What do you think?
Rate this book
The Umbrella Maker's Son
From a critically acclaimed author comes a fantastical middle grade novel about a boy determined to prove there’s more than just the weather behind his rainy town.
Oscar Buckle lives in a city where it’s always raining. And when it isn’t raining, it’s about to rain, so the townspeople have learned to embrace it. Oscar’s father is an umbrella maker—appropriate for a place where you can’t leave home without one!—but while Buckle Umbrellas are strong, reliable, and high quality, they’re expensive . Because of this, people are buying from the competitor instead, which is threatening Oscar’s family’s business.
To make ends meet, Oscar is forced to quit school and work in his father's shop as an apprentice. But when extraordinary events start to occur in their rainy town, Oscar becomes suspicious of their competitor. Desperate to save his town, Oscar must enlist the help of his best friend, Saige, to discover if there's more than nature involved in their city's weather.
Oscar Buckle lives in a city where it’s always raining. And when it isn’t raining, it’s about to rain, so the townspeople have learned to embrace it. Oscar’s father is an umbrella maker—appropriate for a place where you can’t leave home without one!—but while Buckle Umbrellas are strong, reliable, and high quality, they’re expensive . Because of this, people are buying from the competitor instead, which is threatening Oscar’s family’s business.
To make ends meet, Oscar is forced to quit school and work in his father's shop as an apprentice. But when extraordinary events start to occur in their rainy town, Oscar becomes suspicious of their competitor. Desperate to save his town, Oscar must enlist the help of his best friend, Saige, to discover if there's more than nature involved in their city's weather.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 27, 2023
6 people are currently reading
2699 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Leno
10 books1,189 followersKatrina Leno has written a few books. She has also read a few books. Ah, books. You know?
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 3, 2024
everyone's favorite author should be required to write at least 1 middle grade fantasy adventure novel.
i think that would solve all the world's problems.
and i still think that, even though i didn't like this one much.
i love middle grade and i love katrina leno, but it turns out i don't love the combination. this was a pretty unmemorable read for me.
but i'm not the target audience so...
maybe just ignore me.
bottom line: a pointless and unnecessary opinion!
i think that would solve all the world's problems.
and i still think that, even though i didn't like this one much.
i love middle grade and i love katrina leno, but it turns out i don't love the combination. this was a pretty unmemorable read for me.
but i'm not the target audience so...
maybe just ignore me.
bottom line: a pointless and unnecessary opinion!
April 11, 2023
What a wonderful book! Kids will love this fun, engaging, imaginative story. I loved the characters so much and the world felt truly alive. This author is such an astonishingly talented and multi-faceted writer.
This book will warm your spirit, despite all the rainfall. :)
A+!
This book will warm your spirit, despite all the rainfall. :)
A+!
July 22, 2023
This was such a fun, adventurous and whimsical middlegrade novel!!
We follow Oscar who lives in the city of Roan where it always rains (there are hundred types of rain all with their own name) with his father who is an umbrella maker. He and his best friend Saige (who uses a wheelchair and the representation for that was so so wonderfully done 👏🏻) go on an unexpected journey to save the world.
The illustrations were also really beautiful and fun!
We follow Oscar who lives in the city of Roan where it always rains (there are hundred types of rain all with their own name) with his father who is an umbrella maker. He and his best friend Saige (who uses a wheelchair and the representation for that was so so wonderfully done 👏🏻) go on an unexpected journey to save the world.
The illustrations were also really beautiful and fun!
July 24, 2023
This book made me like rain just a tiny bit. It was absolutely adorable and heartwarming, despite being filled with storms.
With a focus on friendship and family, The Umbrella Maker’s Son is the perfect middle grade. It’s whimsical and fantastical enough to enchant readers but also grounded in reality to remind kids of their own lives. I loved the playful footnotes included, I think it was such a quirky way to help a younger audience comprehend the story more.
As far as characters, they were the strongest part of the story by far. Especially Oscar and Saige, who had the best platonic relationship I’ve read in awhile. (Bonus for the disability rep for Saige!!) They simultaneously felt exactly like kids but also much more knowledgeable/smarter for their ages, which definitely made for a fun story, if a little far-fetched.
I enjoyed the family dynamics, particularly with Oscar and his dad. None of his father’s decisions were cruel or unnecessary, but genuinely a parent trying to do the best for their child.
I would recommend this for all ages, especially if you’d like a bit more of a unique experience with a middle grade. No dragons or flashy magic here, just a lot of rain, some quirky elements to the world of Erde, and the occasional magical market.
