Awards
- Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2022
The Night Before Playoffs 
Scholastic Canada Ltd | ISBN 9781443182546 Paperback
32 Pages | 9.015" x 9.024" | Ages 3 to 8
A Canadian take on the Christmas classic “A Visit from St. Nicholas”!
’Twas the night before playoffs; the rink was pristine
And the glimmering ice appeared simply serene.
The medals were polished, the ribbons were pressed.
The cup was all set to be claimed by the best.
While the human players are nestled all snug in their beds on the night before playoffs, members of the Mountain Marauders and Woodland Warriors come out for a faceoff of their own.
Full of hockey action and lively animal illustrations, this twist on a holiday classic will be the perfect read-aloud for hockey fans young and old!
Raves & reviews:
Praise for Stella Partheniou Grasso:
“Kids don’t have to be hockey fans to enjoy the bouncing rhythm of this counting book . . . [Over at the Rink] will have little Crosby wannabes chanting along as the book is read aloud.” (Over at the Rink) — Quill & Quire
“This cheerful counting book, written to the melody of ‘Over in the Meadow,’ celebrates all the best things about hockey.” (Over at the Rink) — CBC Parents
“This story is always funny and always welcome, and this sports-themed version is just what the coach, or the teacher, or the parent, ordered.” (There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Puck) — CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“A fun book that young readers will enjoy, especially if they like animals.” (Five Busy Beavers) — CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“This good-hearted alternative to those five little monkeys is as hardworking as its subjects.” (Five Busy Beavers) — CM: Canadian Review of Materials