Spreading Sunshine

By definition, they shelter us from an abundance of rain or sunshine.  They are unique by design to fold together when not in use.  Sometimes, though, depending on the quality of the ribs and fabric, they may falter in their purpose.

There were many days, windy, wet days in spring and autumn, when on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, where umbrellas failed students scurrying from dorm to class, class to class, class to library, and hopefully to the university center.  It was like living in a wind tunnel.  You would be walking with your umbrella only to have the wind turn it inside out; the ribs breaking like toothpicks.

You would see broken umbrellas stuffed in trash cans, or simply thrown down by frustrated travelers.  If you were fortunate, someone with a sturdier device would offer you protection until you reached your destination.  Most of us gave up buying new umbrellas after the third purchase.  But, quite unexpectedly, these portable canopies will offer us something wildly wonderful when we need it the most.  Let's see what happens in The Umbrella (Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, March 21, 2023) written by Beth Ferry with artwork by Tom Lichtenheld. 

Dreary.

Weary.

Everyone is tired of rain, day after day.  The grayness of the outside world is seeping into people's homes, minds, and hearts.  Will it ever stop raining?

One small child ventures out with their canine companion.  Whatever the weather, dogs need their outside time.  They make it to cover under the awning of a neighborhood store.  This shop is filled with an eclectic assortment of new and old, familiar and odd items.

Inside one trunk, multiple possibilities are unearthed.  The dog discovers an old, seen-better-days yellow umbrella.  It is free!  As the pair make a mad dash for home in the rainstorm, the umbrella does not survive the wind and rain.  To say the child is disappointed is an understatement, but the duo get cozy in bed for the night.  And it keeps raining . . . for days.

One morning when the child and pup head outside, they are greeted with a huge surprise.  Somethings bloomed where they were planted. A compassionate heart knows what to do with this discovery.

With Beth Ferry's writing we are privy to the power of a single word.  The first seven words in this story stand alone, followed by a period.  To add to the pacing and the adventures of the pup and child, sometimes words are combined as they move from one point to another.  Then, one word at a time, the narrative continues, taking us on a rhyming romp from gray to glad.  Her use of alliteration is perfect.  Here is a passage.

Dashing.

Splashing.

Pitter-patters.

The selection of shades of purple and yellow throughout the book, as first seen on the open and matching dust jacket and book case, is a wonderful choice.  Complementary and contrasting, they provide depth to each image.  On the right side, we see what the child and dog have found in the trunk.  What is it exactly?  What can it be if we use our imaginations?  The rainwater and umbrella are vanished on the jacket.

To the left of the spine, still on a bright white background, is the illustration depicting the dog finding the tattered umbrella in the trunk of the whatnot shop with the child wondering what it is.  On the opening endpapers in a muted lavender, vertical dashes of white signify falling rain.  The rain creates puddles around a sandbox, itself turning into a pond.  A sand shovel is sticking up and a rubber ducky floats in the water.  On the closing endpapers, a vibrant yellow covers the pages.  The child is calling to the dog as they race over a yellow hill toward a rising sun.

Back at the beginning of the book, the first page turn reveals the verso on the left.  In a design genius choice, the rain continues to fall.  With a closer look, we see the long drops of rain in white are the dedication and publication information.  This is brilliant!  To the right, on the title page, the umbrella lays on the floor of the shop.

These illustrations rendered by Tom Lichtenheld

in pencil and watercolor on Stonehenge paper with a bit of Photoshop to put it all together

contain the right amount of humor and details.  Is that someone in a canoe going down the street?  Clothed in a raincoat, a weary but hopeful citizen dreams of sunshine while throwing a coin in an overflowing fountain in the square.  An insect seeks shelter under a broken branch on a hollow tree trunk.  In that hollow trunk, a mother rabbit holds out a paw to check if it is still raining.  Her babies huddle under her.  Inside the shop, the pup glances up at a painting of a group of dogs.  They might be playing poker.  Next to that is another Easter egg.  (Did I just laugh out loud?)

