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A story of teamwork with a positive message, featuring Wayne Gretzky and Coach Wally (Wayne's dad, Walter Gretzky)
Taylor is so excited when he makes the hockey team -- and not just any team, but HIS team. The boy they are already calling The Great One. Taylor wants to be great too, but he's still got a lot to learn. Lucky for him, Coach Wally is in his corner, guiding him through the ups and downs of being part of a hockey team, and being the best player he can be. As Coach Wally says, if you have a good time, work hard and do your best, "that is all that matters."
Taylor is so excited when he makes the hockey team -- and not just any team, but HIS team. The boy they are already calling The Great One. Taylor wants to be great too, but he's still got a lot to learn. Lucky for him, Coach Wally is in his corner, guiding him through the ups and downs of being part of a hockey team, and being the best player he can be. As Coach Wally says, if you have a good time, work hard and do your best, "that is all that matters."
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 13, 2016
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 27, 2021
The second I set eyes on this book, I knew that I had to have it. Being both Canadian and the mother of two boys means that hockey is in my blood. Plus, no self-respecting Canadian parent would pass up the opportunity to purchase a children’s book that is not only about hockey, but also conveys a very important lesson for both kids and their parents.
Come on! The Foreward is written by “The Great One” himself – Wayne Gretzky. In it he states: “I am very proud of this book and the message it gives to kids. Our Foundation’s Mission Statement is about helping to equip kids for life and that begins at home. Let’s ensure our kids have the encouragement, love and support they need to grow up to be strong and confidant adults. Every child should know that they’re Great.”
What an awesome message! And, it is a message that I agree with 100%.
Most fans of Wayne Gretzky are aware that his father – Walter Gretzky dedicated himself to making his son into both the hockey player and the man that he grew up to be. GREAT is inspired by Walter Gretzky.
In the story a boy named Taylor is excited to have made the hockey team of his dreams. He is going to be playing with Wayne – a kid who everyone is already calling “The Great One”.
The coach is Walter (Wally) Gretzky. Taylor is so nervous to be on such a great team that he doesn’t play very well.
Taylor wants to be the star of the game and when he hogs the puck rather than passing, his team loses. He tells Coach Wally that he knows the loss was his fault and that he thinks he should quit.
Coach Wally’s response is the perfect one. He is the kind of coach that every child deserves to have and Taylor ends up learning lessons not just about hockey, but also about life.
The illustrations in this book are PERFECT. The cartoon showing Taylor leaving for an early morning practice while his bleary-eyed Mom looks on reminded me so much of my own time as a Hockey Mom. Another illustration showing Taylor shooting pucks at a battered garage door made me laugh out loud in remembrance. Throughout the entire book are illustrations that any hockey parent and their child will love. I rate the illustrations as 5 out of 5 stars.
In fact, I enjoyed GREAT so much that I rate the entire book as 5 out of 5 stars.
This book is set to be released on September 13, 2016 – just in time for hockey season. It would also make a great Christmas gift for any hockey fan (regardless of their age.)
* I received a free copy of this book from the Publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Come on! The Foreward is written by “The Great One” himself – Wayne Gretzky. In it he states: “I am very proud of this book and the message it gives to kids. Our Foundation’s Mission Statement is about helping to equip kids for life and that begins at home. Let’s ensure our kids have the encouragement, love and support they need to grow up to be strong and confidant adults. Every child should know that they’re Great.”
What an awesome message! And, it is a message that I agree with 100%.
Most fans of Wayne Gretzky are aware that his father – Walter Gretzky dedicated himself to making his son into both the hockey player and the man that he grew up to be. GREAT is inspired by Walter Gretzky.
In the story a boy named Taylor is excited to have made the hockey team of his dreams. He is going to be playing with Wayne – a kid who everyone is already calling “The Great One”.
The coach is Walter (Wally) Gretzky. Taylor is so nervous to be on such a great team that he doesn’t play very well.
