A Totally Big Umbrella

Illustrations in coloured pencil and wax crayon instantly immerse the reader in Tallulah’s universe. . . The rain and the umbrella are interesting and subtle ways to illustrate the unknown, the fears young children may have and how we cope with the unexpected. Tallulah’s story is a tender and insightful way to approach these themes with young readers who might struggle with anxiety. A heart-warming story. * CBI Inis Magazine *
This beautiful, sensitive picture book from an award-winning team of writer Sarah Crossan and illustrator Rebecca Cobb is a lovely exploration of what happens when we feel anxious. Tallulah tries to combat her anxiety with measures designed to protect herself, but they end up making her feel isolated and sad. Instead, the best way back to happiness is by surrounding herself with her loved ones. Cobb’s soft illustration style is perfect for this kind of introspective book, with quirky characters and a lovely use of language. * BookTrust *
A delightful story for younger children that acknowledges their anxieties but helps to show them that different isn’t always dangerous. The book is lavishly illustrated by the excellent Rebecca Cobb and the generous size of the book allows the words and pictures to work in unison to tell the story and the full page illustrations burst with colour and detail. -- Terry Potter * The Letterpress Project *

We all know a child who, having has one setback and disappointment, starts to worry about the what-ifs and slowly but steadily starts building walls to protect themselves – the living personification of “once bitten, twice shy”. And while that might be a good thing to help protect them from doing something reckless, when the walls are so high they are prevention rather than protection, and they live in a cocoon of anxiety too scared to break out and try flying, it is time for adult intervention and this story is a strong starting point. Sharing it with young readers so that firstly they realise that they there can be room under the umbrella for someone else, and that sharing their fears can help manage them and that they can develop strategies to cope with things can be the beginning of building resilience and strong mental health as they get older, more independent and more mature.
Like Tallulah, they can eventually break down the walls, leave their umbrella behind and discover a world that they can deal with because they have learned and earned how to do so. While there are many books to help children cope with anxiety, this one allows the child to see that fears are common, shared and can be very real and overwhelming but they can be managed if not conquered. Grandma’s gentle patience, acquiescence and understanding provide a guide that perhaps busy parents can’t offer that help Tallulah find the courage to step beyond her self-set boundaries, encouraging young readers to take the first steps themselves.

* The Bottom Shelf *