The expressive looks on all the characters' faces skillfully convey every mood.  They are clearly exhausted by this nonstop rainy weather.  They long for change and this child and her pup are agents for that change.  We can feel this building with every page turn.

One of my many favorite images is a single page illustration.  It is when the child and dog make it under the awning over the front of the shop.  Graphite and purple hues color the page.  A loud BOOM!! is shown between dark clouds at the top and the roof of the store.  Thunder!  in white is embedded in the brick upper story.  And Under! is placed in the doorway.  Still on a leash, the dog shakes off the wetness of the rain and the child happily spreads their arms at the success of finding a dry spot.  Rain falls around them and puddles on flat surfaces.

This book, The Umbrella written by Beth Ferry with illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld, is full of delightful revelations.  If readers ever think they are too small to make a difference, this dispels that notion.  One act by one soul can make a difference.  You will want to have a copy of this title in all your collections.  This book is one to gift to others often.  You also might want to be on the lookout for yellow umbrellas.  You never know what can happen with one.

To learn more about Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld and their other work, please access their websites by following the link attached to their names.  Tom Lichtenheld has many illustrations from this title at his website.  Beth Ferry has accounts on Instagram and Twitter.  Tom Lichtenheld has accounts on Instagram and Twitter.  At the publisher's website, you can view the opening endpapers.  You will enjoy this discussion on Publishers Weekly between the creators about who this book honors.

You Look, You See, What Can It Be?

a collapsible shade for protection against weather consisting of

fabric stretched over hinged ribs radiating from a central pole;

especially: a small one for carrying

Merriam-Webster

For most people an umbrella is exactly as defined and written by the authoritative folks at Merriam-Webster.  For others in addition to the more practical uses, it is a fashion statement, a piece of wearable art, a proclamation of one's lifelong pursuits or a declaration of one's viewpoint on a specific issue.  An umbrella may be a solid color on the outside but colorful on the inside for the bearer.  Some have a Monopoly board along the edges; others are shaped like large leaves found in a rainforest.  

For those with the gift of imagining, umbrellas can be a little bit more.  The Green Umbrella (NorthSouth Books, Inc., February 1, 2017), by author Jackie Azua Kramer and illustrator Maral Sassouni, takes us into the realm of marvelous maybe.  This debut picture book for these collaborators encourages readers to challenge what they know.  Like all good stories it asks them what if?

One rainy day an Elephant was taking a walk with his green umbrella.

Clearly enjoying his walk, the Elephant was surprised to be stopped by a Hedgehog.  This Hedgehog accused him of having his boat.  A BOAT?  Without a doubt, Hedgehog perceives the umbrella as a boat describing in great detail his adventures in THAT boat.

The Elephant did not know what to make of this but nevertheless invited the Hedgehog to join him under the umbrella.  In no time at all a Cat stops the twosome making another equally strange claim.  He too relates how the umbrella served him in another capacity as he roamed the woods and stopped for a cup of tea.

Now there are three creatures under the Elephant's green umbrella.  As they walk along they are approached by the Bear whose claims are unbelievable.  The leap from umbrella to flying machine is extraordinary.  To further justify his ownership the Elephant relates all the things the umbrella has been and done for him.  It simply could not belong to anyone else but his justifications do seem to prove a point.

The Elephant begins to walk away when it stops raining.  As the Hedgehog, the Cat and the Bear start to protest up walks an old Rabbit.  An extended but familiar scenario is presented.  As is his custom Elephant offers an answer but this time another voice becomes part of the chorus.  This makes all the difference.


In a rhythm as old as time, Jackie Azua Kramer spins a tale drawing all readers into the woven tapestry with her words.  Not once but three times the Elephant is challenged in his belief but his response is one of kindness.  After the third time the cadence shifts, then is repeated with a fourth encounter.  As the final threads finish the entire scene the Elephant's generosity becomes part of a new adventure for strangers who are now forever friends.

The mix of dialogue and some narrative offers readers a chance to participate in the story.  Repetition of key phrases supplies an ebb and flow.  The explanations of all the animals are vivid and lyrical.  Even though an article precedes each of their names, by capitalizing the first letter they become very significant characters.  Here is a sample passage.

