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.
http://wp.me/p4vGHg-QX
For more Adoption-attuned* insight, check out my award-winning picture book:
What Is #DiverseKidLit?
Diverse Children’s Books is a book-sharing meme designed to promote the reading and writing of children’s books that feature diverse characters. This community embraces all kinds of diversity including (and certainly not limited to) diverse, inclusive, multicultural, and global books for children of all backgrounds.
We encourage everyone who shares to support this blogging community by visiting and leaving comments for at least three others. Please also consider following the hosts on at least one of their social media outlets. Spread the word using #diversekidlit and/or adding our button to your site and your diverse posts.
We hope this community serves as a resource for parents, teachers, librarians, publishers, and authors! Our next linkup will be Saturday, June 2nd and the first Saturday of each month.
#DiverseKidLit is Hosted by:
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / PinterestBecky @ Franticmommmy
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / InstagramBethany @ Biracial Bookworms
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram / GoodreadsCarolina @ La Clase de Sra. DuFault
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Google+
Gauri @ Kitaab World
an online bookstore for South Asian children’s books, toys and games
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram
Gayle Swift, Author of ABC, Adoption & Me
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Google+
Marjorie @ Mirrors Windows Doors
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest
Mia @ Pragmatic Mom
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram
Myra @ Gathering Books
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram / Goodreads
Shoumi Sen, Author of Toddler Diaries
Blog / Twitter / Facebook
Want to be notified when the next #diversekidlit linkup goes live? Click here to join the mailing list. Interested in joining as a host or an occasional co-host? Contact katie at thelogonauts.com.
(Never participated in a linkup before? Please click here for a more detailed step-by-step.)
Get #DiverseKidLit Recommendations on Pinterest!
Our Pinterest board highlights a wide range of amazing posts and resources for Diverse Children’s Books. Please consider following the board for even more great books!
Share Your Link Below
[inlinkz_linkup id=768306 mode=1]
I really enjoyed the story about inclusivity. The big umbrella seems to be a metaphor, which I like.
I wished there were more adoption books around when my daughter was growing up. This would have been a helpful book — and one I think belongs in classrooms.
I agree Patricia, we need these kinds of positive stories to help kids embrace diversity instead of fearing it. As an adoptive family coach, I really appreciate the increase of books which include adoption themes. I also think it is important to look for stories that trigger adoption-related conversations even though the story is NOT about adoption. In many ways, I think it makes it easier to talk about from an indirect approach. (Although it is absolutely necessary to have intentional and directed conversations too.) Thanks for stopping by.
Lovely book and even lovelier review!! Kids need to actively see these books everywhere as the issue of bullying and cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent!
Yes, we need to be intentional and proactive. Otherwise, kids will absorb bias, fears, etc. with nothing to counter them. We must encourage children to think critically and not simply accept information on face value. People of every age must be able to discern fact from fiction, misinformation, disinformation or propaganda. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Comments are closed.