A fantasy tale about kindness and forgiveness is the debut picture book “Umbrella” by the Guatemalan-born author and illustrator Elena Arevalo Melville.
This book review contains spoilers.
Clara is a primary-age girl who feels lonely because of the absence of friends. Otherwise, ‘the park would have been perfect ….’ Until she discovers a magical umbrella that brings joy to her and other visitors. The umbrella has a voice and proves to Clara, “Anything is possible!” The umbrella grants many wishes, but not everyone seems happy and satisfied—Mr Fox, sitting on a bench in the background, observing, has his agenda. He dreams about money and commands the umbrella to make him rich. Soon drenched in the water, he realises his behaviour and offers the umbrella to Clara, who kindly remarks: “Umbrella belongs to all of us.”
“Umbrella” shows young readers that gentleness is more robust than greed. The book demonstrates that it is never too late to change for the better, as we see the transformation experienced by Mr Fox. Elena Melville crafts the message not only through words but also through beautifully painted images. Only by flipping through the pages can the reader gain an understanding of the feelings of the characters. The book is a visual celebration of colours, taking blue and black as a sign of sadness and the brick brownish crayon circles that show the magical qualities of the umbrella.
It is an excellent resource for the Literacy hour as a prompt for creative writing in Year 2 and Year 3. The book benefits the PSHE, leading to a discussion: Have you ever forgiven someone for misbehaving or being greedy?
A visual tale of kindness!
The Stats:
- Title: Umbrella
- Author and Illustrator: Elena Arevalo Melville
- ISBN: 978-1-912650-12-5
- Publication Date: 2020
- Page Count: 32
- Publisher: Scallywag Press
- Recommended age: 4-9
- Categories/Topic: Friendship, Kindness, Forgiveness
Further Information:
If you loved Umbrella, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
- Visit Elena Arevalo Melville’s website
- Watch Elena Arevalo Melville’s 1-minute message, World Book Day 2021
- Watch the author read the book “Umbrella” on YouTube
Free resources:
Where to Find it:
