FICTION

The Elephant’s Umbrella

by Laleh Jaffari (text) & illus. by Ali Khodai
Tiny Owl. Feb. 2020. 24p. Tr ISBN 9781910328545.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1–This slight British import (originally published in Farsi in 2017) tells the story of an altruistic elephant who loves his umbrella and uses it to shelter other forest creatures from the rain. The wind whips it away, however, sending the umbrella first to a leopard and then a bear. Those animals only want it for themselves, and the umbrella catches the wind to find a place where it can do the most good…with his friend the elephant. In case readers miss the point, there is a postscript that tells us the story is about sharing. Khodai’s whimsical animals and bright, collage-like illustrations have a 1970’s aesthetic. A black brush-stroked amorphous shape is on nearly every page, resembling a shadow or cloud.
VERDICT A similar title with more staying power is The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates.
Reviewed by Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence , Dec 13, 2019

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Magic City, a guest post by R. M. Romero
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

Book Review: The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon
by Amanda MacGregor
BOOKS

The Storyteller
by Bonilla, Lindsay
BOOKS

Not a Smiley Guy
by Horvath, Polly
BOOKS

The Blue Pickup
by Tripplett, Natasha
BOOKS

Nana in the Country
by Castillo, Lauren
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?