Customer Reviews

Lucy Goes to the Country (Alyson Wonderland)

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Reviewed by Harriet L. Schwartz Recent news has confirmed that the battle over gay-related children's books in public libraries continues. Most recently, a Baptist minister in Texas attempted to keep "Heather Has Two Mommies" and "Daddy's Roommate" out of circulation by checking out and then buying the books, according to the Associated Press. However, publicity in the town's newspapers magnified local interest in the books, forcing the libraries to obtain extra copies. Soon, anti-gay advocate will have another book to battle when Alyson Wonderland releases "Lucy Goes to the Country"...a vividly illustrated book that follows the story of Lucy as she travels to the country with her "two Big Guys." Children will follow Lucy's funny encounters with birds, guests, and a dog, while adults will catch a second level of humor.

This is an absolute must buy. The story is totally delightful -- cat lovers, take notice! Lucy the cat migrates from the City to the country every week with her two big guys, and this story is about her (mis)adventures at their weekend party.

The fact that her big people are two men obviously in love and partnered is incidental to the story, which makes it almost unique (Anna O'Day and the O Ring is the only other one I can think of, and that story is pretty blah). The gay subtext is most amusing when one of the men is enamored of the adorable fireman who comes to rescue Lucy from one of her misadventures (while the other glares).

The illustratations are terrific! This book is on my holiday list to give to all kids in this age range.

Susan McGee,
Northern California

I thought no book about cats could equal May Sarton's marvelous "The Fur Person"...but I was wrong! Lucy is a rambunctious amber and white cat who lives in a New York apartment, which she shares with her two "Big Guys". The authors, the two "Big Guys" who are Lucy's family, paint a loving portrait of their favorite feline's adventures as she, in her dreaded red bag, goes to the Guys' country house for the weekend. Hilarious, charming, and beautifully illustrated, this book is a childrens' book but it'll appeal to anyone who loves cats, and appreciates loving families of all kinds. My partner and I just lost our 20 year old calico, Calliope, so this book was especially meaningful and touching for us! More of Lucy's adventures, please, Guys!

Lucy provides a wonderful cat's-eye view of life with her family (two males) and their adventures at home in the city and their country home. The story provides valuable lessons about different kinds of families, as well as meeting new friends. Young children will delight in the fine artwork and antics of Lucy and will be able to understand the world as she sees it. Although I am 35 years old, I enjoyed this book as my housemate and I share our home with four cats! Families and friends really do come in all shapes, sizes, and colors!

I buy this book everytime a friend of mine has a child. It is a wonderful story that normalizes the diversity of our human community and promotes not just tolerance, but acceptance!