This is the fourth book I’ve read by Leno and she’s written a remarkable middle grade debut here. She’s definitely become a favorite author of mine. Bravo!
4/5
With a focus on friendship and family, The Umbrella Maker’s Son is the perfect middle grade. It’s whimsical and fantastical enough to enchant readers but also grounded in reality to remind kids of their own lives. I loved the playful footnotes included, I think it was such a quirky way to help a younger audience comprehend the story more.
As far as characters, they were the strongest part of the story by far. Especially Oscar and Saige, who had the best platonic relationship I’ve read in awhile. (Bonus for the disability rep for Saige!!) They simultaneously felt exactly like kids but also much more knowledgeable/smarter for their ages, which definitely made for a fun story, if a little far-fetched.
I enjoyed the family dynamics, particularly with Oscar and his dad. None of his father’s decisions were cruel or unnecessary, but genuinely a parent trying to do the best for their child.
I would recommend this for all ages, especially if you’d like a bit more of a unique experience with a middle grade. No dragons or flashy magic here, just a lot of rain, some quirky elements to the world of Erde, and the occasional magical market.
This is the fourth book I’ve read by Leno and she’s written a remarkable middle grade debut here. She’s definitely become a favorite author of mine. Bravo!
4/5
July 1, 2023
RATING: 5/5⭐️
REVIEW
This book is full of whimsy and adventure! Roan is the exact place I would love to live. Oscar is such a wonderful character, and I truly loved every character we met. His friendship with Saige was so much fun, and his relationship with his father was beautiful. The world building of this book was incredible, and made me fall in love with the setting. The plot was fun and fast. This book is one of Katrina Leno’s best works yet!
REVIEW
This book is full of whimsy and adventure! Roan is the exact place I would love to live. Oscar is such a wonderful character, and I truly loved every character we met. His friendship with Saige was so much fun, and his relationship with his father was beautiful. The world building of this book was incredible, and made me fall in love with the setting. The plot was fun and fast. This book is one of Katrina Leno’s best works yet!
January 30, 2024
Initital Thoughts: I did like, but there are a lot of "standard middle grade elements" mixed up with the unique bits. It's clear to me that Oscar's dad is kind of a villain, but the book doesn't think he is. And the actions he takes are completely illogical, but readers never seem to care about that. The end of the book is exciting, but partially because the story gets wildly unrealistic in ways it hadn't been until that point. A fun read, but there are definitely parts that left me scratching my head. It also thinks it's funny, and that's a style that tends not to work for me personally, though I'm sure other readers will chuckle.
April 15, 2024
This children’s book about umbrellas is the best thing I’ve read in a long time.
The style is compulsively readable and full of that wry footnote-y humor that reminds me of The Name of this Book is Secret and Series of Unfortunate Events. I loved all the different types of rain and food and the little differences that separate this world from our own.
Saige is the best part of the book by far, though. She’s so cool! Her wheelchair is mentioned every time she takes an action; the author doesn’t chicken out and hope you forget about it. She stays disabled the entire time. She’s also super competent and gets stuff done like any other kids book hero. There’s some mention of inaccessible locations as a source of frustration, but other than that, there’s no ableism, internalized or external. So refreshing to read!
The plot is pretty predictable as a result of the extremely heavy-handed class commentary, but whatever. Presenting Marxist ideas in a middle-grade novel is an achievement in and of itself. I could see this book opening up some interesting conversations if you paired it with a few discussion questions.
But none of the messaging gets in the way of telling an exciting story. It’s fun and wacky and I’ll almost definitely be rereading it. Recommended for all ages.
The style is compulsively readable and full of that wry footnote-y humor that reminds me of The Name of this Book is Secret and Series of Unfortunate Events. I loved all the different types of rain and food and the little differences that separate this world from our own.
Saige is the best part of the book by far, though. She’s so cool! Her wheelchair is mentioned every time she takes an action; the author doesn’t chicken out and hope you forget about it. She stays disabled the entire time. She’s also super competent and gets stuff done like any other kids book hero. There’s some mention of inaccessible locations as a source of frustration, but other than that, there’s no ableism, internalized or external. So refreshing to read!
The plot is pretty predictable as a result of the extremely heavy-handed class commentary, but whatever. Presenting Marxist ideas in a middle-grade novel is an achievement in and of itself. I could see this book opening up some interesting conversations if you paired it with a few discussion questions.
