I enjoy taking a look at calendars that list fun and quirky holidays. As I was skimming the holidays coming up, I noticed that a super fun holiday had already passed. February 10th was National Umbrella Day! I love the thought of a holiday that features umbrellas. So I'm sharing some books about umbrellas to help celebrate the holiday a week late (and I'll be more prepared for next year!) These books are fun and informative and I loved reading them.
By Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld
New York: Clarion Books, 2023. Picture Book.
This book is so fabulous! I love when the artwork in a book really completes the story. The minimal color used draws your eyes to the brightness of the yellow and lets the reader focus on the umbrellas. It's a cute rhyming book that I think would be so fun to read to kids on a dreary day, and talk about how little actions can have a big impact. And the girl's friendship with her dog also shines through.
By Marion Traore
New York: Reycraft Books, 2021. Picture Book.
This delightful book is about the joy that comes from sharing. It features a young boy who works hard to save money to spend when he goes to the market. He buys an umbrella, which feels unusual since it is not a time of year when his village gets rain. However, the generous boy names the umbrella Paratou, and encourages anyone who wants to to use it. It is amazing to watch the journey of Paratou and how many people in his village find needs for it. For any child learning about creativity and the joy from sharing, this book would be a perfect read-aloud. The ending may be surprising, and invites a whole new discussion that would be left entirely to the imagination of the readers.
By Mario Levrero
Brooklyn, NY: Elsewhere Editions, 2021. Picture Book.
A fantastic bedtime (or anytime) picture book, the illustrations will delight readers and the sleepy stories will keep any child engrossed in the possibilities of what comes next. Young Nicolas wants a bedtime story, but the grownup in his life is tired. Really tired! Nicolas confesses that he doesn't care if the story he is told is a sleepy story. So his grownup yawns his way through a very descriptive story. Of course, like most children, Nicolas would like to hear more than one story! There are several full page spreads of enchanting illustrations that would help any little one trying to get settled in for a good night of sleep. I enjoyed this book tremendously.
By Eleonore Douspis
Toronto: Groundwood Books, House of Anansi Press, 2021. Picture Book.
The family in this book is experiencing a very weird phenomenon. It is raining in their house! It's not raining outside. And the family cannot figure out why on earth it is raining inside! It's so unusual, that the children don't know how to process what is happening. This book also has beautiful artwork that pairs so well with the feelings being expressed in the writing. I loved seeing the journey the family went on in a few short pages, and it gave me lots to think about. I think picture books that inspire deep thinking and facilitate discussions are always beautiful.
By Christy Hale
New York : Lee & Low Books Inc., 2022. Informational.
This book describes how inspiration from nature has led to several human inventions or advancements. Multiple kinds of plant and animal lives are featured. This book could facilitate some great discussions on why taking an idea and using it for inspiration is a good thing (to help with the "she's copying me!" issues kids often have). Additionally, it is written in an intriguing style of Japanese poetry. Which leads me to think it would be super informative for talking about poetry and helping old and young alike learn that poetry is comprised of many types and styles.
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