Umbrella

'Lovely bold, expressive drawing conjures a magical story in Elena Arevalo Melville's heart-warming picture book Umbrella (Scallywag GBP12.99, 3+), in which a lonely girl finds an object in the park that brings the needy what they lack and the greedy what they deserve: this includes a blue elephant and a sense of community.' Sunday Times, Best Children's Books to read this summer;'OH! This is a brilliantly bizarre picture book, no doubt about that! A young girl finds and shows kindness to a sentient umbrella (yes really!) that magically returns the favour tenfold. Thus ensues a series of astonishingly realised events, culminating in a well-pitched finale demonstrating the healing power of forgiveness. A superb work: an example of a text being paired with it's perfect publisher. Joyous!' Northern Scottish Papers;'Imagine a world where everyone is kind and forgiving, and where anything is possible. How wonderful would that be. That is the world Elena Arevalo Melville creates in this uplifting story. Her somewhat surreal tale of empathy, kindness and community is one to share and discuss at every opportunity.' Red Reading Hub;'An exhilarating and entertaining lesson in the rewards of caring, sharing and togetherness.' Lancashire Evening Post