Taylor wants to be the star of the game and when he hogs the puck rather than passing, his team loses. He tells Coach Wally that he knows the loss was his fault and that he thinks he should quit.
Coach Wally’s response is the perfect one. He is the kind of coach that every child deserves to have and Taylor ends up learning lessons not just about hockey, but also about life.
The illustrations in this book are PERFECT. The cartoon showing Taylor leaving for an early morning practice while his bleary-eyed Mom looks on reminded me so much of my own time as a Hockey Mom. Another illustration showing Taylor shooting pucks at a battered garage door made me laugh out loud in remembrance. Throughout the entire book are illustrations that any hockey parent and their child will love. I rate the illustrations as 5 out of 5 stars.
In fact, I enjoyed GREAT so much that I rate the entire book as 5 out of 5 stars.
This book is set to be released on September 13, 2016 – just in time for hockey season. It would also make a great Christmas gift for any hockey fan (regardless of their age.)
* I received a free copy of this book from the Publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2020
It had the potential to be a good story. But it lacked focus. It was about trying hard and it was about hockey. And each played an equal part of the book. And it fell flat.
August 12, 2018
Been wanting to get more knowledgeable with picture books about hockey, and I was glad that I read this one. Cute story about crushing the idea that only one type of skill makes someone “great”.
July 11, 2016
The second I set eyes on this book, I knew that I had to have it. Being both Canadian and the mother of two boys means that hockey is in my blood. Plus, no self-respecting Canadian parent would pass up the opportunity to purchase a children’s book that is not only about hockey, but also conveys a very important lesson for both kids and their parents.
Come on! The Foreward is written by “The Great One” himself – Wayne Gretzky. In it he states: “I am very proud of this book and the message it gives to kids. Our Foundation’s Mission Statement is about helping to equip kids for life and that begins at home. Let’s ensure our kids have the encouragement, love and support they need to grow up to be strong and confidant adults. Every child should know that they’re Great.”
What an awesome message! And, it is a message that I agree with 100%.
Most fans of Wayne Gretzky are aware that his father – Walter Gretzky dedicated himself to making his son into both the hockey player and the man that he grew up to be. GREAT is inspired by Walter Gretzky.
In the story a boy named Taylor is excited to have made the hockey team of his dreams. He is going to be playing with Wayne – a kid who everyone is already calling “The Great One”.
The coach is Walter (Wally) Gretzky. Taylor is so nervous to be on such a great team that he doesn’t play very well.
Taylor wants to be the star of the game and when he hogs the puck rather than passing, his team loses. He tells Coach Wally that he knows the loss was his fault and that he thinks he should quit.
Coach Wally’s response is the perfect one. He is the kind of coach that every child deserves to have and Taylor ends up learning lessons not just about hockey, but also about life.
The illustrations in this book are PERFECT. The cartoon showing Taylor leaving for an early morning practice while his bleary-eyed Mom looks on reminded me so much of my own time as a Hockey Mom. Another illustration showing Taylor shooting pucks at a battered garage door made me laugh out loud in remembrance. Throughout the entire book are illustrations that any hockey parent and their child will love. I rate the illustrations as 5 out of 5 stars.
In fact, I enjoyed GREAT so much that I rate the entire book as 5 out of 5 stars.
This book is set to be released on September 13, 2016 – just in time for hockey season. It would also make a great Christmas gift for any hockey fan (regardless of their age.)
* I received a free copy of this book from the Publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
To see my full review visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Come on! The Foreward is written by “The Great One” himself – Wayne Gretzky. In it he states: “I am very proud of this book and the message it gives to kids. Our Foundation’s Mission Statement is about helping to equip kids for life and that begins at home. Let’s ensure our kids have the encouragement, love and support they need to grow up to be strong and confidant adults. Every child should know that they’re Great.”
What an awesome message! And, it is a message that I agree with 100%.
