Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (Walker Books)
HB RRP $ 24.95
ISBN 9780763634513
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Judy Moody is on a lucky roll. She believes it’s due to her lucky penny from the 1970s that Grandma Lou gave her. Judy wins three times with the claw, and during the celebrations for Jessica’s birthday at the Extreme Bowling Challenge.

The Spelling Bee competition is coming up. The finals are to be held in Washington D.C., home of the President and other great sights. Judy has her heart set on going, but everyone knows that Jessica is the world’s best speller.

Judy depends on her lucky penny to win. But winning without putting in the work is a lesson that Judy must learn.

Not having studied, and in an attempt to be last in line for the classroom spelling test, Judy goes to the toilet and her lucky penny falls from her pocket into the bowl. The penny is rescued, but it’s ‘goodbye lucky penny and hello bad luck charm’, for Judy is out of the Spellathon, and Jessica is going to Washington.

But things take an unusual turn. Jessica needs a pig-sitter for Pee Gee while she’s at the competition. Judy puts her hand up and the Moody family set out on a road trip where they see the sights of Washington after all. Judy and Stink believe they have it made without any effort, until the time comes to pig-sit.

Jessica’s pet is set on having a good time too, and that means freedom. He slips away from the siblings through an open door. The chase is on - down stairs and elevators, through foyers and hallways. Chaos and destruction reign.

When he’s caught, mum’s the word about his escape. But the room is nothing less than a pigsty and there’ll have to be explanations. Judy reaches for her lucky penny to save the day only to find a hole in her empty pocket.

Taking responsibility for your actions and working hard to succeed, are important issues in this Judy Moody which is ideal for readers of the 9+ age group.