The Umbrella Maker's Son - by Katrina Leno (Hardcover)

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Oscar Buckle is determined to discover the real reason behind why his town is so rainy.

Book Synopsis

In this funny and fantastical middle grade novel, one boy must uncover the secret behind his rainy town in order to save himself from a future in his father's footsteps.

Oscar Buckle lives in a city where it's always raining. And when it isn't raining, it's about to rain, so the townspeople have learned to embrace it. Oscar's father is an umbrella maker--appropriate for a place where you can't leave home without one!--but while Buckle Umbrellas are strong, reliable, and high quality, they're expensive. Because of this, people are buying from the competitor instead, which is threatening Oscar's family's business.

To make ends meet, Oscar is forced to quit school and work in his father's shop as an apprentice. But when extraordinary events start to occur in their rainy town, Oscar becomes suspicious of their competitor. Desperate to save his town, Oscar must enlist the help of his best friend, Saige, to discover if there's more than nature involved in their city's weather.

This charming story is packed with adventure, lively illustrations, and unforgettable characters determined to survive in a world where the weather is a mysterious, magical force.

Review Quotes

"This amiable fantasy by Leno is at its strongest when focusing on Oscar and Saige's unshakable friendship and Saige's inventiveness."--Publishers Weekly

*"An engagingly rich setting ... and an excitingly dangerous mission with opportunities aplenty for [the] two intrepid protagonists to show their heart, mutual loyalty, and courage."--Booklist, starred review

A Junior Library Guild Selection

"The Umbrella Maker's Son has everything you want in a story: intrigue, friendship, and brilliant world-building. You'll never think about rain the same way again! An exceptional middle-grade debut."--Carlie Sorosiak, author of Always, Clementine

"A fast-paced, heartwarming read."--Kirkus

"A quirky middle grade fantasy...Readers ­looking for an introspective, ­weather-driven ­fantasy focused on ­friendship, family, and community will enjoy this thoughtful story of young ­people fighting greed."--SLJ

About the Author

Katrina Leno was born on the East Coast and currently lives in Los Angeles. She is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels, including You Must Not Miss, Horrid, and Sometime in Summer. The Umbrella Maker's Son is her middle grade debut. She has always loved the rain.