How Lucky Am I?

Married collaborators the Hoyings draw inspiration from the mayfly’s 24-hour lifespan in this book-length ode to living life to the fullest. Opening rhymes establish an enthusiastic tone, urging an orange mayfly to “spread your wings,/ ’cause life is not to be wasted!” The insect soon manages to take off, but it becomes forlorn when other flies pair up. Fortunately, a high-flying route brings an encounter with a like-minded friend, and the partners dance together, foregrounded against northern lights and koi fish (“Let’s adventure side by side!// We’ll talk for hours,/ laugh and cry!”) before returning home to help kick off the cycle anew. Lew’s friendly digital renderings embrace electric hues, giving the mayflies a doll-like cuteness that aligns with the book’s greeting-card vibe. More about mayflies and an authors’ note concludes. Ages 4–8. (May)