As the boys dash off to school, they start pondering what the surprise might be. Perhaps it’s a new bike. Or tickets to the Amazing Yo-Yo Super Show at the town hall. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s a new pool for the backyard! This makes little brother Leo very excited.
Perhaps it’s a lift (to save on the walk-ups to their apartment) or an all-expenses-paid family trip to Hawaii. Oh yes! This one sounds amazing. That must be it! Everyone must know about it immediately!
I simply love the play on everyday happenings that sends the imagination of these two little boys into overdrive. I love how excited they become and I also love the reaction when they find out what the real surprise turns out to be. I also love the typically outrageous Mackintosh illustrations that just make my eyes water with delight. The mixed media effects, the superb use of colour, the adorable characters and highly imaginative use of layout and design.
This is a classic tale of how a bizarre set of everyday circumstances (real or imagined) can make life so exciting. And that’s what childhood should be all about.
Title: Lucky
Author/Illustrator: David Mackintosh
Publisher: HarperCollins, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 August 2014
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780007463039
For ages: 3-10
Type: Picture Book
