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True Meaning of Home
Have a Good Trip, Lucky! follows a sweet little dog from Conakry, Guinea, who gets adopted by a U.S. diplomat and then has to travel across the world when his owner gets transferred to Washington, DC. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Dog Diplomat Adventure series is actually inspired by my real-life rescue dog, Lucky! This book, Have a Good Trip, Lucky! – is the second book in the series.
Lucky found me when I was posted to the U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Guinea, in West Africa. After becoming part of both my family and the U.S. Embassy community family, Lucky was surrounded by love and friendship. However, as those in the foreign service and military service know, new assignments often lead to new destinations. Lucky’s Diplomat Mom receives new work orders, and she is being transferred back to a job in the United States. Lucky is about to embark on his overseas move or trip!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
There are three themes in the book that I hope children and families take away after reading it.
INNER COURAGE – Lucky must find his inner courage in order to embark on his first overseas move and trip. Life inevitably presents challenges, and both children and adults need to summon their inner strength when confronted with difficulties.
LOVE – This story depicts a temporary separation between Lucky and his Mom. She arranges for Lucky to stay with her sister’s family until they can be reunited. This mirrors real-life situations where parents might leave their children for school, camp, or other commitments. Lucky learns that even in her absence, his Mom continues to care for him through trusted family members and friends.
TRUE MEANING OF HOME – Lucky discovers that HOME is not a building or place but is comprised of family and friends. And as long as you have your loved ones with you, you are at HOME, no matter where in the world you may land.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Actually, the ending of the book was the most enjoyable to write. When Lucky arrives in New York and meets my sisters and their families! I had the opportunity to honor my family in this story. Without their love and support, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my job.
This book is a tribute to all family members who stand by their loved ones serving in the foreign service and military.
Will this book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Yes – this book is the second installment in the Dog Diplomat Adventure series!
The first book – Lucky Puppy Finds Two Families – narrates Lucky’s journey from being a homeless puppy on the streets of West Africa to finding not just one, but two loving families. Inspired by my real-life rescue dog Lucky, this series chronicles his adventures.
In Have a Good Trip, Lucky! – the second book, I share how Lucky became an integral part of both my family and the U.S. Embassy community, surrounded by love and friendship. However, as is common in foreign and military service, new orders often lead to new destinations. Lucky’s Diplomat Mom receives orders to transfer back to the United States, leading to Lucky’s exciting overseas adventure!
Have a Good Trip, Lucky! – follows Lucky’s first big trip and explores courage, change, and the comfort of finding the true meaning of “home.”
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Lucky is a Dog Diplomat with a nose for excitement and a big heart! His life in West Africa is full of sunshine and friends-but everything changes when his Diplomat Mom moves across the world. Now, Lucky has to take a huge trip all by himself, from West Africa all the way to the United States! Facing travel surprises, delays in Paris, and wondering who will be waiting on the other side, is Lucky brave enough to conquer these challenges?
Join Lucky as he discovers his inner courage and the true meaning of home! Perfect for any child who’s ever moved, missed someone far away, or simply loves dogs and adventures. This fun-filled journey proves that a brave heart can find fun, friendship, and a place to call home-no matter where in the world your paws may land!
Have a Good Trip, Lucky! A Dog Diplomat Adventure Series
This children’s book follows Lucky, a sweet little dog from Conakry, Guinea, who gets adopted by a U.S. diplomat and then has to travel across the world when his owner gets transferred to Washington, DC. The book tells the story through Lucky’s eyes, so you feel every bit of his confusion, fear, and excitement as he goes from Africa to France to the United States. Along the way, Lucky meets new friends, kind people, and even learns what it means to be brave and loved across distances. By the end, Lucky understands that even though his “trip” was scary at first, it brought him to new family and adventures.
I really liked how this picture book mixes heart and real-world experiences. You can feel the author’s love for animals and her deep understanding of the Foreign Service life. The writing is simple enough for kids, but it still carries a lot of emotion. It’s a tender story about trust, change, and belonging. And the idea of showing life through the eyes of a traveling dog was brilliant. It gives kids a safe, gentle way to explore big feelings like separation and homesickness without it ever feeling too heavy.
The illustrations are so warm and full of life. They make every scene feel colorful and comforting. And I loved the glossary and tips at the end. They turn the story into something more than a bedtime read. It becomes a small lesson in global living, empathy, and courage. You can tell the author’s background in diplomacy shaped how thoughtfully she explains the idea of travel and duty. There’s a quiet pride behind every word.
I’d definitely recommend Have a Good Trip, Lucky! for kids who have parents in the military, Foreign Service, or any job that involves moving a lot. It’s also perfect for any child who has ever had to say goodbye, even for a little while. The story is gentle, hopeful, and real. It reminds you that home isn’t just one place. It’s the people, and sometimes the pets, who love you no matter where in the world you end up.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1779445385
Lucky Puppy Finds Two Families
Lucky Puppy Finds Two Families is a heartwarming tale that chronicles the adventures of a stray dog named Lucky, who navigates the bustling streets of Conakry, Guinea, before finding his way into the loving arms of two different families. Vida Gecas, inspired by her real-life experiences as a U.S. Diplomat, crafts a narrative that captures the essence of resilience, companionship, and the profound impact of love. The story follows Lucky as he transitions from a life of uncertainty to one filled with security and affection, first from a compassionate local family and later from an American family working at the U.S. Embassy.
Vida Gecas’ writing shines with vivid descriptions and an engaging storytelling style that brings Lucky’s world to life. The bustling seaport of Conakry and the vibrant market scenes are painted with such detail that you can almost hear the multilingual chatter and smell the fresh produce. The scene where Lucky meets two girls who eventually take him in is particularly touching, encapsulating the fear and hope that stray animals might feel in such situations. Gecas’ ability to imbue Lucky’s perspective with emotion and personality makes it easy to root for this endearing canine protagonist. The ideas within the book, such as the importance of kindness and the value of diverse experiences, are conveyed effectively through Lucky’s interactions and observations. For instance, Lucky’s friendship with Mariama, a fruit vendor, and Rex, a dog with a family, highlights the different forms of companionship and support systems that can emerge even in the most unexpected places. Gecas’ book also subtly introduces young readers to the roles and responsibilities of embassy staff, blending educational content with a compelling narrative.
Illustrator Lisa Alderson complements Gecas’ storytelling with charming and colorful illustrations that enhance the reader’s connection to the characters and setting. The depiction of the market, the busy streets, and the embassy grounds is both accurate and imaginative, providing a visual treat that aligns perfectly with the book’s tone. Alderson’s portrayal of Lucky’s expressions and body language adds depth to his character, making his journey all the more relatable and heartwarming.
Lucky Puppy Finds Two Families, by Vida Gecas, is an ideal read for children and families who appreciate stories about animals, cultural diversity, and the importance of compassion. The book is especially fitting for young readers interested in learning about different cultures and the life of diplomatic families overseas. Gecas’ personal touch and Alderson’s delightful illustrations make this a memorable addition to any child’s bookshelf. Whether you’re looking for a bedtime story or an educational tale, Lucky’s adventures are sure to entertain and inspire.
Pages: 34 | ASIN: B0D27VN2LM
LITERARY TITAN 