The Big Umbrella, a teachable moment for any age

The Big Umbrella is a book by Amy June Bates that’s co-written by her daughter Juniper Bates. It’s the simple story of a red umbrella that’s big enough for anyone. That premise-and the whole ‘big tent’ parallel that it brings up might irk some parents who don’t want their children reading anything that’s even pseudo-political. The Big Umbrella is not political. It doesn’t try to sway opinions one way or the other, nor is it presented in a way that promotes one over the other. I’s a children’s illustrated book, with lovely, soft illustrations that any kid or parent, on the right or left can agree with.

It starts off with the red umbrella by the door as one kid in rain attire heads out on a stormy day. We see that the umbrella likes to help, is quite friendly and likes to gather people in. As the pages turn we see all manner of people get under the umbrella. There’s a very tall duck, whose legs stretch off of the page and all we’re able to see of him are his giant webbed feet. A ballerina, hairy Bigfoot type creature, person wearing plaid clothing and more are all able to get under the umbrella.

The point is, there is always room under the umbrella. The Big Umbrella is one of those children’s books that celebrate differences without pointing them out and telling kids that they need to accept kids who are different than they are. Conversely, it also speaks to kids that are different and lets them know that there is always a place for them to be where they’re accepted as what they are.

The political speak radar in some of the adults is going off right now. The Big Umbrella was inspired by a conversation between the two authors after the Presidential election of 2016. Amy Bates also illustrated Hillary Rodham Clinton by Kathleen Krull. Given that information one can imagine what the conversation after the election was like between the mother and daughter.

That’s where The Big Umbrella throws readers a curve ball, either intentionally or not. Parents on the left will read this and say that they’re holding the red umbrella. Parents on the right will read this and say that they’re holding the red umbrella. The libertarians will say that anyone can hold the umbrella or alternately they can walk in the rain if they want to-so long as they don’t splash them. In reality, The Big Umbrella is a tale of acceptance and being kind and that’s a tale that anyone can get behind and pass on to their kids.