The Big Umbrella
Amy June Bates, Juniper Bates
Hardcover
(Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Feb. 6, 2018)
âA subtle, deceptively simple book about inclusion, hospitality, and welcoming the âother.ââ âKirkus Reviews âA boundlessly inclusive spirit...This open-ended picture book creates a natural springboard for discussion.â âBooklist âThis sweet extended metaphor uses an umbrella to demonstrate how kindness and inclusion work...A lovely addition to any library collection, for classroom use or for sharing at home.â âSchool Library Journal In the tradition of Alison McGheeâs Someday, beloved illustrator Amy June Bates makes her authorial debut alongside her eleven-year-old daughter with this timely and timeless picture book about acceptance.By the door there is an umbrella. It is big. It is so big that when it starts to rain there is room for everyone underneath. It doesnât matter if you are tall. Or plaid. Or hairy. It doesnât matter how many legs you have. Donât worry that there wonât be enough room under the umbrella. Because there will always be room. Lush illustrations and simple, lyrical text subtly address themes of inclusion and tolerance in this sweet story that accomplished illustrator Amy June Bates cowrote with her daughter, Juniper, while walking to school together in the rain.
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