Jill Warren

Abe's Lucky Day is a really sweet story about a homeless man who doesn't have anything but the clothes on his back, but when luck shines on him and bring him a bit more, he willingly and generously shares his good fortune with others. In the end, Abe becomes the luckiest man of all when someone else shares what they have with him.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Abe's Lucky Day. It was an uplifting tale that reminded me of the basic principle of karma: Do good things and good things will come back to you. I thought it was a great story that can teach parents and kids alike the importance of generosity and selflessness. If someone like Abe, who had nothing, could help others, what might we be able to do for those in need. I believe that each one of us has something that we can give to the world even if it is just our time or talents and this story highlights that principle well. I think this book could also help kids to become more aware of the social issue of homelessness and to be on the lookout for ways they might be able to assist needy people in the community.

The illustrations were simple but colorful. I found them pleasing to the eye and thought they complimented the story well. Most of the words in the text are easy enough to be suitable for the 5-8 age range, and it would make a great read-aloud book for younger children. Overall, Abe's Lucky Day was a pleasure to read. It had a great message that I highly recommend for kids of all ages. This was Jill Warren's first published book, but I'll definitely be on the lookout for others that might be released in the future.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the author via the publicist, Bostick Communications, in exchange for an honest review.… (meer)

Abe is a homeless man who lives behind a bakery. Winter is on the horizon, with it cold, blustery weather. Abe’s clothes smell bad, do not fit correctly and his shoes do not have laces. Many would think Abe is down on his luck and in need of help. Not Abe, he finds way to help others. When he finds a warm loaf of bread, he gives most of it to an older homeless woman. On a blustery day, Abe finds a pair of nice, warm gloves, but instead of putting them on, he gives the gloves to a young boy who had none. Abe put his hands into his pockets to keep warm. Each time luck looks down on Abe he finds someone who has a greater need and gives away what he has found. On an otherwise ordinary day, someone “paid-it-forward” to Abe and changed his life forever.

Abe’s Lucky Day is a picture book with lots to say. Beyond the obvious theme of homelessness, this book deals with counting your blessings, sharing what you do not absolutely need, and thinking of others as you go about your day. Paying attention to one’s surroundings is the best way to find ways of helping others. Abe does not expect anything in return for his generosity, yet all those seemingly small things he did for others brought great fortune to his life. This is a good read-a-loud and then discuss book for schools. This little gem should be on every teacher’s bookshelf from grades K to 12.

note: received from author
Review courtesy of Kid Lit Reviews . . . http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2011/09/01/abess-lucky-day-by-jill-warren/… (meer)

Abe’s Lucky Day
By: Jill Warren
ISBN: 9781432773052
Published July 7, 2011 by Outskirts Press
Available Format: Paperbook, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Abe is a homeless man who has a genuine heart. He is able to share what little he has to help others in need. In the end, his kindness truly pays off, and Abe is able to reflect on just how lucky he has been.

I received a (signed) copy of Abe’s Lucky Day for review.

Before I was even able to read this book, my six-year-old son read it several times exclaiming this was a GREAT book! Now that I’ve finally had a chance to check it out for myself (and read it to my younger two), I have to agree.

Often, we imagine homeless people as lazy, dirty, stinky people. A day with Abe gives us a new perspective. Abe is actually an extremely kind and thoughtful man. No, he doesn’t have a place to live. No, he doesn’t have any money. But, he is eager to share everything he does have to help someone else, and he is repaid in a big way in the end even though he wasn’t in any way looking for a reward.

I think there are a few lessons this book can teach children (and adults!). First of all, don’t judge someone based on their appearance or station in life. I don’t know exactly why Abe was homeless, but he doesn’t strike me as the lazy type. Abe is a truly kind man despite his circumstances. Also, it is important to help others in need no matter how little you have. Even if you don’t have any money or possessions, you can still give of your time, share a kind word, even offer up a smile. You never know when you might completely brighten up someone’s day with such a small gesture. Finally, if you have the right heart and strive to be kind to others, you will eventually be rewarded in some way. It might not be the way you would want, but as the saying goes, “what goes around, comes around.”

All of my children (age 6, 3, and 2) really enjoyed this story. The large size of this book is fantastic for young readers. The illustrations are big and colorful and add so much to the story. There are so many things to talk about with this book. As my son said, it is GREAT!… (meer)