The Umbrella

One morning, a little boy named Sebastian wakes up and discovers a grey rain cloud floating above his head. He doesn’t know where the rain cloud came from, but he decides to take a red umbrella with him so as to not get wet. Sebastian takes the umbrella with him everywhere he goes: the park, on a walk with his dog, even to school. The rain cloud continues to be his constant companion, but so is his umbrella.

Sebastian’s umbrella keeps him dry and safe from the possibility of rain, but it makes it hard to play and make new friends. Sebastian becomes lonely. One day while taking a walk in the park, with his umbrella of course, he comes across a girl lying on the grass reading. She says she is reading about comets and asks if Sebastian has ever seen a comet. Sebastian tells her he has not, and she invites him back to the park that night to watch for a comet. Sebastian would like to do so, but he explains that he won’t be able to see the comet because he needs his umbrella to protect himself from the rain cloud.

The little girl tells Sebastian that it is actually a beautiful, sunny day. Not a cloud in sight! Sebastian slowly puts down his umbrella and looks up. He sees the sun and no grey rain cloud! Later that evening, he puts his umbrella away and meets the girl at the park where they share sandwiches and watch for comets.

There is a lot of symbolism within this adorable story and its simple, but bright, illustrations. The rain cloud represents something Sebastian is afraid of or something that he feels anxious or worried about. Fear and anxiety can make anyone nervous and lonely and keep them from doing activities that would usually bring joy. Having a different perspective or a friend who is willing to show a little kindness, like the little girl did for Sebastian, can be the best encouragement for overcoming fears and anxious feelings. It is the kindness of the little girl that tells Sebastian there is no rain cloud and, therefore, nothing to fear.

The Umbrella is a wonderful book and a great tool for parents and caregivers to use in teaching younger children about friendship and overcoming fears. Young children will enjoy the colourful pictures and the simple, yet memorable, story.