backonthealex's review against another edition
5.0
Young Luli likes nothing better than to sit in the shade of an olive tree behind his house in Lebanon playing with his three cats, the three Lucys: Lucy the Fat, Lucy the Skinny, and Lucy Lucy. In the summer, when Luli goes to visit family in Beirut, he makes sure to leave the Lucys plenty of food and water. Beirut is exciting, and the visit is full of good food, music and especially books and stories. At the end of the weekend, they are almost home when suddenly there is a scream in the sky, followed by a loud boom and fiery flash in the sky. Luli, his mom and dad return to his aunt and uncle's home where they hope they will be safe, staying in the basement. As the day go by, and his family still can't go home, Luli begins to worry about his three Lucys. Finally, a cease-fire is called and the family prepares to return home. But what will they find after 34 days of fighting and bombing? Will their home still be standing? Or Luli's school? And what about the three Lucys? Have they survived the attacks? Will life ever be the same for Luli and everyone else affected by the fighting? I have always been interested in the way author's depict the impact of war on children and The Three Lucys is an excellent example of this. Young Luli learns how to deal with loss and grief, but finds strength within his family, and also sees how people are able to repair and rebuild their lives in the hope that the future will remain peaceful. Kahn's watercolor illustrations are a contrasting palette of peaceful warm and hostile cool colors, but capture the warmth of family love throughout. Be sure to read the Author's Note to find out more about the fighting that impacted Luli's life.
maidmarianlib's review against another edition
4.0
A book about war that is approachable for even the youngest reader.
madhamster's review against another edition
4.0
Based on true events, this is the story of pets left behind while the family are away for a weekend, but their home - Beirut - is bombed, thus extending their time away.
On their return, one of the cats fails to return. The narrator finds comfort in the rebuilding of his city, and in his memories of his cat, Lucy Lucy.
On their return, one of the cats fails to return. The narrator finds comfort in the rebuilding of his city, and in his memories of his cat, Lucy Lucy.
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