The Umbrella

by Brett, Jan; Brett, Jan

• ISBN13: 9780399242151
• ISBN10: 0399242155
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-09-09
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Summary

A walk through the Costa Rican cloud forest provides a wonderfully lush setting for Jan Brett's beloved animal illustrations. When Carlos drops his umbrella to climb a tree for a better view of the animals, they all cram into the banana-leaf umbrella as it floats by--from the little tree frog to the baby tapir to the big jaguar and more. It gets so crowded in the umbrella that there isn't even enough room for a little hummingbird! So over the umbrella tumbles, everyone falls out, and poor Carlos comes back wondering why he didn't see any animals all day. In the spirit of Jan Brett's The Mitten and The Hat, this cheerful tale of escalation will have readers poring over every illustration for the world of details Jan packs in. With its classic story, exotic jungle setting, and brilliantly colorful menagerie, The Umbrella is sure to take its place among Jan's many family favorites.

Author Biography

Jan Brett visited the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica and was beguiled by it, "Just like Carlos, the boy in my story," she says. "The swirling mist and dappled sunshine challenge the visitor. Birds and animals appear and disappear as if seen through a kaleidoscope. The shape and coloring of a creature often mimic the leafy world it lives in. One of the most rewarding sights is the resplendent quetzal with its long tail resembling the trailing vines hanging from its perch." Jan Brett's glorious artwork provides a rare look at this mysterious habitat high on a mountain.