UNDER ANNA'S UMBRELLA

A child struggling with loss can’t let go.

Amid the lashing rain, Anna and her family stand somewhat apart from a group of mourners in a cemetery, each holding an umbrella. The titular accessory becomes a symbol for grief as Anna refuses to put it down, holding it over her head in school, at ballet practice, and in the stands of a baseball game. The spotted red canopy initially makes Anna feel safe, but as those around her try different ways of coaxing her out, she experiences anger and loneliness. Finally, another rainstorm convinces her to share her umbrella with a new friend, Henry, and eventually she decides to put it away for good. Forcing readers to read between the lines, the story heavily implies that one of Anna’s parents has died, but, unlike her straightforward emotions, this plot point is never spelled out, which may confuse children and leave adults with some explaining to do. Nevertheless, the umbrella makes for a tangible representation of the isolation and frustration that often accompany loss. The appropriately muted, uncluttered artwork sets a somber tone; Uribe has opted not to fully show Anna’s face until she meets Henry—an effective way to convey her feelings of alienation. Anna is light-skinned, Henry is brown-skinned, and their community is diverse.

Somewhat opaque but solid guidance on navigating grief.