Hoo-Hoo-Hoo Hoosiers! by Terry Hutchens and illustrated by Phil Velikan celebrates IU basketball for current fans and the next generation of fans to whom Hutchens dedicates the book. The story truly starts on the cover with a mother (wearing an IU jersey) and her daughter pointing at an owl (also wearing an IU jersey) hooting in a tree.
The book opens with Jenny frightened in bed because she hears a loud “Hoo-Hoo-Hoo.” She calls for her Mommy (as most little girls do) and they embark on a search throughout the farm for the creator of the noise. They find and rule out many animals and things that make noises similar to but not the “Hoo-Hoo-Hoo” that Jenny heard. My personal favorite was the train choo choo chooing through the farm. Finally she sits in a porch swing with Grandpa going through all the possibilities. Soon the sound starts up again, and she goes into the living room and there are several people preparing to watch the Hoo-Hoo-Hoo Hoosier basketball game on T.V. The story is sweet with just the right amount of words, twists and turns before Jenny figures out the answer to her conundrum.
The illustrations are also wonderful. Velikan drew big, bright pictures. The farm and farm house are perfect. Jenny’s bedroom is messed up enough to look real. Every illustration has at least one reference to IU and/or basketball. The “IU crimson” provides highlights in the illustrations throughout the book. This is the perfect gift for all IU fans.
Hutchens, the author of this and several other books concerning IU sports, will autograph books purchased at Bookmamas on Friday, October 21 from 5-7 and at other events throughout the holiday season. Bookmamas is located at 9 Johnson Ave. in Irvington.
