Becoming Lucky

The story of a dog that looks very different to the world, and that looks at the world very differently.

Children - Animals
34 Pages
Reviewed on 05/15/2022
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

We’re all different. It doesn’t matter how we look on the outside, or if we can run the fastest, or see and hear the best; it’s what’s inside that counts. Lucky knows. Born with sight in only one eye, one floppy ear with the other one perked straight up and one front leg shorter than the other, even his multi-colored spots make him stand out as being unique. There may be lots he can’t do, and the other dogs at the pet store where Lucky was born are quick to point out his so-called failings, but Lucky knows what’s most important: how to love and be loved and how to see the best in everyone, in spite of their differences. Will anyone see beyond Lucky’s differences and decide to adopt him into their family? To love and cherish forever?

Robert Manley’s picture book, Becoming Lucky is a sweet, tender, heartwarming story about acceptance, inclusion, equity, and, quite simply, pure love. Even dogs can be bullied amongst their dog peers, but it takes that one special, uniquely different dog to rise above the harassment and see the beauty within us all, the beauty in the world. The story is told in simple language so young readers can easily follow along and the colorful illustrations add a visual element. The plot follows Lucky from his birth, as he endures countless snide comments from the so-called ‘normal’ dogs and all his steady, firm, loving comments he shares. Like his response to being teased about being blind in one eye: “I will only look for the good in others.” This story is packed with sound advice on caring and love and will certainly bring a few tears to the eyes of readers both young and old. Absolutely beautiful – I loved it!