Review by Alice Bates, Senior Child and Youth Care Practitioner, Cholmondeley Children’s Centre
The big umbrella
Amy June Bates and cowritten with Juniper Bates. (2018). Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books.
This story invites readers of all ages to think about what their own 'umbrella' looks like. It is a story about inclusion, connection and hospitality, a book that is deceptively simple in its depth.

A big, smiling, red umbrella covers the title page of this delightful book. As the reader follows the umbrella through the story, the umbrella gets bigger and bigger bringing in all sorts of people (and animals!) under its shelter. It doesn't matter if you're big or small or even if you're a bit hairy and funny-looking, there is space for everyone under this umbrella. In fact, the umbrella gets bigger and bigger, even when you think there might not be any more space.

This story invites readers of all ages to think about what their own 'umbrella' looks like. It is a story about inclusion, connection and hospitality, a book that is deceptively simple in its depth. 

Disclaimer: Please note these reviews are not intended as endorsements or recommendations from the Mental Health Foundation. This feature introduces resources that may be useful for individuals with an interest in bullying prevention, mental health and wellbeing topics.

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