About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is pondering big questions about luck, destiny, or what they might want to be when they grow up. This witty tale follows a young carpenter in Cameroon who, after receiving a series of vague and mysterious predictions from a fortune-teller, finds himself stepping into a new life through a series of humorous accidents. It is a brilliant exploration of how our own perspective and confidence can shape the future we see for ourselves. Lloyd Alexander's sophisticated but accessible storytelling introduces children to the concepts of irony and self-fulfilling prophecies. The vibrant, award-winning illustrations provide a rich window into West African village life. While it is technically a picture book, the clever wordplay and philosophical undercurrents make it equally rewarding for elementary-aged children who are beginning to understand that life does not always follow a straight line.
