order a copy here!
the green umbrella
When Elephant takes a peaceful walk with his green umbrella, he's interrupted by a hedgehog, cat, bear, and rabbit―each claiming that they’ve had exciting adventures with his umbrella. After all, it is an umbrella, and it certainly hasn’t been on any adventures more exciting than a walk in the rain. Or has it?
Things aren’t always what they seem in this charming tale of imagination, sharing and friendship.
Jackie Azúa Kramer and illustrator Maral Sassouni both make their debut in this fun read-aloud!
Professional Reviews...
"Imagination can turn even simple objects into marvelous things...imagining is better together. Debut author Kramer’s imagination-fueled encounter makes good use of fellow newcomer Sassouni’s gift for conjuring up fairy-tale landscapes: old houses hunched up against each other, impossibly lumpy hills, and silly contraptions...And Kramer’s storytelling passages sustain their lofty tone with no off notes—no easy task." -Publisher's Weekly
"The lesson about sharing and generosity is elegantly wrapped around lovely language."- Kirkus Reviews
"Whimsical and cartoonlike animals, depicted with a touch of vintage style, will delight readers as the story shows all the imaginative ways an umbrella can be used. The brightly colored acrylic illustrations complement the conversational text, which is suitable to read aloud to an audience. VERDICT The author and illustrator work well together to deliver a charming tale of sharing, friendship, and adventure. A fun rainy day read-aloud."– School Library Journal
"A sweet story of a blossoming friendship between five lovable and imaginative characters, united by one special green umbrella. I want to jump right in to the lush paintings and join in their fun!"- Lauren Castillo, Author/ Illustrator of Caldecott Honor Book "Nana in the City"
"Here is a story for those who love an object, be it a blanket, a toy, or in this case a green umbrella, so much so that it's very being is imbued with memories that make it unmistakably yours. And a story for those who have lost one such object and wish more than anything to have it back. Azúa Kramer reminds us all that many memories can be shared over a single prized possession. And as Sassouni's art plays in the worlds of joy and longing over a green umbrella, we see a group of characters come together to discover what they can offer another in need. There's no mistaking how easy it is to share this book." - Matthew Winner, All the Wonders Podcast
The text provides just the right amount of tension and repetition to propel the story forward at a nice pace. Reminiscent of Joan L. Nodset’s classic "Who Took the Farmer’s Hat?"-Booklist