In her delightful and inspiring children's book When Emil Met His Luck, writer and illustrator Nicole Köttstorfer presents an engaging tale of self-discovery that will resonate with children and parents alike. Presented with wit, candor, and a touch of magical realism, the book takes nine-year-old Emil on a journey to learn that even the most unlucky child can tap into happiness if he can believe in himself.

Against the background of a troubled relocation to a new town, the book meets readers with Emil, a young boy who seems to draw trouble with him wherever he goes. Having bid farewell to his best friend and witnessed his beloved toy get broken in a box, Emil starts doubting everything. However, upon meeting a strange voice from within a moving box one day, everything changes. The voice insists that it is Emil's "big luck" captive in a small metal chest and it requires Emil's assistance to be released.

As the narrative develops, Emil discovers that opening the chest involves something more than machinery. To actually liberate his luck, he has to unwrap the lessons hidden deep within himself. From defying bullies to doing honesty, selflessness, and courage, Emil comes to realize that being "lucky" is not a matter of fate it is a matter of character. With each act of bravery or kindness, the locks on the box begin to click open, leading him to a deeper understanding of who he is and what really matters.

Nicole Köttstorfer's handling of children's fiction has been infused with psychological understanding and emotional intelligence. She drew on her experience of visual storytelling and close observation of the problems of childhood to craft a well-rounded protagonist whose inner life is as vivid as the outward adventures he undergoes. The translator of the book, Sima B. Moussavian, preserves the humor and subtlety of the original German text so that its broad appeal may penetrate for English readers.

"Kids are usually called upon to adjust easily to change, be it a new school, relocation, or changing friendships," Köttstorfer states. "By using Emil, I wished to expose youngsters to the fact that such moments of disruption could also prove to be opportunities to discover their own virtues and resilience."

Lovely brought to life with expressive illustrations on every page, When Emil Met His Luck both treasures the flighty and the deep. Packed with expressive illustrations on every page, Emil's universe is brought to vivid life from turbulent emotions to the playfulness of the miniature treasure chest. The text and illustration come together harmoniously, making it perfect for middle-grade readers and ideal for parent or teacher reading aloud.

Aside from its tale, the book is a quiet manual for kids learning to ride emotional complexity. Emil's path shows them how to react to fear, frustration, and ambiguity not by shutting down, but by leaning into core values of honesty, compassion, and self-confidence. The story quietly instructs that the way to happiness is not laid out in diplomas or possessions, but in inner congruence.

When Emil Met His Luck is remarkable not just because of its creative premise, but because of its valuable themes. It's a story that engages while teaching children the emotional intelligence needed to survive in today's whirlwind world. It's no wonder the book is being adopted by parents, teachers, and school counselors as a reading experience and a tool for character education.

Now available in paperback and e-book editions, When Emil Met His Luck is a must-have for any reading room committed to expanding hearts in addition to minds.

About the Author:

Nicole Köttstorfer is a German children's book writer with a love for enabling children to visualize the strength of their own thoughts, feelings, and decisions. With a style that is uniquely her own, blending humor, insight, and warmth, she develops stories that are emotionally deep as well as visually striking.