The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates answers the question, Who is in and who is out? in a subtle yet persuasive way. The metaphor of a big, inclusive umbrella may be familiar to adults, however, to kids it’s relatively novel. They think of an umbrella more like a toy to play with or a tool that enables them to play in the rain with abandon and joy.
Most of us can remember the thrill of puddle jumping as a child. We can recall when the scent of rain equaled an invitation to leap for joy. This sweet story opens with a furled umbrella stacked by a closed door. It serves as the perfect visual message that adventure waits on the other side. The main character dons a slicker and rubber boots, grabs the red umbrella, and heads out. (Since his? her? gender remains hidden under rain gear, girls and boys will easily imagine themselves right in the action of the story.)
Readers will delightfully anticipate darting through the door into the splashy, squishy fun of a rain-soaked world. The story unfolds from the umbrella’s perspective as it expands to welcome people one by one under its shelter. It magically expands to include each newcomer. All are welcome regardless of size, shape, color or species! The softly colored illustrations bring the story’s message to life and feature a diverse selection of ages, races, abilities, and ethnicities. Children will absorb the timely concept of inclusivity without being knocked over the head by it.
AQ Lens:
Children who were adopted frequently wrestle with a strong need to feel as if they belong therefore this story’s theme will resonate with them. It readily lends itself to questions about feeling left out. First, ask them when they’ve observed other people being excluded and then slide into discussions about their own personal experiences. Help them to identify ways they can be a welcoming force to others. Discuss how differences can be interesting and add excitement and novelty. Again, this conversation can then shift to how they bring that “extra spice” to their own families, Talk about how that contribution matters and has value. Children who were adopted need to know that their families appreciate not only the ways in which they are similar but also the ways in which they are different. Clarity on this point helps them to feel confident that they can grow to be fully themselves.
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