Most fans of Wayne Gretzky are aware that his father – Walter Gretzky dedicated himself to making his son into both the hockey player and the man that he grew up to be. GREAT is inspired by Walter Gretzky.
In the story a boy named Taylor is excited to have made the hockey team of his dreams. He is going to be playing with Wayne – a kid who everyone is already calling “The Great One”.
The coach is Walter (Wally) Gretzky. Taylor is so nervous to be on such a great team that he doesn’t play very well.
Taylor wants to be the star of the game and when he hogs the puck rather than passing, his team loses. He tells Coach Wally that he knows the loss was his fault and that he thinks he should quit.
Coach Wally’s response is the perfect one. He is the kind of coach that every child deserves to have and Taylor ends up learning lessons not just about hockey, but also about life.
The illustrations in this book are PERFECT. The cartoon showing Taylor leaving for an early morning practice while his bleary-eyed Mom looks on reminded me so much of my own time as a Hockey Mom. Another illustration showing Taylor shooting pucks at a battered garage door made me laugh out loud in remembrance. Throughout the entire book are illustrations that any hockey parent and their child will love. I rate the illustrations as 5 out of 5 stars.
In fact, I enjoyed GREAT so much that I rate the entire book as 5 out of 5 stars.
This book is set to be released on September 13, 2016 – just in time for hockey season. It would also make a great Christmas gift for any hockey fan (regardless of their age.)
* I received a free copy of this book from the Publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
To see my full review visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
September 19, 2016
'Great' by Lauri Holomis and Glenn Gretzky features a young Wayne Gretzky and his dad Coach Wally (aka Walter Gretzky). It also features a pretty good life lesson that you can learn while playing hockey.
Taylor is excited to make the hockey team. He's especially excited because his team mate is someone they are already calling The Great One. Taylor wants to be great too. The problem is that Taylor doesn't always want to be a team player. When his attempts to be a superstar cost his team a game, then it's time for Taylor to learn how to be a team player.
With a short forward by Wayne Gretzky and fun illustrations by Kevin Sylvester, I found a lot to like in this book, and any young hockey fan should like this picture book as well.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Puffin, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Taylor is excited to make the hockey team. He's especially excited because his team mate is someone they are already calling The Great One. Taylor wants to be great too. The problem is that Taylor doesn't always want to be a team player. When his attempts to be a superstar cost his team a game, then it's time for Taylor to learn how to be a team player.
With a short forward by Wayne Gretzky and fun illustrations by Kevin Sylvester, I found a lot to like in this book, and any young hockey fan should like this picture book as well.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Puffin, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
April 12, 2021
I actually liked this one more than I expected. Got it as a part of a grab and go bag about sports from the library, and when I saw it was about and somehow linked to Wayne Gretzky I felt like it was going to be really hokey. But I felt like it actually did a good job of reckoning with how even if no one is asking them to, kids can get the idea that they have to be the best or be the star, and it walked a fine line in showing how some kids aren't "the star" but are still a crucial part of the team. It's a tough line to walk, between "know your place" and "see the gifts you have to contribute" but I felt like it managed it fairly well for a book I didn't really have expectations of. Worth a read if you're looking for sports related stories.
January 22, 2020
Great! Literally.
This is a great read about the Great One, and what it means to be truly great at something. A solid life lesson that being great is not all about the outcome but the way you get there. Wonderful lessons about teamwork, recognizing others worth while not detracting from your own, perseverance etc.
A great read aloud for slightly older kids: I read this one to my son's hockey team at the beginning of each season.
This is a great read about the Great One, and what it means to be truly great at something. A solid life lesson that being great is not all about the outcome but the way you get there. Wonderful lessons about teamwork, recognizing others worth while not detracting from your own, perseverance etc.
A great read aloud for slightly older kids: I read this one to my son's hockey team at the beginning of each season.
February 4, 2021
This is a "great" story. This should be a must read for every young athlete. You don't have to be the greatest at scoring to be a great teammate.
I love how Wayne Gretzky is just a supporting character in the story, not the main focus. It really helps get the point across, as kids will identify with the protagonist, who isn't the best scorer on the team. It's extra sweet that the coach is inspired by Gretzky's dad.
I love how Wayne Gretzky is just a supporting character in the story, not the main focus. It really helps get the point across, as kids will identify with the protagonist, who isn't the best scorer on the team. It's extra sweet that the coach is inspired by Gretzky's dad.
March 15, 2021
3.5 stars - want to give it five because I am living for hockey media right now, but it was just okay. Not bad. I would definitely read this during storytime; I just didn't finish the book feeling particularly inspired, and it wasn't particularly funny in the way that picture books can be. Just a cute story about working hard and being on a team.
January 12, 2018
Readalouds: 11
Probably my favourite Blue Spruce nominated “hockey book” in the 15 years I’ve been participating in the program.
An inspirational story with a nuanced message about what it takes to be “great” both on the rink and in life.
Probably my favourite Blue Spruce nominated “hockey book” in the 15 years I’ve been participating in the program.
An inspirational story with a nuanced message about what it takes to be “great” both on the rink and in life.
February 7, 2017
Good illustration styled touch with a bit of humor and a style that would appeal to the hockey culture demography. Plus a good message of being great your own style.
April 7, 2018
Good to teach kids about being on a team and not being the best person
November 20, 2018
Great book, about dedication, a great way to show we are all great in our own way. I look forward to sharing this with kids in a little library.
February 19, 2025
Great message and I loved the illustrations.
February 2, 2018
Some of the kids will love this just because it is hockey and some will love it because of the message.
Sometimes it can be hard to find your place in the world but you can always do better and play a role that has value.
We read it through Overdrive on the computer! My tablet was too small to show to 17 kids at once. the kids loved the unusual (for us) format and we talked about what the "messages" of the book are. Even the kids who said "I hate hockey" liked the book.... One huge hockey fan was very excited.
Sometimes it can be hard to find your place in the world but you can always do better and play a role that has value.
We read it through Overdrive on the computer! My tablet was too small to show to 17 kids at once. the kids loved the unusual (for us) format and we talked about what the "messages" of the book are. Even the kids who said "I hate hockey" liked the book.... One huge hockey fan was very excited.
April 26, 2016
Taylor is so excited to make the hockey team. He is up so early in the morning, he wakes everyone up to get to practice. He has a kid on his team named Wayne who everyone says it Great. His dad is the coach, Coach Wally. Taylor wants to be great too, but he has a lot to learn. Coach Wally is very encouraging and just tells the kids not to worry about being the best player, just be the best you can be. A positive message for any child playing a team sport. This book stresses work hard, do your best and above all else, have fun. The illustrations are bright and colourful. The characters have wonderful facial expressions. I recommend this book to all public and school libraries.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Puffin for the opportunity to read and review this book. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Puffin for the opportunity to read and review this book. This is my honest and unbiased review.
August 27, 2016
"Great" choice of words for the title! Could prompt discussion about the meaning and use of the word throughout the story (and in life!).
I also appreciate the important message about playing smart and teamwork, but am confused about a few details.
Is "Wayne" in the story supposed to be Wayne Gretzky? If so, there would there have been a girl on the team?
I wonder why the relationship of Walter and Glen aren't specified. If they are related, why not say so?
Colorful illustrations abound in red, the team color. The players look like children - except for the opponent in - what color? - black, as in 'the bad guys'. He has a mature, mean face, and the word 'stereotype' popped into my mind. If the message of this book is "As long as you have fun, work hard and do your best, that is all that matters," then why do we need a 'bad guy'??
I also appreciate the important message about playing smart and teamwork, but am confused about a few details.
Is "Wayne" in the story supposed to be Wayne Gretzky? If so, there would there have been a girl on the team?