"I crossed the deep oceans on my boat and faced the crash of icy waves.  I saw dolphins leap two by two and tasted the salty spray of whales.  The stars were my guide and my boat a faithful friend," said the Hedgehog.  


Rendered in a mix of painting and cut paper collage all of the illustrations by Maral Sassouni beginning with the dust jacket (I am working with an F & G.) are whimsical and utterly charming.  Her landscapes even in the rain are welcoming.  When you first see the front of the dust jacket, the colorful elephant carrying the green umbrella literally sings out to readers.  (Is anyone thinking of Singin' In The Rain?)  As our eyes drift left to the back, a group of friendly mice wearing raincoats and boots and carrying umbrellas are sure to elicit smiles.

The opening and closing endpapers are an extension of the dust jacket.  The Elephant is now walking over a rolling hill.  He is accompanied by a village of mice wearing raincoats, jackets, scarves, boots and carrying umbrellas.  They are joined by a small bird in similar attire.  One smaller mouse is leaping with joy.  The Elephant is placed under the text on the title page carrying an unopened umbrella.  To the left on the verso is a container filled with unopened umbrellas.

Each page turn reveals either a two page picture, single page visual or a circular image placed on a single page in white.  These shifts in size compliment the narrative superbly.  When the Elephant and the old Rabbit expand on the theme, Maral alters her style giving the one a sepia-toned color palette with spot color and the other a more vibrant depiction looking like places on a map of life.  The inclusion of extra details, the arc of lines, the smiling faces of the characters and open positions of body placements convey an exuberant outlook by the characters.  The pictures when each animal is speaking of their name for the umbrella are so inviting you want to step right into the page.

One of my favorite illustrations is of the Cat explaining the importance and use of the green umbrella.  A tranquil forest is the stopping place of the Cat.  She is seated on the right on a log with a Raccoon.  They are enjoying sweet treats and cups of tea.  To the left the umbrella stands opened over a cozy bed and a rock holding a lantern.  An open book is placed nearby.  Red birds, small red-capped mushrooms and leafy plants frame the duo.  Strung between trees are two rows of pennants.


Sharing The Green Umbrella written by Jackie Azua Kramer with pictures by Maral Sassouni with readers and listeners is sure to generate a cheery connection.  This story will inspire others to think of possible uses for umbrellas pointing out the value in everyone's viewpoint.  The next time it rains be sure to take an umbrella.  You never know who you will meet and what stories they will have to tell you.

To discover more about Jackie Azua Kramer and Maral Sassouni and their work, please visit their websites by following the links attached to their names.  Yesterday they graciously answered a series of questions about this title and a little bit about themselves in a blog post found here.  Maral includes many pictures of her process.  At a publisher's website you can view several interior images.  John Schumacher, Scholastic's Ambassador of School Libraries, reveals the book trailer on his blog, Watch. Connect. Read.  Be sure to read the posts by other bloggers participating in this blog tour.

UPDATE:  There is a wonderful article at Pen & Oink about the art process for this book, March 29, 2017.

A Chat With The Creators Of The Green Umbrella

Wind in Michigan, no matter the area, is a given.  The influence of the lakes and the land formations contribute to its presence sometimes day after day for weeks.  A calm day is a rarity.

It's easy to recall no one on campus at Central Michigan University made it through one semester let alone four years without more than one umbrella.  On windy afternoons a common site was a cluster of umbrellas, inside out, abandoned in garbage receptacles.  Many rainy days would find students scurrying to class, huddled under their umbrellas, only to have them ripped from their hands, tumbling across campus usually looking nothing like their original shapes.  It was hilarious to watch until it happened to you.


Seeing the cover of The Green Umbrella (NorthSouth Books, Inc., February 1, 2017), a debut picture book by both author Jackie Azua Kramer and illustrator Maral Sassouni, is like walking across campus all those years ago eager to see what the day, instructors and students will reveal.  It's full of possibilities.  It also makes you curious about the two individuals responsible for this children's literature gem.


