Lucky Luis

From growing beards to wearing lucky socks, athletes’ superstitions can be unusual, and that’s certainly true of Luis, a rabbit who scoffs at the traditions his father had when he used to play (such as turning his belt to the side). But skeptical though he is, Luis comes to believe that his Little League success depends upon his eating a free sample at the grocery store before every practice or game—a unique superstition if ever there was one. Montijo’s canvas-textured acrylics create a cozy world shared by animals of different species (including a goat umpire and pig shoppers). Soto includes occasional Spanish words and phrases (they are not always translated, though most are common enough), as Luis learns that determination and hard work are more important than luck. Ages 3–5. Agent: Kendra Marcus, Bookstop Literary Agency. (Mar.)