“The Official Adventures” is a new children’s chapter book series that teaches the importance of sportsmanship, persistence, discipline, and most importantly respect – for referees, each other, and individuals with special needs.
The series tells the tale of two brothers, Blaine and Cullen. On and off the ice, they have deep love for the game and also each other! Cullen is the all-star team captain and Blaine, who has Down syndrome, is the team manager and clearly the “unsung hero” of the team. The brothers join Rylee and Rosee, America’s favorite referees, in game day adventures that will have elementary and middle school aged readers laughing out loud, fist bumping the pages and cheering for more stories. Packed to the brim with laughter, love and lessons, “The Official Adventures” is sure to steal young reader’s hearts.
“This is a rarity in children’s literature. We’ve seen characters with special needs on stage, film and other artistic expressions. But in books such a character is almost non-existent. It really is ‘ice breaking,’” states Katrina Dohm, Illustrator and Co-Creator, The Official Adventures Series.
The storyline doesn’t hide Blaine’s challenges; instead the text proudly displays Blaine’s heart-warming perseverance, his discipline and love for the game, his family and life. Blaine’s leadership and unselfish actions speak louder than any textual words. Through detailed illustration young readers are able to learn respect and a better understanding for the challenges individuals with special needs face on a daily basis.
The series has received the endorsement and support of NHL greats Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals), Jeremy Roenick (NBC Sports), Dave Hakstol (Philadelphia Flyers), Matt Cullen (Pittsburgh Penguins), Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks), Jordan Leopold (Minnesota Wild), Lou Nanne (Minnesota), USA Olympians Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux and Jack Jablonski (Bel13ve in Miracles Foundation).
The first two books in the series “Drop the Puck, It’s Hockey Season” and “Drop the Puck, Shoot for the Cup,” are out now, with the third “Drop the Puck, Let’s Play Hockey” set to be released this Fall.
“Drop the Puck, Shoot for the Cup is a great book with a very important message for kids everywhere – Everyone deserves the chance to play hockey, no matter what their capability.”
“The Official Adventures Series books are terrific heart-warming stories that celebrate hockey, family and children with special needs! Our family loves these hockey tales that teach life lessons and encourages everyone to treat others with respect.”
"Playing hockey is awesome and reading about it can be just as fun. It’s important to learn fundamentals on and off the ice!”
“This book teaches real life lessons through sport, through victory and losses, and emphasizes the importance of hard work regardless of the score.”
“This is a very worthwhile read that contains life lessons beyond the rink. It’s a great pickup and I especially appreciate that it includes Blaine, a special needs character.”