I was thrilled to be able to send them both questions.  Their answers are delightful, as if the three of us are seated in cozy chairs around a crackling fire.  I know you will feel as if they are good friends once you read their replies.  I do.


Let's start first with author Jackie Azua Kramer.  My questions are in bold.  Her answers are in italics.

1: Was there a particular incident, an object, a thread of conversation or something you read which placed the seed for this book in your mind?

The catalyst for The Green Umbrella (TGU) were these illustrations I discovered which all revolved around a green umbrella. That began the wild ‘what if’, the chemical reaction, otherwise known as, inspiration. What if a cast of characters each saw the umbrella as something else, like when you look up at a cloud?

But perhaps the seed for the story was planted long ago when I was a child. As a child into my teens, I travelled all over the world with my family. My father used to remind us as we met new people, saw new things, ate new food and heard new languages--that we were American ambassadors. We, as ambassadors, should reflect the best in people. Maybe, the Elephant in the story is that ambassador, with the Hedgehog, the Cat, the Bear and the old Rabbit, reflecting the different people and cultures, that see the umbrella in unique ways.

2: Your choice of characters, the Elephant, the Hedgehog, the Cat, the Bear and the old Rabbit are an interesting combination.  In the real world it would be unlikely to see them together but it works in this book adding to the whimsy.  Did you have a particular reason for choosing these specific animals?  Why was the Elephant chosen as the main character?

I get to play in the most fun, raucous and fantastical playground…a child’s imagination. The idea of characters who are unlikely to be seen together remind me of why I love my work as a storyteller. I’m not the first one to do this. Not to compare myself, but perhaps I was channeling AA Milne, in the classic, The House at Pooh Corner.  Alongside Pooh, there’s Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and Roo. Both, the Elephant in my story, and Pooh, remain at the center of the story and the action. There’s a scene in The Green Umbrella, when they’re all sitting together having tea, and part of the text reads: “…shared their stories.” I love the idea of all of us sharing our journeys with each other. The world is becoming flatter, and the unlikeliness of this bunch becoming friends, to my thinking, makes it a universal story.

3: Throughout the book the green umbrella becomes many things depending on the character’s voice we are hearing.  Other than a shelter from weather, what object would the Green Umbrella be for you?

Not actually an object, but a TREE, without a doubt! I was born on April 22nd, Earth Day and right before Arbor Day. I have a strong and deep connection to trees. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t stop and notice a tree. I write, dream, think and pray, under and around trees. Under the branches of a tree, like the green umbrella, they both provide a place where all are welcome. I have many wonderful memories of family dinners and laughing with friends under a tree.

4: Do you have a writing nook or a spot where you prefer to write over other locations, Jackie?  Would you describe it for us, please?

Oh, Margie, I can’t pick just one! Different settings create certain moods for me. My most favorite place is my mind. A story lives and percolates in my writerly mind for a long time. It starts with an idea and then I move quickly to images. Moving images allow me to play, imagine, and edit easily in my imagination. Inspired by Hurricane Sandy, “The Boy and the Eight Hundred Pound Gorilla” (Candlewick Press, TBD), lived in my imagination for two years. 

When I’m ready to begin a draft, I’ve lovingly nicknamed my back yard, ‘The Canopy’.  It’s a secluded spot surrounded by large leafy trees and bushes that I have the privilege to write under during the spring and summer. Throughout the day the quality of light shifts through the leaves and branches. And the trees are filled with all kinds of visitors-- birds, squirrels and insects that become my soundtrack. And often in winter, you can find me at my beloved local library. In a quiet corner, with giant windows that face an ivy-covered church, it becomes a perfect writing nook.

5.  What is my favorite place to read?

My bed surrounded by a pile of books.



Let's hear what illustrator Maral Sassouni has to share with us.  My queries are in bold.  Her replies are in italics.


1.   Your artwork for The Green Umbrella has a distinct essence to it. Would you please describe to us how these images were rendered?


My artwork is a combination of painting and cut paper collage. Sometimes the painting dominates, and other times the collage dominates: it depends on the project. In any case, I paint with both acrylics and oil paints. Occasionally, I also incorporate other materials/ techniques —fabric scraps, India ink, monoprints, oil crayons — just to get closer to the image in my mind’s eye.

