Picture Books — Review

A Hero Named Howe
by Mike Leonetti
illustrations by Greg Banning
Raincoast Books, 2006
ISBN 13: 978-1-55192-931-6
$21.95, 32 pp, colour illustrations, ages 5 – 9
www.raincoast .com

A Hero Named Howe tells the story of how young Charlie is inspired by a book written by his hero, Gordie Howe, to find another way to be involved with hockey. Charlie plays in a neighbourhood hockey league, but despite his enthusiasm, he finds his playing skills are not as good as his teammates’ and he becomes discouraged. His supportive father and a chance meeting with Foster Hewitt at a Red Wings game, convinces Charlie to focus his dreams on being a hockey broadcaster instead of a player, making it possible for him to participate in the game he loves. Full page, evocative illustrations by Greg Banning place the reader in the Gordie Howe era. Hockey fans will enjoy this latest title in Raincoast’s Hockey Heroes series.

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