A Fortune Teller and a New Beginning: Good Day, Bad Day by Paul Shipton

Introduction

Do you believe in fortune tellers? Can someone tell your future? In Good Day, Bad Day by Paul Shipton, we meet two people with very different ideas about the future. One person believes. One does not. But something surprising happens!

This book is part of the Penguin Readers series. It is at the Easystarts level. This means the book is good for beginner English learners. It uses simple grammar and easy words. Let’s learn more about the story!

Meet the Characters

Mike

Mike is Kerry’s brother. He is a nice man. He is kind and works hard. Mike has a new job in Boston. He moves to a new house. He is happy with his job. But he feels a little lonely. He does not know many people in Boston. He misses his family.

Kerry

Kerry is Mike’s sister. She loves her brother. She is worried about him. Is he okay in the new city? Is he happy? She wants to help him. Kerry comes to visit Mike in Boston. She wants to see his new home.

Rosie

Rosie is a fortune teller. She has a small shop. She reads people’s futures. Some people believe in her. Some people do not. Rosie is an interesting person in the story. She gives a message to Mike.

A Visit to Boston

Kerry visits Mike on a weekend. Mike shows Kerry his new house. They talk and have dinner. On Saturday, they go out together. They walk on the street. Then, Kerry sees a sign. It says “Fortune Teller.”

Kerry is excited. She wants to go inside. Mike says no. He does not believe in fortune tellers. He thinks it is not real. But Kerry wants to try. She tells Mike, “Come on! Let’s go.”

The Fortune Teller’s Message

First, Kerry goes in. She talks to Rosie. Then it is Mike’s turn. Mike does not smile. He thinks it is silly. But Rosie looks at him. She sees something in his future. She says:

“I see a black cat, a yellow dog, and a white bird. Be very careful.”

Mike is surprised. What does it mean? A black cat, a yellow dog, and a white bird? It is a strange message. He does not understand.

What Happens Next?

After the visit, Mike tries to forget Rosie’s words. He does not want to believe them. But strange things start to happen. Mike begins to see the things Rosie talked about.

One day, he sees a black cat on the street. Then he sees a yellow dog in a park. Later, he sees a white bird in the sky.

He remembers Rosie’s words: “Be very careful.”

Now, Mike starts to worry. Maybe Rosie is right. Maybe she really can see the future. Maybe something bad is going to happen.

Good Day or Bad Day?

Mike has many questions. He is careful. He looks around more. He thinks more about the people around him. And something changes. He meets new people. He makes new friends. He talks to his neighbors.

His life becomes better. His days are not lonely now. He smiles more. He calls Kerry and says, “I’m okay now. Life is good.”

Was it magic? Was it Rosie? Or was it just Mike? We do not know. But something changes for him after the visit.

What Can We Learn?

Good Day, Bad Day is a short and fun story. It has a little mystery. It is also about family and new beginnings. Here are some things we can learn:

• Believe in people. Kerry believes in her brother. She wants to help him.
• Try new things. Kerry tries the fortune teller. It is a new experience.
• Be open to change. Mike changes his mind. He starts to see things in a new way.
• Listen to your feelings. Sometimes, we feel something before we understand it.

Easy Words and Grammar

This book is great for CEFR A1 learners. It uses easy words like:

• home
• job
• dog
• cat
• happy
• sad
• believe
• careful

The grammar is also simple. The sentences are short. This helps learners read and understand the story easily.

Why Read Good Day, Bad Day?

Here are five good reasons:

1. It’s short. You can finish it quickly.
2. It’s easy. It’s written for English learners.
3. It’s interesting. It has a little mystery and fun.
4. It’s good for speaking. You can talk about it with friends.
5. It’s good for thinking. It makes you think about life, change, and the future.

Fun Activities After Reading

After you read Good Day, Bad Day, try these fun ideas:

1. Talk About It

• Do you believe in fortune tellers?
• What would you do if someone told you a strange message?

2. Write a Fortune

• Write a short “fortune” for a friend.
• Use pictures like a cat, a bird, or a tree.
• Make it fun or funny!

3. Act It Out

• With a friend, act out the scene with Rosie.
• One person is Mike, one is Rosie.
• Try to use English and have fun!

Final Thoughts

Good Day, Bad Day is more than just a book about fortune telling. It is a story about change, hope, and the little things in life. Sometimes, one visit, one person, or one day can change everything.

Mike and Kerry are normal people like us. Their story shows that even when we feel alone or unsure, good things can happen.

So, do you believe in good days and bad days? Maybe every day can be a good day—with a little help and a little hope.

Would you like me to prepare printable reading comprehension questions or vocabulary exercises for this story too?

Paul Shipton British author and editor of children's books 

A Literary Journey in Children's Literature

Early Life and Education

Paul Shipton, born in 1963 in Manchester, embarked on a literary journey that would later enchant young readers worldwide. His academic pursuits led him to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and later to Manchester University. Shipton, driven by a passion for knowledge, earned two master's degrees in Classics and Philosophy, laying the groundwork for a richly textured understanding of literature.

 

Teaching Adventures in Istanbul 

After his academic pursuits, Shipton ventured into the realm of teaching, and his journey took him to Istanbul, where he immersed himself in the vibrant tapestry of the city. Teaching English for a year in Istanbul became a formative experience that would later influence his storytelling.

 

Emergence as an Author 

Upon returning to the UK, Shipton delved into the realm of English language education, teaching as a foreign language. It was during this period that he took the leap into the world of children's literature. In 1991, he marked the beginning of his authorial career with the publication of "Zargon Zoo," a delightful introduction to his storytelling prowess.

 

Bug Muldoon and Relocation to the United States

Four years later, in 1995, Shipton unveiled "Bug Muldoon and the Garden of Fear," showcasing his ability to weave captivating tales for young readers. This period of creativity coincided with a significant shift in his life, as he relocated with his family to Wisconsin, United States. The move opened new chapters in his career, allowing him to embrace the role of a freelance writer and editor.

 

Paul Cooper Alias and Family Life

Demonstrating versatility, Shipton expanded his literary endeavors by adopting the pen name Paul Cooper, particularly for works aimed at younger readers. His commitment to crafting engaging narratives resonated with a diverse audience. Family life, with his wife and two daughters, became an integral part of his identity as they navigated between Cambridge, England, and Madison, Wisconsin.

Paul Shipton's literary contributions continue to enchant young minds, offering imaginative adventures and life lessons through his works. His ability to blend education and entertainment has left an indelible mark on children's literature, making him a cherished figure in the world of storytelling.