But none of the messaging gets in the way of telling an exciting story. It’s fun and wacky and I’ll almost definitely be rereading it. Recommended for all ages.
November 28, 2023
One of my new all-time favorite middle grade novels, and Katrina Leno secures her second five star with me out of four books so far. What a wonderfully whimsical, charismatic, and heartwarming adventure this was.
I didn't know what to expect going into this, the premise from a distance seems a bit odd, but that's exactly what makes this story such a treasure, because we see Oscar and Saige in a world similar to ours, but not quite the same, living in a town where it has been constantly raining for years - specifically by 47 different types of rain, including a rain that slants upwards and another where you don't get wet.
So while The Umbrella Maker's Son is also beautifully illustrated, and I love the characters and the rainy seaside setting (Bleak Beach and Gray Sea, hello, Katrina has clearly been to Dutch/Belgian seaside and beaches before), the narrative style and writer's voice were by far the standouts for me - I loved the footnotes and narrator's way of telling us the story with their occasional inferences and observations to help us the reader understand this world better.
This book is simply brimming with personality and manages to shine while still retaining some of Leno's trademark melancholy, it touches on topics that are so relevant for both children and adults, and serves as an intelligent gateway for younger readers to approach and critique topics like environmentalism, capitalism, and big business.
I of course have a few minor critiques (Saige is vastly under utilized in the first half and her brilliance/passions weren't forecast enough early on, mainly), but this was an amazing book that made me smile and laugh so much and tugged at my heartstrings when it wanted to. So good.
I didn't know what to expect going into this, the premise from a distance seems a bit odd, but that's exactly what makes this story such a treasure, because we see Oscar and Saige in a world similar to ours, but not quite the same, living in a town where it has been constantly raining for years - specifically by 47 different types of rain, including a rain that slants upwards and another where you don't get wet.
So while The Umbrella Maker's Son is also beautifully illustrated, and I love the characters and the rainy seaside setting (Bleak Beach and Gray Sea, hello, Katrina has clearly been to Dutch/Belgian seaside and beaches before), the narrative style and writer's voice were by far the standouts for me - I loved the footnotes and narrator's way of telling us the story with their occasional inferences and observations to help us the reader understand this world better.
This book is simply brimming with personality and manages to shine while still retaining some of Leno's trademark melancholy, it touches on topics that are so relevant for both children and adults, and serves as an intelligent gateway for younger readers to approach and critique topics like environmentalism, capitalism, and big business.
I of course have a few minor critiques (Saige is vastly under utilized in the first half and her brilliance/passions weren't forecast enough early on, mainly), but this was an amazing book that made me smile and laugh so much and tugged at my heartstrings when it wanted to. So good.
July 2, 2023
Top 5 Reasons to Read The Umbrella Maker’s Son
Family
I enjoyed the relationship Oscar had with his father Bilius. It is just the two of them and they’ve learned to love and support one another in so many ways. I liked how open and honest they were with one another, even when it came to the big stuff. It was heartwarming.
Friendship
Oscar and Saige have the best friendship! I loved how their friendship held up even after Saige moved away and the adventure they take together is now one of my favorites.
Footnotes
I am so grateful to the publishers for providing me a physical copy of this because the footnotes were probably one of my favorite parts of my reading experience. I highly recommend the physical format for this reason. You get some of the best commentary throughout the book that just make you giggle each time you are directed to the footnotes. Such a great addition to the story!
Illustrations
Another great reason to read the physical format is the illustrations. They are well done and a perfect addition. I liked getting to see Oscar, Saige, and Bilius on the page. It was fun to get half and full page illustrations throughout my reading.
Rain
Can I just tell you how much fun it was learning about all the different kinds of Rain Katrina Leno put into this book? I now have the perfect names for each type of rainfall and I honestly hope that I can use them in real life one of these days. Again, the footnotes help you to remember each type of rain in context throughout the story.
https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com...
Family
I enjoyed the relationship Oscar had with his father Bilius. It is just the two of them and they’ve learned to love and support one another in so many ways. I liked how open and honest they were with one another, even when it came to the big stuff. It was heartwarming.
Friendship
Oscar and Saige have the best friendship! I loved how their friendship held up even after Saige moved away and the adventure they take together is now one of my favorites.
Footnotes
I am so grateful to the publishers for providing me a physical copy of this because the footnotes were probably one of my favorite parts of my reading experience. I highly recommend the physical format for this reason. You get some of the best commentary throughout the book that just make you giggle each time you are directed to the footnotes. Such a great addition to the story!
