Emily Ann Davison (author) and Momoko Abe (illustrator), The Blue Umbrella, Andersen Press, January 2023, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781839132520
On a seemingly clear day, a random blue umbrella shows up at a young person’s front door. The note reads ‘for you’, and sets in motion a day that no one sees coming…
From the author of Every Bunny is a Yoga Bunny, this book is heart-warming—like a good soup at the beginning of winter. There’s a sense of magic among the ordinary as readers follow the young protagonist through a surprise downpour. How did the umbrella know exactly when it would be needed?
The pacing of the text is swift and well-crafted, complementing the sprawling nature of the illustrations. Abe’s work is colourful and expert in its simplicity—parents will enjoy noticing the movement and facial expressions of the background characters on each page. The diversity of the characters is a joy to see.
As the blue umbrella stretches beyond its original shape towards the closing scene, readers are reminded of the power of community and a welcoming spirit. One to pull out on a rainy day, or any day you need to remember the good in the world.
Recommended for readers aged 3-5 years old.
Reviewed by Sarah Stivens
