PLAYING HOCKEY

This aptly titled photo essay presents ice hockey as a spirited, vigorous sport that even younger school-age children can play. Solomon shows two games: The first is a free-form affair played by a diverse crowd on a frozen lake with a pair of boots for a goal; the other is a more formal urban game played in a rink, featuring drills, coaches, and full protective equipment. There are very few gifts in evidence, though of course it's hard to tell with the heavy clothing Readers will have to look elsewhere for rules of play or organizations to contact; only brief captions link Solomon's big, bright, color photos. Put this in the picture-book section.