A very hockey Christmas
Gilles Tibo
A very hockey Christmas
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gilles Tibo
Illustrated by St-Aubin, Bruno, illustrator
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: Nicholas's Christmas wish is all about hockey gear, but when he unwraps his gifts, nothing fits quite right. Everyone else has the same problem! What could Nicholas's clever idea be to fix this holiday mix-up? But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This charming early reader story follows Nicholas, a young hockey fan whose Christmas wish for hockey gear leads to a surprising twist when nothing fits properly. The book gently explores themes of body size and problem-solving in a festive setting, making it suitable for children ages 5 to 8. Parents can expect a lighthearted tale that encourages creativity and empathy.
Why we rated A very hockey Christmas 7C
A very hockey Christmas is written at a Level 2 reading level across 30 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A very hockey Christmas works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate A very hockey Christmas as 7C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, A very hockey Christmas explores body size, juvenile fiction, gifts, family, and problem-solving — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about body size, juvenile fiction, gifts.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781443128605
- Pages
- 30
- Publisher
- Scholastic Canada
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction