Hello Readers, and welcome back to Kid Lit Love, where I feature a newly released children’s book for you to enjoy. This week, I’m happy to feature LUCAS AND THE HOCKEY GAME written by Lisa Daiker and illustrated by Val Lawton.
Book Synopsis
Lucas’ hockey team has a game, and it’s going to be an easy win… or so he thinks. But after a sound defeat, he tries to figure out what went wrong. With his father’s help, Lucas comes to understand what he must do. At the next game, he shows what he’s learned… and how he’s grown. Lucas and the Hockey Game is about pride, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Young and old can follow Lucas through the story and learn from his experience.
Hello, my name is Lisa Daiker and I’m a self-published author. Lucas and the Hockey Game is my first children’s book. I hope it’s not the last!
Lisa, it is a pleasure to have you as a guest on the blog!
Please tell us about your experience working on your first picture book.
I worked as a nanny for years, and every time I read a children’s picture book to the children, a thought crossed the back of my mind — could I write a children’s book? I wanted to challenge myself in an area that I wasn’t very strong in– or so my teachers in school told me over and over again!
I send my first drafts of this story to my mom, and she read them to my nephews to see if they liked it. At the same time, I sent the manuscript to a children’s book editor. Whereas my nephews loved the story, the editor told me it was too preachy and I should change most of it. I questioned if I should even go down this path at all. But my mom had my back, she reminded me how much my nephews loved story. So it was their joy that inspired me to push on.
With Mom’s help, I changed the story a few times to make it sound less preachy. The Writing Centre I started to attend to help improve my writing skills, offered a children’s book blue pencil. I hesitated at first, but my belief in the story overweighed my self-doubt.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I applied and sent my fifth draft off. In my mind, this was it. I prepared myself to hear it’s not good enough. But I never forget her words. She said, “I like the story, Lisa. There are just a few things that need changing.” And I did change the few things she talked about.
The next step was to find a great illustrator, so I looked a few people up and especially liked Val’s style. I was glad to get her on board and she did a great job to express the story in her illustrations. After Val finished, I worked with a children’s book layout expert who put the text and the Illustrations together. A few weeks later, the file was at the printer and my book was on its way to becoming a reality! Something one can touch, read, and flip the pages.
While it’s my story and my book, I know couldn’t have done it alone. Many others were part of my journey, and I’m very thankful for them. Without them, I couldn’t have given this book wings.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
A friend of mine summed up perfectly what I hope readers will takeaway. She writes that Lisa’s “fun and colourful book shows the importance of core values. Lucas and the Hockey Game looks at the importance of teamwork and being humble.” I hope to impact readers in a positive way that they take into their day-to-day life.
Learn more about the illustrator, Val Lawton here:
Thanks again for the interview, Lisa. It has been a pleasure to connect with you!
Readers, I hope you’ll stop by on Mondays to discover more great children’s books, get inspired by my Wednesday quotes, or read about my nature preschool program.
You can sign up for my newletter for updates a few times a year, I’ll let you know about giveaways or other promotions. Thanks for stopping by the blog, come back and visit any time.
Books by Cynthia 
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