The Three Lucys

"Lebanese-American Charara deftly maneuvers through a child's view of war. Buildings and lives are lost; Luli knows war is unspeakably powerful, but the mountain and sea are still there. They anchor his peace. Iranian-American Kahn's watercolor palette changes from warm oranges to cool blues and grays, depending on the mood. But even in the middle of conflict and while surveying the aftermath, the glowing warmth of love consistently surrounds the family. An author's note adds context to what the Lebanese call the July War. Sadness is turned to hope and tragedy is turned to strength in this sensitive treatment."

"Charara creates a tale based on his Lebanese family's experiences during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. Without shying away from the terror the family felt and the destruction they witnessed, the author has crafted a war story writ small for young readers.... The complicated emotions of the family are highlighted in the sweeping watercolor illustrations, which add depth while avoiding scary imagery.... VERDICT This book provides appropriate context for difficult topics, making it a good choice to spark discussion in libraries."

"Working in soft swathes of watercolor, Kahn confidently bridges the emotional transition from tender family meals under a setting sun to frightening moments hiding in gray basements. The disappearance of one of the Lucys and the evident destruction wrought by the bombing offer a somber, though not hopeless, entry point for discussions of loss and the consequences of war."

"This Lebanese child's experience of an outbreak of violence is based, according to the author's afterword, on the July War of 2006.... In keeping with the narrative's oblique message and restrained emotional tone, Kahn's illustrations are luminous but low-key watercolor scenes featuring softly drawn figures--destruction is rarely visible."

"Kahn's soft watercolor illustrations move between warm oranges and cool blues to reflect Luli's feelings of love and fear. An author's note reveals that Charara was inspired by his own family's experience in 2006 during what the Lebanese term the July War (with Israel). Luli's story is a quiet and hopeful exploration of conflict, grief, and healing."

"This. . . story of loss, rebuilding, and healing is a tribute to the sustaining love of family, and to the power of the human spirit to hope for a peaceful future. Unique and compelling, entertaining and inspiring, The Three Lucys is unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections."