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Summary
Summary
Kindness is a magical thing, and in this gentle picture book kindness comes from somewhere unexpected. When a seemingly ordinary blue umbrella is offered to provide shelter from the rain, it grows to accommodate anyone in need.
It was not supposed to rain on the day that a small blue umbrella showed up on the little girl's doorstep with a note saying "For you." But she decided to take it along just in case. And despite the odds, it did rain. Seeing that her mom was getting soaked, the girl invites her to come under the umbrella too. At first it seemed like they couldn't possibly both fit, but then something magical happened...
The umbrella grew. So they offered shelter to more and more neighbors. What should have been a tight squeeze was instead enough room for everyone.
This story is a true celebration of kindness and sharing, with poignant words from Emily Ann Davison and charming illustrations from Momoko Abe, and is sure to become a favorite for young readers.
Author Notes
Emily Ann Davison worked with young children for many years before she finally fulfilled her childhood dream and began writing. When she isn't writing picture books, she can be found playing the piano or at her local primary school, where she helps with reading. Emily lives in Kent, UK, with her daughter and husband.
Momoko Abe is a self-taught illustrator based in London. She grew up in Japan and moved to the UK to study filmmaking. She still works in the TV and film industry, while also pursuing her passion for children's books. Momoko was shortlisted for the World Illustration Award in 2019.
Reviews (2)
Kirkus Review
An umbrella offers shelter and fun on a rainy day. A mysterious blue umbrella arrives, addressed to a child who presents as Asian, with black hair and tan skin. The child takes it out on a walk with Mom. Unexpected rain falls, and though the umbrella seems far too small, the protagonist manages to share it with Mom. Soon they invite parkgoers to take shelter. Picnicking families, soccer players, a dog owner, a punk rocker, and others--diverse in terms of skin tone, hair texture, and age--laugh, talk, and stay dry together under the umbrella, which somehow expands to shelter all. When the sun comes out, the people leave feeling changed, having shared a moment of wonder, and go on to create a community garden ("a place for everyone"). The digital artwork done in a pastel palette plays with perspective and point of view. While Abe uses simple shapes, there's a specificity to each person that makes the individual unique and interesting. The appealing illustrations will make readers want to join in the party and become part of this vibrant, welcoming community. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An accessible approach to inclusion, sharing, and community building. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
When the doorbell rings, a little girl opens the door and finds a small blue umbrella with a note saying, "For you." Though no rain is expected, when she goes outside with her mother, raindrops begin to fall. The umbrella keeps the girl dry, but Mom is getting wet, so she picks up her daughter and shelters under the blue umbrella. Magically, it grows a little bigger. Walking through a park, they invite others to join them. Each time, the umbrella enlarges, until it protects dozens of people who, by sharing food and stories, become friends. When the sun comes out, they don't even notice, and in the future, they gather in the park, planting and tending a garden for all to share. While the idea of a magical umbrella isn't new, it's nicely carried out in Davison's buoyant narrative, where the girl tells how her umbrella drew strangers together, creating a happy community of friends. Abe's attractive digital art uses light, patterns, and color effectively, creating scenes with varied perspectives within this sweet picture book.
