The Lost Umbrella of Kim Chu

by Eleanor Estes, K.Y. Chan, David Foulds

This popular series of readers has now been completely revised and updated, using a new syllabus and new word structure lists. Readability has been ensured by means of specially designed computer software. Words that are above level but essential to the story are explained within the text, illustrated, and then reused for maximum reinforcement.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction

Paperback

First published October 1, 1978

About the author

Eleanor Ruth Rosenfeld (Estes)was an American children's author. She was born in West Haven, Connecticut as Eleanor Ruth Rosenfield. Originally a librarian, Estes' writing career began following a case of tuberculosis. Bedridden while recovering, Estes began writing down some of her childhood memories, which would later turn into full-length children's books.

Estes's book Ginger Pye (1951) won the Newbery Medal, and three of her other books (The Middle Moffat, Rufus M., and The Hundred Dresses) were chosen as Newbery Honor books. She also received the Certificate of Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Literature and was nominated for the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award. By the time of her death at age 82, Estes had written 19 children's books and one novel for adults.

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this a 3.5 star-rating. It might not be one of Estes best, but it's cute, child-like, mysterious and fun, and well worth the read!

What begins as a lost umbrella turns into a mystery with a robber, and then a whole racket of robbers that are in cahoots to steal this very special umbrella. At least that's what grows from the imaginations of the two girls that are tracking the umbrella down. They spy, talk in secret code, ride a ferry, meet the Millionaire Man and the mysterious Laughing Lady and restore the umbrella back to Kim's father, all before he gets home from work.

Ages: 6 - 12

Cleanliness: nothing to note.

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[Becca Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a true delight of a read aloud. The story of Kim Chu is set in NYC in the early 20th century. We felt like we were really there, on the run with Kim Chu as she frantically looks for her father’s precious umbrella. I appreciate that this was written about a time and culture I haven’t experienced and, I must admit, have a hard time wrapping my mind around. Would a grandmother really slap her granddaughter out alone into NYC to do something like this? Having discussed Chinese culture with immigrant friends, I believe the author’s story - not that she’s telling this as an actual event. I’m so glad things ended well for the whole Chu family. I think it’s vitally important for children to have diverse stories that are about many different times in American history told from different points of view; it helps us all to have respect for different cultures.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eleanor Estes is one of our favorite authors to read aloud! Josh really enjoyed this story about girls his age trying to solve a mystery.

[Betsie Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet little book. I loved how the girls made up stories about the people on the boat and how it all worked out alright at the end. The weak point of this book is that it was written by an author of non-Asian descent and relied on some stereotypes of the era. However, for the time, there were so few children's books about Asian-American children, that it was a good effort (for that time period). The stereotypes are not over-the-top or exaggerated, and the focus is definitely on the adventure.

[Komal]

This was quite an enjoyable childhood read. The settings were extremely vivid.