Bobby Orr And The Hand-Me-Down Skates by Bobby Orr and Kara Kootstra

In this delightful picture book, hockey legend Bobby Orr tells the story of the time he wished for a brand new pair of skates but ended up with his brother's hand-me-downs.

Bobby who lived "in a small town by a big lake" loved to play hockey. He played hockey before and after school, on the lake near his home. Just before his eleventh birthday, Bobby wanted a new pair of skates. The skates Bobby desperately dreamed about getting were the brand new pair with black leather and gleaming silver blades in the window of the sports shop in town. He wanted these skates so badly that he left hints for his parents and even told them how tight his old skates were becoming. 

On his eleventh birthday, Bobby was given a big box which he was certain contained the brand new skates that he wanted so much. But when he opened the box...inside were his older brother's hand-me-down skates that his father had sharpened. The hand-me-down skates were scuffed and smelly and even had a few patches of rust on the blades. Although Bobby was deeply disappointed, he thanked his parents and smiled. But he couldn't imagine scoring a game-winning goal in these skates.

At first Bobby found it difficult to adjust to his new skates but soon he was "sailing up the ice in his Hand-Me-Down skates as though they were extension of his very own feet."  For the next year, Bobby continued to practice on the ice at home and play hockey. 

It was an invitation to play in a hockey game before a Toronto Maple Leafs game in Toronto that would not only get him noticed but get Bobby what mattered most to him as an eleven-year-old - a new pair of skates!

Discussion

Bobby Orr And The Hand-Me-Down Skates tells about one episode in the life of hockey great Bobby Orr who grew up in the town of Parry Sound, Ontario.  Orr's family was not well off, so it wasn't surprising that he would end up with his brother's old skates. But even wearing skates too large for him, Bobby's determination and skill got him noticed and he eventually got those brand new skates, paid for by someone who recognized his talent.

This picture book is perfect for young hockey fans, offering readers the opportunity to learn a bit about this legendary hockey player. Orr's story about the hand-me-down skates touches on the themes of gratitude, and the importance of hard work. Orr really wanted the new skates, but he was grateful for what he was given and he showed his parents his appreciation. Then determined to improve his skills, he worked with what he had. His hard work and determination eventually paid off in a pair of new skates. Helping the story along are Jennifer Phelan's richly coloured illustrations which were rendered in oil pastel and watercolour pencil. 

A lovely story about one of Canada's great, if not greatest hockey players.

Book Details:

Bobby Orr And The Hand-Me-Down Skates by Bobby Orr and Kara Kootstra
Tundra Books of Northern New York       2020