The Luckiest Kid on the Planet

``Every morning, Lucky woke up saying, `I wonder what lucky things will happen today?'... If he caught a fish when he and his grandfather went fishing... Lucky knew it was because he was named Lucky.'' When Lucky discovers that his real name is Herbert and that Lucky is just a nickname, his happy attitude evaporates, along with his renowned good fortune. But when his grandfather falls ill, Herbert realizes he's lucky indeed to have him for a best friend, and the boy's renewed optimism sparks Grandfather's recovery. Ernst's sage commentary on the correlation between attitude and experience comes delightfully gift-wrapped, with well-timed comic writing and rounded, pastel cartoons glistening with good humor. (After the discovery of Lucky's true name, ``weeds snarled... flowers wilted, stars clouded over.'') For any child requiring some mild-mannered attitude adjustment, this book is just what the therapist ordered. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)