MY LUCK CHARM

A child learns the power of both nature and kindness in this sweet tale of an early morning spent fishing.

The young narrator tiptoes through the quiet house, promising Mama a surprise from the stream. Mabry’s text effectively emphasizes the natural world and the senses, from the smell of the pines to the sounds of the birds, frogs, and wind. The titular charm, carved specially for the child by Grandpa (unseen in the story), turns out to be more than just for luck; it’s also a sort of moral compass. Upon finally reeling in a beautiful rainbow trout, the child has second thoughts about taking it home for breakfast; the little one’s pride in catching the fish turns to a feeling of responsibility for the beautiful creature lying on the shore next to the charm that’s fallen out of the child’s pocket. Without so many words and without judging others who may make a different choice, the child gently puts the fish back in the water and determines that blueberries will be an equally good breakfast surprise. Vibrant colors, small details, and spot-on facial expressions keep the focus on the child’s experience of nature. Mother and child have light-brown skin, dark curly hair, and brown eyes, and Mom is ever watchful from the porch while the child, clad in an orange life jacket, fishes from a rock.

A stirring, nonpreachy lesson in kindness, responsibility, and the restorative power of nature.