Illustrations
Another great reason to read the physical format is the illustrations. They are well done and a perfect addition. I liked getting to see Oscar, Saige, and Bilius on the page. It was fun to get half and full page illustrations throughout my reading.
Rain
Can I just tell you how much fun it was learning about all the different kinds of Rain Katrina Leno put into this book? I now have the perfect names for each type of rainfall and I honestly hope that I can use them in real life one of these days. Again, the footnotes help you to remember each type of rain in context throughout the story.
https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com...
December 23, 2023
I read THE UMBRELLA MAKER’S SON to my eight-year-old daughter and we both loved it! She could have read it by herself but we really enjoy doing a read-aloud together. This middle grade novel has everything I look for in books for my kids: the perfect amount of world building (creative and fun without being confusing); seamless incorporation of important themes like friendship, loyalty, and integrity; understandable language with just the right amount of new vocabulary; and a propulsive plot with lots of cliffhangers that made Madeleine say, “We can’t stop now!” Such a fun and creative story and one my girls will go back to again! A fabulous book by @katrinalenobooks!
#middlegradenovels #middlegrade #katrinaleno #theumbrellamakersson #middlegradenovel #bookstagram #kidsbooks #bookrecommendations #booksforkids
#middlegradenovels #middlegrade #katrinaleno #theumbrellamakersson #middlegradenovel #bookstagram #kidsbooks #bookrecommendations #booksforkids
August 17, 2023
what a charmerrrrrrrr
January 2, 2025
Very cute book. Loved the imaginative world building.
August 7, 2023
Katrina Leno's writing is pure magic, like a balm for the soul.
The Umbrella Maker’s Son is Leno’s first middle-grade novel and it’s a whimsical magical delight!! Some major Roald Dahl vibes here!!!
Leno creates an immersive new world, complete with new words to describe the different types of rain. Middle-grade readers will have so much fun with the creative vocabulary. Lovable characters, beautiful relationship dynamics and disability rep. This story is imaginative, engaging and so much fun!
Perfect for the middle-grade readers in your life and enjoyable for all other ages too!! Read while it’s raining for the full experience!!
The audiobook is narrated by Aaron Lockman, who does a fantastic job bringing this story to life!!
The Umbrella Maker’s Son is Leno’s first middle-grade novel and it’s a whimsical magical delight!! Some major Roald Dahl vibes here!!!
Leno creates an immersive new world, complete with new words to describe the different types of rain. Middle-grade readers will have so much fun with the creative vocabulary. Lovable characters, beautiful relationship dynamics and disability rep. This story is imaginative, engaging and so much fun!
Perfect for the middle-grade readers in your life and enjoyable for all other ages too!! Read while it’s raining for the full experience!!
The audiobook is narrated by Aaron Lockman, who does a fantastic job bringing this story to life!!
December 20, 2023
4.5 stars!
this was so charming! RTC here, and on my blog https://sunnysidereviews.wordpress.com/
this was so charming! RTC here, and on my blog https://sunnysidereviews.wordpress.com/
August 7, 2023
Very cute although I didn't like who the bad guy was, it was kind of sad. It reminded me a bit of Lemony Snicket but the footnotes got to be a LOT towards the end.
July 12, 2023
What worked:
A setting of never-ending rain is very unique and Oscar is the only character who doesn’t mind getting wet. The author introduces forty-seven different types of rain and it feels like the narrative includes every one of them! The opening pages describe a looming blanderwheel, like a monsoon, but the narrator teases that its deadly force won’t become part of the story until later in the book. A wall separates the Toe from the wealthier parts of the city and the constant rain inexplicably falls only on the Toe. The buildings in Oscar’s apartment complex are given bird names, he lives in Dove, and his father’s workshop is located in the Alley too. The Gray Lighthouse was built offshore to warn of dangerous waters but it now sits vacant and unused. Ships no longer dare to sail the Gray Sea.
Saige is Oscar’s best friend even though her cousin is a neighborhood bully. Saige is confined to a wheelchair but it rarely seems to be a handicap for her. Oscar says Saige is the smartest person in the world and the inventions she creates and things she pulls from her backpack reinforce his thinking. The two devoted friends meet every night in Fort Cleverbuckle, their hideout atop Saige’s apartment building, to support each other through tough times. Saige learns that her family is moving to the other side of the wall. Oscar is told that he’ll need to leave school and become his father’s apprentice even though his true love is carving wooden figures.
