Keiko Kasza’s My Lucky Day is an entertaining and clever picture book that turns the typical predator-prey relationship on its head with a delightful dose of humor and wit. This charming tale follows a hungry fox who believes he’s stumbled upon an easy meal, only to find himself the victim of a cunning and resourceful pig. With its engaging plot, vibrant illustrations, and humorous twist, My Lucky Day is a fantastic read-aloud book that will leave children laughing while subtly teaching them about quick thinking and the power of wit.
The story begins with Mr. Fox preparing for a quiet day at home when a little pig unexpectedly knocks on his door. The pig, having mistaken Mr. Fox’s house for someone else’s, unwittingly places himself in what seems to be a very dangerous situation. Mr. Fox can hardly believe his luck—his dinner has come straight to him! The fox is overjoyed, convinced it’s his “lucky day,” and immediately prepares to cook the pig for his evening meal.
However, it quickly becomes apparent that the pig is not as helpless as he seems. With a series of clever tricks and flattering words, the pig convinces Mr. Fox to give him a bath, feed him a hearty meal, and even give him a relaxing massage—all under the guise of making him taste better when Mr. Fox finally eats him. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the pig is using his smarts to manipulate the situation, slowly tiring out the fox and buying himself time.
One of the strengths of My Lucky Day is its use of humor and irony. The fox believes he is in control, but readers can see that the pig is subtly leading him into exhaustion. Children will delight in watching the pig outsmart the much larger and more intimidating fox at every turn. The humorous back-and-forth dynamic between the two characters keeps the story lighthearted and fun, even as it builds suspense about what will happen next.
Kasza’s lively illustrations add an extra layer of enjoyment to the book. The colorful, expressive depictions of Mr. Fox’s growing frustration and exhaustion are laugh-out-loud funny, especially as he works harder and harder to “prepare” the pig, while the pig remains calm and in control throughout. The art plays a significant role in enhancing the humor of the story, showing Mr. Fox going through increasingly ridiculous tasks as he tries to follow the pig’s seemingly helpful suggestions. The contrast between the fox’s growing weariness and the pig’s sly, innocent demeanor creates a visually amusing experience for readers.
Another notable aspect of My Lucky Day is its simple, yet effective, structure. The repetition of events—bath, meal, and massage—helps build anticipation as readers wait to see how the pig will trick Mr. Fox next. This repetition is particularly engaging for young children, who will quickly catch on to the pattern and enjoy predicting what the clever pig will suggest next. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right amount of suspense to keep readers hooked, but never too long as to lose their attention.
The book also touches on subtle themes of intelligence and resilience. The pig’s quick thinking and ability to stay calm in a dangerous situation make him a surprising hero. He doesn’t use physical strength to escape but instead relies on his wit, showing young readers that brains can be just as powerful as brawn. This message is delivered in a way that feels natural within the story, offering a valuable lesson without being overtly moralizing.
In the end, the pig not only escapes but leaves the fox completely exhausted and no closer to his meal. It’s a satisfying and humorous conclusion, with the tables completely turned on the fox, who had thought it was his “lucky day.” The final twist leaves readers with a sense of surprise and satisfaction as they realize the pig had the upper hand all along.
My Lucky Day is a delightful story that combines humor, wit, and engaging illustrations to create a memorable and entertaining reading experience. Kasza’s playful narrative and sharp artwork make it a great book for read-aloud sessions, encouraging children to laugh along with the characters while appreciating the pig’s cleverness. The story’s reversal of expectations and its clever use of repetition will keep young readers engaged and eager to see how the pig outsmarts the fox. It’s a book that will leave readers smiling and, much like the pig, feeling like they’ve won a small victory.
Questions to ask while reading:
- How does the pig outsmart the fox in the story?
- What are some of the tricks the pig uses to convince the fox to give him a bath?
- How does the pig’s behavior change the outcome of the story?
My Lucky Day on Amazon