Lucy!: How Lucille Ball Did It All

by Amy Guglielmo, Brigette Barrager (Illustrator), Jacqueline Tourville

A buoyant biography of trailblazer Lucille Ball, the comedy queen who loved to make the world laugh

Lucy was not a proper little girl. She was sassy. She was bold. She was funny. She was a rule-breaking, chance-taking, comedy pioneer.

Can’t act? Can’t sing? Can’t dance? Lucy proves them all wrong—and then has the last laugh when she finally lets her inner funny girl shine. In 1951, the hit show I Love Lucy took television by storm, and has made millions laugh ever since. Lucy! is the true story of how Lucille Ball overcame the odds to become the world’s Queen of Comedy.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, History, Art

48 pages, Hardcover

Published March 19, 2024

About the author

Amy Guglielmo is an award-winning author, artist, art educator, public art and STEAM advocate. She writes children’s books about strong, pioneering women, and artsy, innovative people. Her titles include: the Christopher award-winning POCKET FULL OF COLORS: The Magical World of Mary Blair Disney Artist Extraordinaire (Atheneum 2017), the Touch the Art series (Sterling, 2006, 2009, 2010) and the PEEK-A-BOO ART Series (Cartwheel/Scholastic 2019, 2020) with Julie Appel, HOW TO BUILD A HUG: Temple Grandin and Her Amazing Squeeze Machine (Atheneum 2018) with co-author Jacqueline Tourville, CEZANNE'S PARROT (Putnam 2020) and JUST BEING DALI (Putnam 2021), the upcoming, LUCILLE BALL DID IT ALL (Abrams 2024), and the new WHAT THE ARTIST SAW series with The Metropolitan Museum of Art and DK. Amy is the Creative Director of Reading Rainbow Live. She brings over twenty years of experience in both children’s publishing and public and private school education to the Reading Rainbow Live team. Amy is represented by Stephen Barbara at InkWell Management. For more information go to www.amyguglielmo.com.

Amy lives with her husband on the shores of Mexico and Lake Champlain where she enjoys water sports just as long as she doesn't have to get her hair wet.

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Reviews

[Leslie Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable book. The drawings are outstanding, capturing not only how these people really looked but their personalities too. And the text fits nicely for a children’s book today — it focuses on how Lucy preferred to be loud and silly even as a kid, how she had big dreams, how she was funny when not many women were.

The history isn’t always accurate (I’ve never seen indications that Lucy always wanted to be funny onscreen or that she was determined to find a way to be a professional female comedian from the get-go).

What’s interesting to me is reading this kids’ book in the context of Luci Arnaz’s insistence that her mother was not a feminist. The book never uses that term (horror!) but clearly that’s what they want to portray her as. And honestly, I think the book is right. Lucille Ball WAS a funny and silly kid at a time when little girls weren’t “supposed” to be. She did have pluck and determination. She did dream big dreams. She did break down barriers.

Sure, she valued her home and family. Sure, she was vice-president to Desi’s president (and only somewhat reluctantly agreed to run the studio when he stepped down). And sure, it’s Ricky who always triumphs in the end on the show. But a woman (a 1950s woman) be and believe do all that and still break down barriers for women professionally.

I love this book as great introduction to Lucy for kids and as a great role model to encourage kids to embrace what makes them unique and stay true to themselves

[John Mullarkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent picture book biography by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville of one of the truly iconic TV comedians - known both “The Red Head” and "The Queen of Comedy”, Lucille Ball. Most people recognize Lucy from seeing her as the star of one of the most popular TV shows of all time, “I Love Lucy”, but might not know much about her backstory - which was one of determination and perseverance. Surprisingly, Lucy lacked “talent” when it came to dramatic acting, but truly excelled in comedy, something most women in the movie business were not known for. Success did not come easy at first, but her hard work and dedication to her craft made her very successful both in the business-side of the entertainment world, and especially on the small screen (television). Adults will find this book very entertaining, knowing full well about Lucy’s talents with “I Love Lucy”. As for kids - YES; this is a great example of someone who worked hard to achieve the highest levels of success overcoming certain barriers and challenges. It is very encouraging and a great example of several character traits.
The art work in vintage tones of blues, orange, and grays is a treat for the eyes as it genuinely shows both the candid silliness of Lucy’s personality as well as depicting many of her costars and fellow actors “spot on”! There is an ample supply of insightful back matter that enhances the story very well.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Lucille Ball is an iconic actress who changed the face of television. Lucy! tells her story from childhood through the taping of I Love Lucy. Bright, conversational text from Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville reads like it comes from a storyteller. The pauses and phrasing make it fun to read aloud.

The text sets the framework on which Brigette Barrager’s radiant watercolor ink and Photoshop illustrations come to life. Barrager’s linework illustrations not only emphasize the time periods but the action, as well. In her work, you truly see Lucille Ball.

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming picture book about the life of Lucille Ball, an actress and comedian I knew nothing about before this book. Apparently, as a woman, she was made to believe that she lacked talent because she preferred (and shined) more in comedy than in drama. Her story is truly inspiring, and this is a sweet picture book to show kids more about her while highlighting the power of perseverance and believing in oneself.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Lucy!



That's why Lucy!: How Lucille Ball Did It All caught my eye. I thought it was charming in the way it told of Lucy's life with the fun illustrations. A delightful picture book for Lucy fans of all ages.

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book as a DRC. This children's book biography about Lucille Ball is phenomenal. It was fascinating to read about Lucy's upbringing and journey to becoming the star of I Love Lucy! I think that everyone would be inspired by her story and perseverance at a tough time in history, and as she pursued a difficult job in the entertainment industry. I really enjoyed reading this book!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less of a biography and more of an introduction to a television icon -- this is a great picture book for kids who don't yet know Lucille Ball. Ever since Pocket Full of Colors, Amy Guglielmo, Jacqueline Tourville, and Brigette Barrager are my dream team for picture book bios about women. They capture the mid century tone so nicely. Charming.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucille Ball is a national treasure and I loved learning more about her. Her rise to fame was slow and had many turns, but she is an icon for comedy television. She didn't let serious roles and stereotypes. Lucille loved to make people laugh and she was quite good at it.

[Marni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know anything about Lucy beyond her TV show. This book added some background information to see how hard Lucy worked to be who she was in a career that wanted her to be something else.

The illustrations are a perfect fit!

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closer to 3.5 stars. The illustrations though are excellent!

[Heidi Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant biography! I loved it!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mainly focuses on the hard work it took before she got her break and became a star.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy found a way into showbiz by being herself.

[Kimberly Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the inspiration I needed today!! Everyone should have a copy of Lucy! To keep them motivated. ❤️

[Susanna Cota · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read. I adore Lucy. This was very accurate but a wonderful children’s book.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An elementary level picture book biography of comedian and actress Lucille Ball from childhood to her famous tv show. A fun read with a good pace.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Lucy great biography of her life ..