The Umbrella

This beautifully illustrated journey through the Costa Rican cloud forest invites young readers into a vibrant ecosystem teeming with exotic wildlife. As young Carlos climbs a tree for a better view, his banana-leaf umbrella becomes an unexpected vessel for an ever-growing parade of rainforest creatures, from tiny tree frogs to majestic jaguars. The story cleverly builds anticipation as each new animal squeezes into the floating umbrella, creating a delightful counting narrative that also introduces children to tropical biodiversity. Brett's signature detailed artwork captures the lush forest setting with remarkable texture and color.

What makes this picture book particularly engaging is how the visual storytelling extends beyond the main narrative through Brett's trademark border illustrations, which foreshadow which animal will join the umbrella next. Children will delight in predicting the sequence of events while learning about animal sizes and rainforest habitats through the cumulative tale. The gentle humor of the overcrowded umbrella's inevitable tumble provides a satisfying conclusion that demonstrates how even the smallest creatures have their place in the ecosystem. This immersive reading experience offers both entertainment and subtle educational value about rainforest conservation and animal coexistence.