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.

 

 

BY THE SAME AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR, at Amaterra:

 

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