Under My Umbrella, Ella, Ella

The Big Umbrella
Written & Illustrated by Amy June Bates, Co-written by Juniper Bates
Age Level: 0-5 Years
Published February 6, 2018

The most magical umbrella since Mary Poppins.

As we’ve transitioned into this new school year, there has been a lot of change for us and many people we know. Several families who are dear to us have moved to different states, countries, and even continents. Teddy and most of his friends changed schools. It is my greatest wish that their new communities receive them with the gracious hospitality shown in The Big Umbrella.

On a rainy day, a child takes their red umbrella from the hall and heads out the door. On the sidewalk, by the bus stop, and at the crosswalk the umbrella encounters people in need of shelter and lovingly draws them underneath its ever-expanding canopy. The group huddled underneath is delightfully varied. At one point, the eclectic bunch is composed of a hairy brown creature, a petite prima ballerina, an agile basketball player, and a pair of enormous duck feet.

“It loves to give shelter.
It loves to gather people in.”

Newcomers approach looking hopeful and expectant, or sometimes defeated and weary. Some people question whether there is enough room under the umbrella for more. But the amazing thing is, there always is. On the closing page, the red umbrella smiles over the beautifully diverse community congregated under its canopy. There’s a biracial gay couple with their sons, a man in a wheelchair, a woman wearing a headscarf, an elderly couple shuffling along with a cane, in a celebration of inclusivity and togetherness.

Reading this book, Teddy identifies with the newcomers, the ones tentatively approaching with a bit of timidity and unease. I love showing him how each individual is embraced by the group and welcomed into the fold. And in these times when we are all isolating ourselves and keeping our distance, it’s nice to be reminded that we are all part of a large, giving community.