A Totally Big Umbrella
Sarah Crossan and Rebecca Cobb
Walker Books

Tallulah hates the rain; it spoils things for her and after a downpour she dashes inside to her Grandma and asks to borrow her umbrella. Grandma says that the rain has stopped, but Tallulah explains that if it starts again, ‘her life will be ruined’. The girl insists on carrying around the brolly no matter what. However, walking about clutching an umbrella presents Talulah with challenges aplenty, outside, in the classroom and at home.

Nevertheless, back she goes to Grandma, still very concerned and her Gran finds her a larger umbrella and a teapot. Talullah’s worrying continues and so does her brolly carrying.

Then comes the day of Grandma’s party and guess what; down comes heavy rain. Up goes Talulah’s umbrella and she takes cover. However, nobody else seems to be particularly bothered by the downpour.

A realisation dawns: maybe squelchy rain-soaked parties can be fun after all and her constant worrying about the rain means that she’ s missing out on so much.

A sensitively written story infused with gentle humour that is ideal for sharing with young children who will see how it can take some time to overcome anxiety, be it about rain or something else. Sharing ones feelings with a trusted adult or friend is the best way to help manage them. Rebecca Cobb’s portrayal of the endearing Tallulah and her emotional learning journey are truly captivating: I love the range of view-points she has used.