“Amidst the copious books about ‘fitting in’ and ‘being yourself’ Niki Foreman and Binny Talib have succeeded in creating a fresh take on the topic with their picture book, The Umbrella. Sweet and subtle, visually rich and minimally didactic, it carries a very clear message about inclusion and explores deeper ideas about how we see difference.

“I don’t fit,” says a child, standing in the rain observing a group of children under a huge umbrella. “How can I make myself fit?” they wonder, as they attempt to insert themselves via a handstand. It doesn’t work. The character has large headphones, which might be read as noise cancelling to assist neurodivergence, but the story is equally for any reader. “Do I need to fit?” they ask, and we now understand that the umbrella is a metaphor, and the character is negotiating one of the most pressing conundrums children (and adults) face in their social journey. Soon, the (unnamed, gender neutral) main character meets two other children who don’t fit. A solution is on offer! But these two get their own umbrella. “I don’t think it’s for me. But it was nice to meet you,” the protagonist says.

A stunning, warm colour palette and brilliant use of negative space highlight the characters’ relative exclusion and ‘otherness.’ Thanks to this rich visual storytelling, with very few words, the reader understands that exclusion is lonely, and that it can be really hard for some children to join a group. And simply connecting an isolated child with other similar children (as a caring teacher or parent might try) does not mean they will have anything in common. It takes time for someone to figure out where they fit.

The story does, of course, have a happy ending. The protagonist is approached by a new friend and they begin splashing in puddles together. As the sun comes out, the other children cautiously emerge from their umbrellas and look around. This is the key to the joyful conclusion of this story. The journey to inclusion is not about the main character having to change, nor the children being persuaded to include others despite their difference. Change comes when the children, previously huddled and shielded by the umbrella, are able to SEE others in a new (rainbow hued) light. Suddenly, getting to know diverse people seems appealing rather than a teaching moment. In this way, the book works as a simple story about making friends, and a much deeper exploration of bias, acceptance, and the complexities of the social world.”

Review by Lara Cain Gray; Storylinks

“The term umbrella can mean many things. Ostensibly, protection, shelter, inclusion, unification. All admirable qualities, ones that entice a visit within. Trouble is, not all umbrellas are of equal size. Not all possess the capacity to encompass those that perhaps are in greatest need of them. And yet, as is oft the shared human condition, we all at some point crave to fit under that mantel of shared connection – to fit in. And those that appreciate this inherent desire better than any other are children.

This is the core of Niki Foreman and Binny Talib’s stunning new creation; an exploration of a young person’s observation of their social standing, their subsequent efforts to change it and their eventual realisation of self.

Characterised by a non-gender specific child, the realities of not quite fitting under the umbrella is apparent from the get go. Our main character has but their robust raincoat and desire to join those comfortably already under the umbrella, noticeably without any other protective wear to shield them from external elements.

But there is little room left. No matter how differently they approach this dilemma the result is the same. Even when others, also stuck out in the rain appear, similarities aren’t always strong enough to make a perfect fit. Another's umbrella may not be your best option no matter who is underneath it.

Thankfully, rainbows often follow storms, which is where this episode of searching and loneliness eventuates. None of us can predict how long a downpour will last, but with the right protective gear and enough resolve to see you through, there is every chance you will find your fit. Or in this case, wait for others to eventually see and appreciate your true colours.

Deceptively simple in its narrative delivery, The Umbrella addresses many of the multiple complexities young children face every single day, whether in the playground, school yard or even home life. Need and want for sameness are constantly at odds with yearnings for unique independence. Unravelling the nuances of self-appreciation and acceptance for a young child especially one that falls under their own neurodivergent umbrella, is no straightforward task. The Umbrella does so eloquently without fuss or explicit direction, thus allowing youngsters to question and comment on each scene for themselves. A boon for deeper classroom discussion!

From endpaper to endpaper, Talib’s illustrations of wide-eyed beings each finding their own way through the emotional downpour inspire instant connection. Bright pencil drawn colours temper mood with just enough white space among the linear-shaped, rainbow-coloured raindrops to encourage room for reflective thought. I especially enjoyed the silent sub character of a macintosh-clad pussy cat.

The Umbrella works because it is extravagantly simple; an ideal mix of elegant, playful ambiguity and raw, detailed complexity that many from the age of four will find easy to appreciate.”

Review by Dimity Powell: Dim’s Write Stuff