The Big Umbrella


By Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates
Published in 2018

Why we chose this book:
This was a new acquisition at our library, and the cover looked intriguing.

Mom's Review

A message of inclusion.

As rain falls, a single child with an umbrella offers shelter to another child. Somehow, the big friendly umbrella stretches to fit everyone around. The final page states, "There is always room." The final illustration shows a park filled with diverse people, all happy to share a lovely day. The message is overt: there is room for all. I have found that books conveying morals run the risk of adopting a moralistic tone. This book, however, strikes just the right tone and allows the pictures to convey much of the message. The Big Umbrella depicts inclusive love beautifully.

Son's Review
(age 3)
T first read this with his father. When he and I were about to read it, this is what he said:
"You should read it. It is a good book."

I asked, "What is good about it?"

T responded, "You'll have to read and find out!"

While reading:
Son: The umbrella is smiling!

Mom: How is the umbrella helping here?

Son: Keeping the sun out of his face.

Mom, reading:"It doesn't matter if you are hairy."

Son: That's a little monster. I would like to hug him big time! Look, look, he's in there too!

After reading:
Son: Look! The big hairy monster. I'd like to hug him. I think he'd be a nice friend.

Mom: When is it a good time to read this book?

Son: When you have friends over to play.

Mom: What should we learn from the big umbrella?

Son: That I love you.

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