Bruno thinks his friend Sanjay is lucky: he has a pet iguana and his own room. Mateo is lucky too: he has a dog that helps him get around and he can read with his fingers in the dark. Bruno doesn't have his own room, or a pet. However, he soon realises that he is very lucky too, for his own reasons.
Lucky Me is a thoughtful story about different abilities and the strengths that make us unique. A disability means that Mateo does things differently, but not hold him back. In fact, he can do amazing things that others can't.
The book empowers visually impaired characters and celebrates diversity. It's also an interesting perspective as it focuses on the sibling and the emotions that come with having a sibling with a disability. Bruno shows readers that the emotions they feel are valid and normal, while also empowering them to 'think outside the box' and look for the good.
Illustrator Juan Camilo Mayorga uses a warm, muted colour palette and sketches to create the artwork. They are detailed and elaborate, and convey a sense of calm.
Back pages include a brief history of braille and the Braille alphabet. As the author points out, printing in braille is very specialised so they were unable to reproduce it in its proper form. However, a simple activity for children to try their braille is included.
Lucky Me is a sensitive and positive story about disability and differences, about acceptance and of being thankful.
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell
Oratia Books