Weekly Book Special for Winter Olympics: Ice Skating School

February 22nd-28th Weekly Half-Off Book Special

To commemorate the Winter Olympics, we are offering a wonderful illustrated book about ice skating. This week’s special is:

Ice Skating School
Written by Naia Bray-Moffatt, Photographs by David Handley
(Hardcover, 47 pages, 2004, $20.00)

This enchanting guide to the world of figure skating follows a class of young skaters from their first steps on the ice to the thrilling moment they take part in a performance.

Aspiring skaters will be introduced to the basic movements and techniques involved in skating, as they learn how to move forwards and backwards, and to jump, spin and turn.

Young readers will see how much fun skating can be, as well as the hard work and dedication needed to succeed.

My favorite scene is when Lilly and James learn how to jump on the ice
(click the image to enlarge):

“Lilly, a cherubic skater, guides children through the stages of training as she helps a younger friend at her first lesson,” writes Jennifer Mattson on Booklist. “[She also] practices with her own class (which includes two enthusiastic boys); receives a tutorial from an older student; and, finally, performs in her own end-of-session show.”

This book has been made with the help of students from The School of Figure Skating, Lee Valley Ice Centre, Leyton and The Ice Rink, Alexandra Palace, both in London, U.K.

Acclaimed children’s photographer David Handley‘s shot the stunningly crisp full-color photos. Naia Bray-Moffatt, who has also authored “Ballet School” and “I Love Gymnastics,” wrote the lively text. Together they inspire young readers everywhere to turn their dreams of ice skating into reality.

Purchase this book for $20: