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HOW LUCKY AM I? by Scott Hoying

HOW LUCKY AM I?

by Scott Hoying & Mark Hoying ; illustrated by Steph Lew

Pub Date: May 21st, 2024
ISBN: 9781250853332
Publisher: Henry Holt

Singer/songwriter and Pentatonix vocalist Scott Hoying and his husband, Mark, a writer and marketing professional, tell the story of a mayfly learning to seize the day.

“Good morning, Mayfly! / It’s your time to meet the sky! / Spread your wings, / ’cause life is not to be wasted!” Words of wisdom from two older mayflies inspire a youngster to explore and appreciate the world. He zips through the air, observes colors and smells, and notices other mayflies. “How lucky am I!” he enthuses at each turn. But as nearby mayflies begin to pair off, our winged hero watches, lonely, wondering if he’ll end up alone. “Why oh why…isn’t luck on my side?” He tries to be philosophical. But before all hope is lost, the perfect partner appears, and mayfly-style romance abounds. Everything comes full circle as the two spot a new youngster and advise that “life is not to be wasted.” Brightly colored, cartoon illustrations nearly overwhelm with extreme cuteness, while exuberant text traces the mayfly’s journey. Well intentioned but a bit saccharine, this tale concludes with backmatter about the species’ all-too-brief (one-day) life cycle and an explanation that the mayflies in the story are same-sex partners (which, the authors note, are common throughout the animal kingdom). A QR code links to a song version of the book, performed by Scott Hoying.

A super-sweet tale of living in the moment.

(Picture book. 4-8)