the Wild, by Nicholas Oldland, in exchange for my own, honest opinion.

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a children's book. I enjoyed this book. I found it to be cute and fun. Teaching that sometimes patience pays off. Bear, moos and beaver had to wait but they did and had fun! 4 stars.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hockey in the Wild is a really cute book with charming illustrations. It may not be the most educational, but heck, not all children's books need to be that. Reading should be fun.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Canadian, who lives and breathes hockey in the winter, I couldn't wait to read this book. Well, it was cute. Three animals who can't wait to play hockey jump on the ice when it freezes. The problem is that it is not thick enough and they all break through. This was the one spot that really bothered me. What I did like was what they did next and how to make sure it was thick enough before they tried again. While they were waiting for the ice to freeze enough, it was like the rest of us living in the pandemic. They baked, ate, sat around, slept and of course put on weight and got out of shape. I thought that part was quite funny. This is a story about having fun in the winter, specifically playing hockey on the pond. The illustrations were cute. They were very cartoon-like which fit the story perfectly. Overall, besides skating on thin ice and falling through, this was a cute story. My oldest grandchild tried to read this one to us as there was not a lot of text, but there were several vocabulary words he did not know (i.e. particularly, determined, discovered, competitive, karaoke). This was a cute, fun story that we would definitely read again. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request, the rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adorable Life in the Wild trio, bear, moose, and beaver, are ready for the winter freeze so they can play pond hockey. With the long wait with way too much junk food and karaoke, will they be ready when the time finally arrives?

Growing up in the cold Midwest I have hockey running through my veins, so I can totally relate to this delightful trio as they discover the need for patience and preservice in their quest to finally play some good old pond hockey. My son and I enjoyed the fun story and illustrations and are excited to join these cute trio on all of their adventures. He especially loved bear and moose conked out with all their junk food.

Our only complaint is who won… Was it our awesome trio or team Cardinal that took home the cup?

Thank you NetGalley, Kids Can Press, and Nicholas Oldland for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sight. A beaver, moose, and bear playing hockey. It made me a fan for sure. It is not just going out on the lake to play, everything has to be just right. You have to prepare. Beaver is ready and gets his friends ready too. The lake is not quite frozen but there are other things you can do while you wait. Competitive napping to name one. These three are a hoot.

The illustrations are funny. If your little one has a tickle bone, they will be rolling and this book will be a favorite.

A Special Thank you to Kids Can Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children and I loved this book. We are a hockey family and there is a huge lack of exposure on the greatest sport on earth. My husband grew up playing pond hockey so this was a great piece of nostalgia. The animals were well illustrated and funny. I am sure I will buy this as a gift in the future. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

[Nicci · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an incredibly basic story about three friends waiting for the ice to become thick enough to play ice-hockey. That's it. No more, no less. Basic. However, it's kinda fun - especially if you like ice-hockey or have a kid who does. It certainly makes the point not to skate on the ice until it is sufficiently frozen if nothing else! And the illustrations are sweet.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is not to love about this book! Thanks for the ARC! Proper review coming soon. Children will love the fun illustrations and the story too.

[Nathan Meier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun. What’s wild is that this is supposed to take place in the wild, but it makes it more funny. I like that the thermometer has both fahrenheit and celsius.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This children's book is a cute story about how three woodland friends cannot wait for hockey season to start, shows the ways they cope while waiting (first the not-so-healthy ways, then the healthy ways), and how sweet it is when they no longer have to wait.

The illustrations are cute and sometimes silly (The moose stirring a pot with a hockey stick? He's committed to this sport!), and complemented the story well.

It was a quick bedtime story for my kids (aged 6 and 3), who both said they liked the story. They laughed at the silly parts (whether in text, illustration, or both) and were smiling at the end.

[Y.Poston]

cute homage to hockey

[Pop Bop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Love These Guys

This is the seventh, or so, book in the "Life in the Wild" series. All of the books feature a nutzy Beaver, a mellow Bear, and a strong-silent type Moose. And a quiet little pink bird who keeps an eye on things.

The first books in the series had mild little messages about cooperation, and compromise, and teamwork, and the like. That was fine because the messages were just gentle little reminders. Here, though, it's hockey, hockey, hockey, all the way down. The lake is frozen, but it isn't frozen over hard enough to play on, so we have to wait, and eat and nap, and wait, and wait some more, and then get into shape, in order to play hockey!

"That's it?", you say. Well, first off, that's enough. Second, well, it's hockey. Interestingly, while some of the books are strong on snappy patter, this one shines in the art. The characters are all at peak charm. They are funny as they break through the ice, they are engaging as they slob around eating junk food and waiting for deep winter, and they are especially appealing when actually playing hockey. Indeed, the page on which they are all shown decked out in swimmies and floaties and water vests, (in case the thin ice breaks), is worth it right there.

So, it's visually clever, the story is dry but mellow; it's charming, upbeat and energetic. I felt better after reading through it. I love these guys.

(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

[Vanessa Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny story about animals playing hockey. Very relatable for kids waiting for the ice to freeze enough to skate on. Illustrations add so much fun to the story. From the facial expressions to the outfits this book had me laughing every page.

[Literature Lattes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bear, The Moose and The Beaver are three lovable characters that are back in action in the new story, "Hockey in the Wild" written by Nicholas Oldland. The children's book tells the tale of these three goofy and endearing woodland creatures that are waiting for the pond to freeze to play hockey outdoors. Will it ever freeze so they can play?

The book is an excellent story with exciting turns as the main characters prepare for their winter hockey season. Our favorite part of the book is when the trio realizes that they are out of shape from eating junk food and they have to start working out again. The kids liked pointing out all of the snack foods in the illustration.

This book is enjoyable for children and adults alike and is a great family read!

[Zandt McCue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beaver wants to go swimming in the lake but it's frozen over! So what should he do? Call his buddies Moose and Bear to come play Hockey instead. This is a cute story that I found myself smiling at on multiple occasions. First of all, let me digress. I live in Florida. We have Hockey teams but they are mainly second nature to us. I am from New York though, so I do have a passion for it which is why this book jumped out at me. All that being said, I think the book is stylized enough where children that don't have a connection to Hockey would still think it was a fun book. Which is why I bring all of this up. It's a great example of not being exposed to something, but still being able to enjoy it.

The Artwork! Credit where credit is due: how clever! Some of these scenes, like the bear eating pizza while the moose lounges on the couch or when all three animals are halfway through the ice..those are so memorable. So is the beaver in the speedo. This is something I can see kids running to the classroom shelves and picking up to read at their desk.

[Melly Mel - Shelf_ishly_lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 hockey sticks/5
Hockey in the Wild is a story of 4 wildlife friends who love hockey! The characters, a beaver, moose, bear and cardinal are charming and engaging. My 10 year old, who loves playing hockey, enjoyed the story and stated that she liked how the beaver "never gave up" which is important for hockey. She also appreciated the characters overall passion for hockey on and off the ice including being being patient for the ice to be ready and fitness training to prepare for the rigours of hockey. Most of all, remembering that hockey is about having fun with your friends! The illustrations and character renderings were inviting and the fun word play captured my kiddo's interest eliciting an organic read and laugh out loud experience. As a Mom and hockey parent I feel Hockey in the Wild scored, bar down!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for an electronic ARC in return for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much fun as the temporary digital copy is, I can hardly wait until the hardcover is out and I can send it to my hockey-freak-kids in another state! I even pre-ordered it!
The artwork is simple and fun of the animal friends who are hockey crazy and can't wait until the ice is thick enough on their pond. They laze around until it is right, but then are so out of shape that they must change that! and they do! It's a real Feel Good read for kids and everyone else!
I requested and received a free digital copy from Kids Can Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A passable story of three friends too eager to play ice hockey on a frozen pond, and forced to wait. It would be interesting to see at what age your child reacts to this with "but mummy, that bear would be hibernating by then!" - it certainly is loose with the biology of it all. But heck it has a moose, a bear and a beaver, all friends and all playing ice hockey, it has a beaver doing his stretches naked before he puts his swimming trunks on – it has their pet bird in goal for the hockey with no protective gear whatsoever – it's just bonkers. And a little bit throwaway as a certain kind of bonkers can be.

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book about three animal friends who can't wait to play hockey... except the weather isn't cooperating. I thought hibernation would factor into this book more than it did, but it's still a fun book great for hockey lovers!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own and are unbiased.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this is adorable. A little concerned that the beaver didn’t leave the house already in his swimwear but OKAY! This book, accompanied by adorable illustrations, tells the story of a group of animals who want to play a game of ice hockey (thankfully the characters are animals and not humans, because early on I forgot this fact and may have gasped quite loudly- how embarrassing). The book educates children about seasons, changes in weather, water and sport safety and the importance of being fit and healthy. I loved every page and children in particular who follow Ice Hockey will love this!

My sincerest thanks to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

5/5 stars

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with my six year old daughter. We live in Minnesota so this book was relatable for us. We love hockey and enjoy getting out on the ice, but understand the need for thick enough ice to be able to walk or skate on.

This book would be a great to explain to kids about the cautions of ice and to wait for it to be thick enough to go on.

However, this book wasn’t for us. The pictures were cute, but the story was short and just alright.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my eARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Jamie Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beware of Thin Ice and Inactivity

This is the story of three hockey-loving animals: a bear, a moose, and a beaver. They are so hoping to play hockey that they first try to skate on a lake where the ice isn't quite thick enough. After two failed attempts, they attempt to wait for the right time. They essentially get a little lazy, engaging in things like competitive napping (which had a humorous little side bit) and karaoke. Because they have slacked off, when the ice is ready for them, they are not ready for the ice. So they have to get into shape. Once they do, all is right in their hockey-loving world. I thought the illustrations in this book were a bit too simplistic. It's almost as if these were solid-colored paper cutouts made 2D. The beaver’s long teeth looked like long white pants or shorts coming out of his mouth! But I think if you have any young hockey lovers in your life, she or he will most likely enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the digital review copy.

Look I have been to exactly one hockey game in my life, but I am 100% on board for a the moose, a beaver, and a bear who play hockey in this story. When the ice on the lake is too thick to go swimming but too thin to play hockey, they return home and snack, nap, and play indoors until finally, it’s hockey season. Unfortunately, they have gotten really out of shape and must condition if they want to get back out on the ice.

This book was super cute. I loved the artwork, and it was a short, simple to follow story. This is a good choice for storytime or bedtime as it doesn’t have longer blocks of text, there are tons of pictures with activity, and kids can recognize the activities and animals. It’s not out until September, but it’ll be a perfect choice for fall and winter, just in time for hockey season.

[Jamie Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beaver, Moose, and Bear favorite thing to do is to play pond hockey. However the ice must be thick enough first and they learn the hard way at first. Waiting can be so hard, so they find ways to past the time until FINALLY the ice is thick enough for a game of pond hockey.

Our friend gave us this book as a gift as our family is from Canada and hockey is a big part of our life. Go Oilers! We really loved this book as pond and street hockey are two things he grew up doing. The story does a great job telling a simple story with humorous images and dialog. Such as a Beaver, Moose and Bear doing calisthenics. Or the bear watching a tv show where another bear is building a snow bear. We also love how a little tiny bird is goalie and no chance of stopping the puck. If you have a love for hockey and winter activities this would be a good one. 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️