From Publishers Weekly
Isadora (Lili at Ballet) opens the window on another discipline with this engaging and informative book. Eight-year-old Sophie has set her sights on becoming a professional ice skater, devoting five mornings and three afternoons a week to lessons at the rink, and now she prepares for a competition. The story line gracefully shares space with watercolor sidebars that give behind-the-scenes background (for example, the proper way to tie a skate, the types of clothes skaters wear, how to get up after a fall). A master at capturing bodies in motion, Isadora also delineates the various moves, from backward wiggles ("Move your hips from side to side and pretend you're a puppy wagging your tail") to laybacks, toe loops and spins. There's even a little ballet tucked in, as Sophie takes two ballet lessons a week. Perhaps most importantly, however, Isadora captures the sheer joy that fuels young athletes: thinking about the competition, Sophie says, "I won't have to remember to smile. This program is so much fun!" A winning score for Isadora once again. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3-Repeating the formula she used in Lili at Ballet (Putnam, 1993), Isadora turns her attention to figure skating, rounding out her story of a fictional child with relevant information about the sport. Young readers are sure to admire eight-year-old Sophie, who is pursuing her dream of becoming a professional ice skater. While she clearly loves to skate, her story emphasizes the hard work, time, and dedication required to excel in the sport. Captions for the watercolor illustrations sometimes provide informative facts but are the book's weakest aspect. (A novice skater's free skate would be shorter than indicated, and the position shown for "shoot the duck" is incorrect.) Even so, children will love poring over the pictures of children skating. Isadora remains one of the best at illustrating rhythm and athletic movement. Rely on stronger titles in your nonfiction section for the skating information, and save Sophie Skates for its picture of a likable girl hard at work becoming a star.Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Sophie Skates Sophie wants to be a professional ice skater when she grows up. To reach her goal, she knows she must work hard. It takes a lot of time and effort to master the skills and jumps. But all of her hard work is worth it when the time comes for Sophie's favorite part of ice skating-competing. With enough practice and dedication, one day Sophie may be the best! Woven into Sophie's story are many detailed pictures and pieces of information about the world of ice skating, from the clothing and equipment to the moves and jumps.

"A winning score for Isadora once again." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)


Card catalog description
Uses a story about a young girl who loves to ice skate to introduce the sport: the parts and care of skates, the techniques of different skating moves, and ice skating competitions.

ANNOTATION

Uses a story about a young girl who loves to ice skate to introduce the sport: the parts and care of skates, the techniques of different skating moves, and ice skating competitions.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Sophie SkatesSophie wants to be a professional ice skater when she grows up. To reach her goal, she knows she must work hard. It takes a lot of time and effort to master the skills and jumps. But all of her hard work is worth it when the time comes for Sophie's favorite part of ice skating-competing. With enough practice and dedication, one day Sophie may be the best! Woven into Sophie's story are many detailed pictures and pieces of information about the world of ice skating, from the clothing and equipment to the moves and jumps.

"A winning score for Isadora once again." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Childrens Literature

Sophie's love of skating began at age three. By the ripe old age of eight she knows her destiny--to be a professional skater. Her day begins at 5 a.m. when she and her friends begin their warm-ups. Moves such as "Mohawks," three turns, spins, splits, spirals, etc. are depicted artistically but accurately. Sophie practices both her short program, 2 min. 40 sec. And her long program, 4 min. The basics, such as figures, are important as skaters must use both inside and outside edges and demonstrate their control of them. Isadora describes it all with knowing appreciation for the artistry and the technical skills required. The joy and the discipline of ice-skating are vividly portrayed. Professional skaters never stop practicing, but when you love it, the hard work is joyful. 1999, Putnam Publishing Group, Ages 4 to 9, $15.99. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman

Library Journal