Juniper Bates

A cheery red umbrella, initially held by one child during a rain shower, grows and grows as more people (and animals) seek shelter underneath its benign aegis. No matter how many newcomers join, the red umbrella always has room for them...

Pairing a simple text - one sentence per two-page spread - with lovely artwork done in watercolor, gouache and pencil, The Big Umbrella is a deceptively simple picture-book. It's clear that the story is meant to be read allegorically, and that it addresses show more the issues of immigration and tolerance, making an argument that there is room for all. Although most likely not the intention of the creators - mother-daughter team Amy June and Juniper Bates - I think it could also be read as an exploration of the idea of the "big tent," referencing a political party or movement's tolerance of a wide variety of viewpoints within their membership, something that seems to have fallen out of favor recently, but that could use a widespread revival. Leaving that aside, although I think that this is a book with its heart in the right place, when it comes to its overall message of inclusivity, when it is read as an allegory of immigration, it is not without flaw. I am certainly in agreement with the idea that immigration is a net positive, and that a diverse array of newcomers should be welcomed, but I think the argument that "there is always room" (the final words of the book) is a false one. Every country in the world has immigration controls, as is their right, and these controls are usually based around the needs of the citizens, and the existing resources available. Sometimes there isn't more room - and that's OK. With the proviso that adults be aware of its shortcomings, as an exploration (however oblique) of the issues around immigration, this is one I would recommend as a general "inclusivity is a good thing" kind of story. I would also recommend it to fans of Amy June Bates' artwork, in whose number I count myself. show less

Inclusion and tolerance ring loud and clear in this beautiful, touching book.

The red umbrella is a big, friendly umbrella and carries this attitude through rain and storm out into the world. While starting out simple and indoors, the umbrella is taken outside where it quickly gains more and more people to shelter from the ever dripping rain. And the umbrella is never too small. Never.

This is a book of little but powerful words. While keeping the text to a minimum, just enough comes through show more to build the right atmosphere and understanding. The illustrations do the rest. The mixture is sweet, encouraging, humorous at times and holds a huge message without ever becoming preachy. This is one amazing umbrella, and simply by doing its job, it spreads a warm feeling of tolerance and belonging.

Young listeners will easily fall into the pages as the umbrella is taken out into the city. It's bright color and bold, never faltering smile make it an umbrella to love. The illustrations not only do a wonderful job depicting different types of people and show how the umbrella grows and grows without any words, but little sparks of humor sprinkle in to keep the entire thing light and friendly. The growing details invite readers to flip through the pages and see what they can discover.

This is a lovely book with a wonderful message. It makes a great read-aloud, opens to discussions and isn't easily forgotten after it is laid down.

I received a complimentary copy, and I and my kids enjoyed this one so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts. show less

Illustrator Bates applies her signature watercolor, gouache, and pencil style to a quiet story about a smiling umbrella, a tale sparked by a conversation with her seventh-grade daughter, co-author Juniper Bates.

The eponymous rain protection is a big, red, friendly, helpful umbrella that sits near the front door and “likes to spread its arms wide” when it rains. As the pages turn, the umbrella grows in size, its smile ever widening, “to give shelter.” It gathers all in—tall, hairy, show more plaid. “It doesn’t matter how many legs you have,” the omniscient narrator assures, as a basset hound droops forlornly outside its shelter before being welcomed in. While the book does not bill itself as political, it is hard to read it without thinking of current events—and of the umbrella as a metaphor for the United States. “Some people worry that there won’t be enough room under the big umbrella,” the narrator warns. “But the amazing thing is…there is.” The final spread of this gentle picture book is an illustration of diverse people in a park: a black jogger; a white man in a wheelchair with a small dog on a leash; a brown woman wearing a hijab with a butterfly in her palms; two men and three children (in child seats), all of different skin colors, riding a tandem bike.

A subtle, deceptively simple book about inclusion, hospitality, and welcoming the “other.” (Picture book. 3-6)

-Kirkus Review show less

A bold reminder to think out of plenty. Although immigration is never directly mentioned, on a stormy day a big red umbrella makes room for all, big small, hairy, plaid, etc. Everyone who could use a place to shelter can find a space. The child who first leaves their house with the umbrella is androgynous and faceless, offering a young reader the intriguing opportunity to see themselves. This generous adventurer carries an amazing umbrella that seems to stretch as it smiles and expands to show more cover all sorts of people and animals.

Red is a popular color for many young children and the umbrella wears a smiling face with engaging eyes. With the blue and rainy palate of the background, the umbrella really pops, pulling the readers' eyes to all the many characters underneath. While many lists brought this book for immigration, it could spark conversation about many ideas such as inclusivity, "everyone can play", sharing, or even looking up to see that someone else has no umbrella to keep them dry.

It is certainly an easy read with few and simple words, so while it is geared towards younger readers, I would be curious to see what messages older readers would draw from the story. show less