What a Lucky Day!

Four animals arrive at the lake pier, hoping to catch fish for dinner. They worry that the others will ruin their day, but a gentle reminder reminds them to not judge others too quickly.

Format: Hardback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 13 November 2020
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Four animals embark on a journey to the lake, filled with anticipation and hope, to secure a delicious fish dinner for their evening meal. However, their hopes are dashed when they arrive at the pier simultaneously, causing each one to worry that the others will ruin their day. The stork, plagued by bad luck after encountering the black cat, believes that his luck has taken a turn for the worse. The cat, on the other hand, is consumed by fear that the raccoon will steal all his prized fish. The raccoon, in turn, is cautious of approaching the frog due to his fear of the frog's warts. Meanwhile, the frog, with its hopes resting on the stork not delivering any babies on the already crowded pier, finds itself in a delicate situation.

But as this delightful and uplifting picture book reveals, it is essential to refrain from making snap judgments about others. The story unfolds in a gentle and humorous manner, showcasing the importance of understanding and empathy. Through the eyes of the four animals, we witness their fears and concerns, but also their ability to overcome them and find common ground.

As they settle on the pier, each animal begins to realize that their assumptions and prejudices may have been misplaced. The stork, initially fearful of the black cat's presence, discovers that the cat is actually quite friendly and helpful. The cat, who had been preoccupied with his own worries, realizes that the raccoon is not a threat but rather a fellow fisherman seeking to share in the bounty of the lake. The raccoon, who had been guarded against the frog's warts, realizes that the frog is not as fearsome as he had imagined and that they may even have something in common.

The frog, too, undergoes a transformation. Initially concerned about the stork's potential interference, it realizes that the stork is merely trying to find a safe and comfortable place to deliver its babies. The frog, with its gentle nature, offers to share its space with the stork, and together they find a solution that benefits everyone.

In the end, the four animals realize that their differences and fears were mere illusions created by their own biases and assumptions. They learn to appreciate each other's unique qualities and to work together towards a common goal. The story serves as a powerful reminder that judging others too quickly can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, but that open-mindedness and empathy can lead to lasting friendships and positive outcomes.

As they continue their fishing expedition, the four animals find themselves enjoying each other's company and sharing stories of their adventures. They learn to appreciate the beauty of the lake and the surrounding nature, and to cherish the moments of companionship and shared experiences.

In conclusion, this picture book offers a valuable lesson about the importance of understanding and empathy. Through the eyes of the four animals, we witness their journey of self-discovery and growth, and we are reminded that we all have the capacity to overcome our fears and biases and to build meaningful connections with others. The story is a testament to the power of kindness, compassion, and open-mindedness, and it serves as a reminder that we should always strive to see the best in each other and to work together towards a brighter future.

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 298 x 403 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324015529