Footnotes can be found on almost every page to explain the abundant vocabulary distinct to this book. Some of the footnotes act as aside comments to readers that often add amusing touches to the narrative. The book includes a glossary at the end with descriptions of all the different types of rain, food, and geography found in the story. Random chapters are titled Blanderwheel (Part 1), Blanderwheel (Part 2), and so forth to remind readers that a huge storm can strike the characters at any moment. The whole story is written like the narrator is speaking directly to readers and the informal style makes it approachable to a younger audience.
What didn’t work as well:
For a place that’s seen non-stop rain for ten years, it’s amazing the citizens aren’t wading through water every day. The rain doesn’t seem like much of a problem except that everyone except for Oscar carries an umbrella wherever they go. It’s not a big deal but it’s something that bugs me.
The Final Verdict:
Oscar’s kindness and loyalty will endear him to young readers and the author’s writing method blends levity with Oscar and Saige’s adventure. The setting and conflict are innovative and the author’s use of sentence structure develops suspense as the plot nears its climax. Overall, I highly recommend you give this book a shot.
A setting of never-ending rain is very unique and Oscar is the only character who doesn’t mind getting wet. The author introduces forty-seven different types of rain and it feels like the narrative includes every one of them! The opening pages describe a looming blanderwheel, like a monsoon, but the narrator teases that its deadly force won’t become part of the story until later in the book. A wall separates the Toe from the wealthier parts of the city and the constant rain inexplicably falls only on the Toe. The buildings in Oscar’s apartment complex are given bird names, he lives in Dove, and his father’s workshop is located in the Alley too. The Gray Lighthouse was built offshore to warn of dangerous waters but it now sits vacant and unused. Ships no longer dare to sail the Gray Sea.
Saige is Oscar’s best friend even though her cousin is a neighborhood bully. Saige is confined to a wheelchair but it rarely seems to be a handicap for her. Oscar says Saige is the smartest person in the world and the inventions she creates and things she pulls from her backpack reinforce his thinking. The two devoted friends meet every night in Fort Cleverbuckle, their hideout atop Saige’s apartment building, to support each other through tough times. Saige learns that her family is moving to the other side of the wall. Oscar is told that he’ll need to leave school and become his father’s apprentice even though his true love is carving wooden figures.
Footnotes can be found on almost every page to explain the abundant vocabulary distinct to this book. Some of the footnotes act as aside comments to readers that often add amusing touches to the narrative. The book includes a glossary at the end with descriptions of all the different types of rain, food, and geography found in the story. Random chapters are titled Blanderwheel (Part 1), Blanderwheel (Part 2), and so forth to remind readers that a huge storm can strike the characters at any moment. The whole story is written like the narrator is speaking directly to readers and the informal style makes it approachable to a younger audience.
What didn’t work as well:
For a place that’s seen non-stop rain for ten years, it’s amazing the citizens aren’t wading through water every day. The rain doesn’t seem like much of a problem except that everyone except for Oscar carries an umbrella wherever they go. It’s not a big deal but it’s something that bugs me.
The Final Verdict:
Oscar’s kindness and loyalty will endear him to young readers and the author’s writing method blends levity with Oscar and Saige’s adventure. The setting and conflict are innovative and the author’s use of sentence structure develops suspense as the plot nears its climax. Overall, I highly recommend you give this book a shot.
June 1, 2023
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
☔️ love the rain
✍🏻 like learning new words
🦽 have a best friend who uses a wheelchair
📖 enjoy middle grade reads
• 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄
Oscar is required to become an apprentice for his dad learning the umbrella making trade after he finishes school.
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Oscar Buckle lives in a city where it’s always raining. And when it isn’t raining, it’s about to rain, so the townspeople have learned to embrace it. Oscar’s father is an umbrella maker—appropriate for a place where you can’t leave home without one!—but while Buckle Umbrellas are strong, reliable, and high quality, they’re expensive. Because of this, people are buying from the competitor instead, which is threatening Oscar’s family’s business.
To make ends meet, Oscar is forced to quit school and work in his father's shop as an apprentice. But when extraordinary events start to occur in their rainy town, Oscar becomes suspicious of their competitor. Desperate to save his town, Oscar must enlist the help of his best friend, Saige, to discover if there's more than nature involved in their city's weather.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a super cute book with lots of new and creative words (all made up by the author of course!) I loved the definitions for each new word included at the end of each chapter too. It really helped immerse me in this new world. I was so curious about the different types of rain and think this could make a fun movie! Middle grade readers will love this one, so be sure to grab a copy for your children!