I wonder why the relationship of Walter and Glen aren't specified. If they are related, why not say so?
Colorful illustrations abound in red, the team color. The players look like children - except for the opponent in - what color? - black, as in 'the bad guys'. He has a mature, mean face, and the word 'stereotype' popped into my mind. If the message of this book is "As long as you have fun, work hard and do your best, that is all that matters," then why do we need a 'bad guy'??
June 13, 2016
Teamwork is something you have to learn. It is something that is a bit of an odd concept for kids, which is why this book is so good. This is a super-enthusiastic kid. He is so exciting about making the hockey team that he gets up early to make sure he gets to the game.
What he hasn't learned is how to be a member of a team. He knows how to play hockey, but he doesn't realize that one can't always be the star, the one to make the goal.
Great book explaining that passing the hockey puck, or basketball, or soccer ball, or whatever has to be passed is more important than scoring the actual point. Done in a nice manner.
Book applies to any team sport, and I think would be a great addition to any library.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book for an honest review.
What he hasn't learned is how to be a member of a team. He knows how to play hockey, but he doesn't realize that one can't always be the star, the one to make the goal.
Great book explaining that passing the hockey puck, or basketball, or soccer ball, or whatever has to be passed is more important than scoring the actual point. Done in a nice manner.
Book applies to any team sport, and I think would be a great addition to any library.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book for an honest review.
July 2, 2016
I'm not a hockey girl (yes, gasp, a Canadian who doesn't worship the puck - we do exist!) but this book is definitely a winner. Great story about how sometimes the real stars are those behind the scenes.
October 27, 2017
I think this is a great book for any K-5 classroom in which there could be future athletes, which is any. I find the theme of greatness coming from teamwork extremely important to establish in young ones as working on developing more selfless mindsets takes a long time, but the more development, the easier they will be to work with in class, on the field, and in the real world.
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January 4, 2018A story of teamwork with a positive message, featuring Wayne Gretzky and Coach Wally (Wayne's dad, Walter Gretzky) Taylor is so excited when he makes the hockey team -- and not just any team, but HIS team. The boy they are already calling The Great One. Taylor wants to be great too, but he's still got a lot to learn. Lucky for him, Coach Wally is in his corner, guiding him through the ups and downs of being part of a hockey team, and being the best player he can be. As Coach Wally says, if you have a good time, work hard and do your best, "that is all that matters."
Subject: Friendship -- Juvenile fiction.
Self-confidence -- Juvenile fiction.
Hockey stories -- Juvenile fiction.
Hockey coaches -- Juvenile fiction.
Sportsmanship -- Juvenile fiction.
Encouragement -- Juvenile fiction.
Coach-athlete relationships -- Juvenile fiction.
Notes
GLEN GRETZKY is the Executive Director of the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, which raises money to help children and families across Canada and the United States. Glen is also the Brand Manager for Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery and continues to be involved in community events and fundraising. He lives in Brantford, Ontario.
LAURI HOLOMIS has worked with the Gretzky Family and the Wayne Gretzky Foundation for many years. She continues to work in the sports world and is passionate about teaching kids confidence. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, Ryan, and son, Wyatt. The author lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Subject: Friendship -- Juvenile fiction.
Self-confidence -- Juvenile fiction.
Hockey stories -- Juvenile fiction.
Hockey coaches -- Juvenile fiction.
Sportsmanship -- Juvenile fiction.
Encouragement -- Juvenile fiction.
Coach-athlete relationships -- Juvenile fiction.
Notes
GLEN GRETZKY is the Executive Director of the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, which raises money to help children and families across Canada and the United States. Glen is also the Brand Manager for Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery and continues to be involved in community events and fundraising. He lives in Brantford, Ontario.
LAURI HOLOMIS has worked with the Gretzky Family and the Wayne Gretzky Foundation for many years. She continues to work in the sports world and is passionate about teaching kids confidence. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, Ryan, and son, Wyatt. The author lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews