Book Review: “Glory on Ice: A Vampire Hockey Story” by Maureen Fergus

Recommended reading age: 3 to 7 (though kids of all ages can enjoy reading this with their families)

What Makes This One of the Best Children’s Books

Trying something new can feel daunting for any kid.

Whether they’re pursuing an instrument or sport or tricky academic subject, children can grow frustrated by a steep learning curve. They might feel tempted to give up when, even after repeated practice, their endeavor still proves hard.

But hopefully, kids will feel a little relieved to discover that vampires experience the same challenges.

The payoff of learning a new skill makes every sweat-and-tear-filled moment worthwhile – proven in Maureen Fergus’ uplifting book “Glory on Ice,” in which bored-and-lonely vampire Vlad rekindles his zest for life by learning to play hockey.

While Vlad’s kind usually spend their time concealed in darkness, this book strikes a relentlessly sunny tone, giving kids an upbeat example of sticking with it when facing a challenge.

And despite the nature of the story’s main character, this book remains entirely scare-free – though families might have to fumble through awkward explanations to their kids about vampire lifestyles (I opted for the “Twilight” mythology, where vampires tend to be good-natured with skin that sparkles in the sun).

In this energizing story, Vlad feels fed up with centuries of living alone with his stamp collection for entertainment, and ventures to a community center to try different activities.

He chooses hockey because it aligns with his destructive proclivities, and the kids in the community league happily welcome an adult vampire to their team without judgment or question.

But Vlad quickly discovers a disappointing surprise: in spite of his supernatural magic, he doesn’t have the instant ability to play hockey (or skate) with ease.

Because he finds so hockey appealing, however, he doesn’t give up. And here, the book provides a series of invaluable lessons. Vlad throws all of his energy into constant practice, and, as the book carefully points out, sometimes he does well and sometimes he doesn’t.

I think this offers a helpful reminder to kids that life is not a music montage from a movie; learning a new skill takes time and effort, and no one becomes perfect overnight.

Vlad’s enthusiastic teammates also provide shining examples of good sportsmanship, by endlessly encouraging and assisting him.

Does it pay off? That depends on how readers look at it. When playing against their bitter rivals, Vlad’s team loses. Big time.

But he doesn’t care. He finally has friends. He’s discovered a new sport he enjoys. And therein lies the biggest lesson — winning isn’t everything.

So with these heart-filled values, I call Vlad a winner every time.

How My Child Reacted to This Book

My son simply can’t get enough of this book. He asked to check it out again and again at the library, and we read it so many times, our family finally broke down and bought it.

Currently in preschool, my son laughs at all the silly moments on every page, like when Vlad buys sports gear with plundered treasure, and how he mistakes the smelly young hockey players for trolls.

I don’t think my son had any comprehension of vampires before this, but he appears thrilled with the idea of a vaguely monster-like creature joining a kids’ hockey team.

Potential Conversations to Pair with This Book

This serves as the kind of book that can generate an inspiring conversation on almost all of its pages.

Families can discuss Vlad’s hard work and practice, and compare it to anything that their young readers might be learning. This book can help with emphasizing how, no matter what we’re working on, we can only improve by practicing. And it’s hard for everyone, at first – even for the undead.

The uplifting finale where Vlad is all smiles after losing also offers a chance to discuss how we don’t always win and that’s OK… especially if we do our best and have fun in the process.

More Children’s Books Like This

‘Surf’s Up’ – A Do-Gooder Ninja Who Never Gives Up

‘Three Cheers for Kid McGear’ – A Scrappy Skid Steer Masters Hard Work, Kindness and Problem Solving

‘Elbow Grease Vs. Motozilla’ – A Charming Monster Truck Beats the Odds with Teamwork and Practice