Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rain turns into wonder in a lovely, uplifting picture book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE UMBRELLA, a young girl is surrounded by dreary weather, gray buildings, and people moping around in the gloom. But her dog needs a daily walk, so out she goes, even in the rain. She takes shelter in a shop, gets curious about what's inside, and finds something that changes her mood and transforms the town with brightness.
Is It Any Good?
The combination of simple words and friendly illustrations welcomes young readers in to a world that encourages them to persevere through hard times and be open to optimism and adventure. The Umbrella is a great reminder to get up off the couch when things feel gloomy, and that the mere act of putting one foot in front of the other can change your outlook. The colors and characters' expressions delightfully set the mood in this wonderful read-aloud, and it's full of great sight words for emerging readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what experiences have turned out differently than they started out, like the girl's walk in The Umbrella. What has started out a little gray and then turned bright?
How can you help someone else when things look gloomy?
What other books have you read that make you optimistic?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Tom Lichtenheld
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Clarion Books
- Publication date : March 21, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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