Reviews

Under the Love Umbrella by Davina Bell, Allison Colpoys

camod's review

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

littleelfman's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is perfect for so many situations!
Who's under your love umbrella?

scribepub's review against another edition

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The enduring love between parent and child is celebrated in distinctive, vintage-inspired style.
The Bookseller

Captivating neon illustrations add even more charm to this already delightful story. Under the Love Umbrella reminds children that comfort and love is ever-present, even when you are not near your family.
Evening Standard

A truly charming book little ones will adore.
Little London

This brightly illustrated picture book is a celebration of the enduring love that surrounds your children, wherever they are in the world. The families we meet represent the wonderful diversity that make our world what it is and show that there is nothing to fear from differences. It is also a reminder to children that love is around them, especially in times of worry or fear. This book is suitable for new parents and babies, as well as for children embarking on big changes and adventures, who may benefit from this lovely reminder of the permanence of love. A beautiful message to share with young children.
lovereading4kids

The illustrations are very bright and I like that they embrace a diverse range of families and relationships … I think we should all remember that we have a “love umbrella”.
Juno

Bright, expressive and featuring joyfully diverse illustration throughout, Under the Love Umbrella provides poetic reassurance that whatever happens, children will be protected and loved. Perfect for sharing at bedtime with cuddles.
Booktrust

A gorgeous book about the transformative power of family love in all its forms. Written in rhyming couplets, it reassures children that they are protected by an ‘umbrella’ of love wherever they go in the world and whatever they encounter … a truly beautiful book.
The Sun

I love it! I didn’t like anything the best — it’s all good. I like the illustrations. They are cool. I like the page with the umbrella made out of stars.
BENJAMIN (AGE 5), ANORAK

Scary shadows, friends that don't share, shyness, moving, and such everyday childhood issues as wet pants, a lost tooth, and a parent's rushing them. No worry can last under a love umbrella … Colpoys’ striking illustrations, which combine an earth palette with day-glo highlights, effectively show love umbrellas both imagined and real.
Kirkus Reviews

This is a book that has it all — a beautiful message with amazing illustrations ... The basic point of the story is that no matter what, whoever loves you will provide comfort and shelter to help you cope with distressing situations ... The illustrations provided by Allison Colpoys are nothing short of amazing. The background on the pages are mostly black or white and the colours used are vibrant red, orange, gold, and purple — almost to the point of being neon colours. The illustrations are detailed and children will love seeing all the little things hidden in the pages ... It is also a great tool to talk about feelings.
Kristin Guay, Youth Services Book Review

Readers follow four children through difficult times as the unnamed narrator describes the ‘love umbrella’ that is above each of them ... The four children — Joe, Brian, Grace, and Izzy — are racially diverse, as are their families, and are introduced opposite the title page, giving readers a mission: to count the umbrellas they find (no answer is revealed) ... Colpoys’ striking illustrations, which combine an earth palette with day-glo highlights, effectively show love umbrellas both imagined (stars in the sky, a cloud) and real (a beach umbrella, a rain umbrella, a sun shade).
Kirkus Reviews

This sweetly comforting story is recommended for general purchase and well suited to storytime.
Elizabeth Lovsin, Deerfield Public Library

A beautiful story of a parent’s love … A truly wonderful book for youngsters facing change and challenges, no matter how big or small.
Louise Weeks, Mum’s Grapevine

A sweet and beautifully illustrated book about love and family.
Baby Librarians

Contemporary yet classic-feeling illustrations, a simple and resonant message. Charming!
Jessica Peterson White, Bookseller Review, Content Book Store

fernandie's review against another edition

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3.0

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

anaggperez's review

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3.0

FINAL RATING: 3*

I will recommend this to teachers and parents to read to their kids, but I made the mistake of reading Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys' other book first, and this one felt like something was missing. The message is beautiful, but I think it could have gone further. I still recommend it!

Plot: 2.5*
Characters: 3*
Art Style/Atmosphere: 3*
Writing Style: 4*
Entertainment: 4*
AVERAGE RATING: 3.3*

Does it have adequate representation?
Does it perpetuate healthy ideals?
Does it teach/make the reader (re)think?

FINAL RATING: 3*


jesstele's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved the illustrations and color scheme. The idea of the love umbrella was touching but some of the text seemed forced.

wordnerd153's review

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3.0

Sweet story for a caregiver to read to a child.

sunshinegal's review

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5.0

Get ready to be transported into the bright neon illustrations and beautiful message of love- that Love transcends time and space and circumstances. And what's not to LOVE about that? <3

bees_circus's review

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3.0

Super bright pictures, lots of rhyme and rhetorical questions to get the reader involved. Love the illustration style. A v sweet message too.