JUST ONE GOAL!

by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko

(Scholastic,$6.99 softcover)

Ciara wants to build a rink on the river, so she doesn't have to go across town to play hockey. The trouble is, no one wants to help.

When her own determined efforts produce a rink just big enough for her dog, her dad and their neighbours work together to build a people-sized rink for everyone to use.

And use it they do. But every game Ciara plays, she loses. Maybe it's because a moose fell asleep in the net or a bear chased the two teams off the ice.

But one day, in the heat of a tied game, the ice breaks up and the whole game floats down river, much to the horror of parents watching the action.

Oblivious to the cracking ice, Ciara remains determined to score a goal.

This is the latest book for the popular Guelph author Robert Munsch and Toronto illustrator Michael Martchenko.

THE DRUM CALLS SOFTLY

by David Bouchard and Shelley Willier;

paintings by Jim Poitras, music by Northern Cree (Red Deer, $24.95 hardcover)

Rhythms of aboriginal life echo throughout this picture book by Metis author David Bouchard of British Columbia and Shelley Willier of Alberta.

Through their words -- and through the striking paintings of Jim Poitras and the drumming and singing of the 15-member group Northern Cree in an accompanying CD -- young readers will gain an appreciation for the passion and beauty of native culture. Both book and CD include Cree translations.

ABUELOS

by Pat Mora; illustrated by Amelia Lau Carling

(Groundwood, $18.95 hardcover)

Amelia and Pat are two children living in New Mexico who get caught up in the mystery of "los abuelos" -- hairy, sooty old men who come down from this country's northern mountains every December to ensure that children are being good.

The abuelos have been known to chase boys who misbehave. They also like to scare girls who aren't obeying their mothers' requests to set the table for supper.

All this talk frightens the little Amelia, until she learns that their arrival is greeted with a huge party for all the townsfolk. There will be a bonfire, music and traditional Mexican foods.

"You know how Halloween is scary and fun?" her father tells her.

"So is the coming of the abuelos."

And come they do. It isn't until Amelia is being chased by one of the scary masked characters that she recognizes he is wearing her father's boots.

New Mexico author Pat Mora's story about this tradition of mid-winter masquerades is paired with charming illustrations created by Amelia Lau Carling of New York City.

Brenda Hoerle is The Record's Travel editor and reviews books for children.