For The Green Umbrella, the collage elements were dominant. I created the backgrounds and the characters separately. Essentially, it was like paper figures in a little paper theater on each page. Even though the composition is always sketched out in advance, I like the freedom of making adjustments to the characters and setting until I get them just right and finally glue them together.

After that, I just scan the images into Photoshop and tidy up stray pencil marks, glue crumbs, cat hairs— and occasionally add a touch of sparkle and glow digitally.

2.  In my way of thinking the settings for each scene add to the underlying imaginative quality of the pictures. I am curious as to why you had the animals chatting in a city and eventually meeting together outside of their community. Was this something you thought of the first time you read the manuscript or did this evolve?


The idea of setting the story in a city came to me immediately. Rainy days in cities are visually interesting to me, with their shiny sidewalks, wavy reflections and puddles providing bright mirrors here and there.

Then of course, cities are where you might cross paths with all kinds of unexpected characters — and this is what happens in the first half of the story. Later, the animals set aside their differences and become friends, and I wanted this to take place out of doors. The wide open spaces go along with the sense of new possibilities that the characters now have, as well as giving them somewhere to go as they light out for the territories.

3.  Is your choice of color palette expressly for this title or are these colors your signature hues?

In The Green Umbrella, I wanted to create a contrast between everyday reality on the one hand, and the world of imagination and adventure on the other. So the rainy town is in cool colors— it’s dim, damp, dreary and practically monochromatic… as opposed to the scenes described by each animal, which are in warm and vivid colors.

My other guiding principal in terms of color was to follow the day as it progressed from morning to night. From a somewhat soggy morning stroll to warm late afternoon light, then the glowing sunset colors and beyond — to the first twinkling stars and dreams of new explorations.

4.  Would you please describe for us your working space?


It’s a spare room at the top of the house. I’ve got three tables (just barely enough!), two bookshelves and one flat file (bulging with sketches, illustrations, prints and blank paper). When I’m working on a project, the walls are covered with sketches from the project as I try to figure out the characters, setting, page composition, color schemes and all of the other things that might help along a narrative. There are all kinds of inspiring scraps and swatches as well, there to trigger memories or new stories. It’s like the inside of my head!

5.  Where is your favorite place to read?

My very favorite place to read would be on a train at night. There are no distractions, you can’t see or even guess at the landscape, and the rhythmic sounds and gentle motion concentrates the mind wonderfully.  Total immersion…bliss!

(Sadly, night trains are not as much a part of my everyday life as they once were, so my favorite place to read that’s within reach in real life is the library on a rainy day.)


I am grateful to both Jackie Azua Kramer and Maral Sassouni for taking the time to help us become better acquainted with The Green Umbrella, their process and a little bit about themselves.  Be sure to visit this site tomorrow for more about The Green Umbrella.  You won't want to miss the double giveaway we have to offer! 

Jackie earned her Masters of Education from Queens College. She is a member of SCBWI and has written for the SCBWI Bulletin. In 2014, she was invited to be a member of the Bank Street Writers Lab, Bank Street College. In 2015 Jackie was a presenter at the 1st nErDCamp Long Island.  Her picture book, The Green Umbrella (North South Books) debuts February 2017 in English/German. Out soon --The Boy and the Eight Hundred Pound Gorilla (Candlewick Press, TBD) and If You Want to Fall Asleep (Clavis Books) in English/Dutch.  You can learn more about Jackie at her  website on  Twitter Facebook or Instagram 

Maral Sassouni was born in Philadelphia and grew up in California.  She's been an illustrator for over 20 years and has won many awards, including the SCBWI Portfolio Grand Prize.  Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, NY, and exhibited in group shows of children's illustrations around the world.  Based in Paris since 1992, Maral now divides her time between France and California.  The Green Umbrella is Maral's first picture book.  You can discover more about Maral at her website.  You can find her on Twitter, Flickr and Tumblr



I know you will want to know more about both of these talented ladies.  Stop by the other blogs on the tour.  There are giveaways at several.  Simply follow this link.