The Umbrella - by Sylvia Walker (Hardcover)

About the Book

Zora's day in the park is interrupted by a rain shower, but after sharing her umbrella with several new friends, a gust of wind blows it away, and she and her new friends work together to find it.

Book Synopsis

Getting caught in the rain at the park leads a little girl to discover a remarkable umbrella and, with it, the magic of friendship and community in this charming picture book inspired by Jan Brett's classic The Mitten.

Zora's fun day in the park is interrupted by a sudden rain shower, and she finds just the thing she needs to stay dry: an umbrella big enough for one. When another child on the playground asks if he can join her, and then another and another still, Zora makes room for them all--and the umbrella does too!

But suddenly, a gust of wind blows the umbrella away, and Zora and her new friends must work together to find it, a search that helps them discover the true value of friendship and collaboration.

Review Quotes

"[A] sweet exercise in generosity... Read this to a rapt audience of kids who wish they could play outside on a rainy day--or any kid who would benefit from the message of sharing."--BCCB

"The slight touch of magic elevates this small story about cooperation and problem-solving."--Booklist

"A whimsical reminder that play is more fun when there's room for everyone."--Kirkus Reviews

"Either shared alone or compared to other works, this is a colorful and appealing story that children will recognize and appreciate. A welcome addition to school and public libraries."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Sylvia Walker, a southern California native, brings a natural affinity to the artistic painting of diverse images, especially children. She expresses herself in a variety of media, including watercolor, pencil, ink, acrylic on canvas and wood, and recently digital images. After earning a BFA at California Institute of the Arts, she began a career in fashion illustration for department stores, fashion houses, and the Simplicity and McCall's pattern companies. Sylvia has years of experience illustrating children's books. The Umbrella is her author-illustrator debut. Sylvia lives in Sacramento, California.