I, Lubochka

In a war that is never named, a brief moment of friendship unfolds between a wounded bear and a soldier.

 

A bear lives a peaceful life, following the rhythm of the seasons. Then one day, the earth shakes and the sky catches fire… War has arrived at his doorstep. All the animals flee, and the bear falls, wounded. He is rescued and cared for by Sergiy, a soldier on leave, who gives him a name: Lubochka.

For several days, Lubochka and the man share a tender interlude, with warm soups, games of chess, and music under the stars. But Sergiy is worried: soon, he must return to the front. One night, taking advantage of his benefactor’s sleep, Lubochka seizes his weapon and dons his uniform to take his place in battle.

While some of the names hint at the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, this extraordinary story of friendship and courage transcends current events, taking the shape of a universal fable.

 

Published in partnership with Amnesty International France.

 

 

IN THE MEDIA

 

"This story of a bond formed between a wounded bear and a music-loving soldier sensitively addresses the ravages of war. Seen through the eyes of a grumbling, philosophizing narrator using childlike language, the book denounces the rage of war and allows glimmers of optimism to emerge. Gilles Baum delivers a tender and understated fable about the budding friendship between two taciturn and secretive individuals amidst the bombs. Playing on the disproportions between the man, a small helmeted puppet, and the bulky predator to whom the soldier teaches to play chess, Amandine Più humorously captures the anthropomorphic mimicry and grimaces of the candid bear." — Hélène Rochette, Télérama

 

 

"A beautiful book [...] that explores the possibility of finding moments of beauty, peace, and friendship amid the chaos. [...] A universal story of friendship between two people who should never have met."   — RCF

 

"A poetic and philosophical text, paired with gentle illustrations, makes for a powerful and intelligent book about war." — La Revue des Livres pour Enfants

 

BY THE SAME AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR, at Amaterra:

 

Giant Georges

The Red Suitcase

C'mon Grandma!

All Dark