Big Book of WHO Hockey (Sports Illustrated Kids Big Books) by Sports Illustrated Kids

If you have a young hockey enthusiast in your life—or if you’re one yourself—then Big Book of WHO Hockey by Sports Illustrated Kids is an absolute slam-dunk (or should we say, slap-shot?) addition to your bookshelf. This visually stunning, fact-packed book dives into the world of hockey’s biggest stars, past and present, delivering an engaging mix of trivia, player profiles, and fun facts that will keep young readers hooked.

But is it just a surface-level collection of stats, or does it offer deeper insights into the legends of the game? Let’s lace up our skates and dive into this full review to find out!

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Unlike traditional books with a linear narrative, Big Book of WHO Hockey is structured as a dynamic encyclopedia of hockey’s most iconic players. It doesn’t follow a single storyline but instead presents bite-sized, engaging profiles of NHL superstars like Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and many more.

Each section highlights a different player, offering:

• Career highlights (Stanley Cups, awards, records)
• Fun facts and trivia (little-known details about their journey)
• Action-packed photos (vibrant, high-energy images from Sports Illustrated)
• Comparative stats (how players stack up against each other)

The book also includes team histories, legendary rivalries, and even a look at international hockey stars, making it a well-rounded tribute to the sport.

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Since this isn’t a novel, "character development" takes on a different meaning—instead, we get player development. The book does an excellent job of humanizing hockey legends, showing not just their on-ice dominance but also their personalities, work ethic, and impact on the game.

For example:

• Wayne Gretzky isn’t just presented as "The Great One" but also as a player who revolutionized hockey strategy.
• Alex Ovechkin’s relentless scoring prowess is highlighted alongside his infectious enthusiasm for the game.
• Women’s hockey stars like Hilary Knight and Marie-Philip Poulin get well-deserved recognition, broadening the book’s appeal.

The profiles strike a great balance between stats-heavy content and storytelling, making each player feel like a real person rather than just a name on a roster.

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The writing is crisp, energetic, and accessible, perfectly tailored for young readers (ages 8-12) while still engaging for older fans. Sports Illustrated Kids keeps the tone light and fun, avoiding dry, encyclopedia-style writing.

Key strengths:
✅ Short, punchy sections – Great for short attention spans.
✅ Interactive elements – Quizzes, "Who’s Better?" debates, and trivia keep readers engaged.
✅ Visual storytelling – The photos and graphics are vibrant and dynamic, pulling readers in.

One minor critique? Some hardcore fans might wish for deeper dives into certain players, but given the target age group, the balance is well-struck.

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While the book is packed with facts, it also subtly explores themes like perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. By showcasing players who overcame obstacles (injuries, underdog status, etc.), it delivers inspirational takeaways beyond just hockey knowledge.

For example:

• Connor McDavid’s rise as a generational talent despite early injuries.
• P.K. Subban’s off-ice philanthropy and charisma.
• The 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. team’s underdog triumph.

These stories add emotional weight to what could have been just a stats-heavy book.

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As someone who grew up obsessed with hockey, flipping through this book brought back nostalgic excitement. The layout is dynamic, the facts are fresh, and the visuals are eye-catching—it’s the kind of book kids will revisit often.

Standout moments:

• The "Legends vs. Modern Stars" comparisons spark fun debates.
• The "Did You Know?" sections reveal surprising tidbits (e.g., which player once scored five goals in a single period).
• The inclusion of women’s hockey stars is a welcome touch, broadening representation.

If I had this as a kid, I would’ve memorized every page.

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How does it stack up against similar titles?

Book	Focus	Best For
Big Book of WHO Hockey	Player profiles, fun facts, visuals	Kids & casual fans
The Hockey Book (DK)	In-depth history, stats	Older readers & diehards
Hockey Superstars (Scholastic)	Current NHL stars	Younger readers

This book excels in accessibility and engagement, making it a better choice for younger or less stats-obsessed readers compared to denser hockey encyclopedias.

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Strengths:
✔ Gorgeous visuals – Sports Illustrated’s photography shines.
✔ Broad player selection – Covers past and present stars.
✔ Interactive elements – Quizzes and debates add replay value.

Weaknesses:
❌ Some players feel glossed over – A few legends get only brief mentions.
❌ No deep dives – Hardcore fans may want more analysis.

Still, for its intended audience, it’s a home run.

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• Kids (8-12) who love hockey and want fun, digestible facts.
• Parents/coaches looking for an engaging gift for young fans.
• Casual fans who enjoy player spotlights over heavy stats.

Not ideal for: Readers seeking advanced analytics or comprehensive career retrospectives.

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While not a quote-heavy book, some fun snippets stand out:

"Wayne Gretzky didn’t just break records—he rewrote the entire NHL record book."

"Connor McDavid’s speed isn’t just fast—it’s ‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-it’ lightning."

These lines capture the excitement and awe of hockey’s greatest moments.

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Hockey is more than a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon. This book touches on key moments like:

• The 1998 Women’s Olympic gold (a milestone for women’s hockey).
• The 2004-05 NHL lockout and its impact on the sport.
• The rise of international players transforming the NHL.

While not a deep history lesson, it contextualizes players within the sport’s evolution.

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Big Book of WHO Hockey is a fantastic, visually driven introduction to hockey’s biggest stars. It balances fun and facts perfectly, making it a great gift for young fans or a nostalgic read for adults who grew up loving the game.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
(Docked half a star only because hardcore stat lovers may crave more depth.)

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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1. Which player’s story did you find most inspiring?
2. If you could add one more player to the book, who would it be?
3. Do you prefer stats-heavy books or fun, visual guides like this one?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take! 🏒📚

Get this book on Amazon

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