☔️ love the rain
✍🏻 like learning new words
🦽 have a best friend who uses a wheelchair
📖 enjoy middle grade reads
• 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄
Oscar is required to become an apprentice for his dad learning the umbrella making trade after he finishes school.
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Oscar Buckle lives in a city where it’s always raining. And when it isn’t raining, it’s about to rain, so the townspeople have learned to embrace it. Oscar’s father is an umbrella maker—appropriate for a place where you can’t leave home without one!—but while Buckle Umbrellas are strong, reliable, and high quality, they’re expensive. Because of this, people are buying from the competitor instead, which is threatening Oscar’s family’s business.
To make ends meet, Oscar is forced to quit school and work in his father's shop as an apprentice. But when extraordinary events start to occur in their rainy town, Oscar becomes suspicious of their competitor. Desperate to save his town, Oscar must enlist the help of his best friend, Saige, to discover if there's more than nature involved in their city's weather.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a super cute book with lots of new and creative words (all made up by the author of course!) I loved the definitions for each new word included at the end of each chapter too. It really helped immerse me in this new world. I was so curious about the different types of rain and think this could make a fun movie! Middle grade readers will love this one, so be sure to grab a copy for your children!
June 30, 2023
This story was set in the country Roan on a planet called Erde. It constantly rained in Roan. There are many kinds of rain, each with very interesting names. First of all, I love this whole world setting. It's just that I knew I would love this book from the beginning.
Twelve-year-old Oscar has a passion for craving wooden pieces into animals or birds. When his family was unstable, his father asked him to give up his studies and help him work in his shop, Buckle Umbrellas. I love how the author expressed the struggle of fulfilling one's parent's needs while trying to hold on to one's passion.
Oscar’s friend Saige was such a total nerd and an entirely optimistic girl. I loved their friendship so much. They seemed so real with their teasing talks, terrace tent and secret codes.
The chosen-one plot didn't fail to amaze me. As I said earlier, it continuously rained in Roan, but its rainy weather has been uneven and harsh for a decade. I absolutely loved the fascinating and captivating adventure Oscar and Saige had as they tried to bring back the real Roan.
"The Umbrella Maker's Son" takes place in a fantasy world and offers a delightful blend of fun, heartwarming friendship, a touch of magic, and thrilling adventure.
Twelve-year-old Oscar has a passion for craving wooden pieces into animals or birds. When his family was unstable, his father asked him to give up his studies and help him work in his shop, Buckle Umbrellas. I love how the author expressed the struggle of fulfilling one's parent's needs while trying to hold on to one's passion.
Oscar’s friend Saige was such a total nerd and an entirely optimistic girl. I loved their friendship so much. They seemed so real with their teasing talks, terrace tent and secret codes.
The chosen-one plot didn't fail to amaze me. As I said earlier, it continuously rained in Roan, but its rainy weather has been uneven and harsh for a decade. I absolutely loved the fascinating and captivating adventure Oscar and Saige had as they tried to bring back the real Roan.
"The Umbrella Maker's Son" takes place in a fantasy world and offers a delightful blend of fun, heartwarming friendship, a touch of magic, and thrilling adventure.
July 3, 2023
This is a fun and fast paced middle grade story about a young boy who is the son of an umbrellalla maker. Oscar lives in a place where it rains constantly and there are many different types of rain, that’s how much rain they get. So the umbrella business is always booming here.
The people of the city tend to buy cheap not well supported umbrellas just to get them through the day. The issue is they are breaking and just not good for the amount of rain they get. The people of the city would rather pay less then pay more for something that will last and actually work.
Oscar dad needs more help at his shop so his dad asks him to leave school to become his apprentice. Oscar doesn’t like this his passion is art not making and selling umbrellas.
In the story Oscar and his best friend Saige try to understand the weird weather in the city and other darkness that may occurcuring.
This was a fun lightheaded fast paced read I really enjoyed it.
Rating 4 ⭐
(You read all my reviews at mybeautymybooks.com)
The people of the city tend to buy cheap not well supported umbrellas just to get them through the day. The issue is they are breaking and just not good for the amount of rain they get. The people of the city would rather pay less then pay more for something that will last and actually work.
Oscar dad needs more help at his shop so his dad asks him to leave school to become his apprentice. Oscar doesn’t like this his passion is art not making and selling umbrellas.
In the story Oscar and his best friend Saige try to understand the weird weather in the city and other darkness that may occurcuring.
This was a fun lightheaded fast paced read I really enjoyed it.
Rating 4 ⭐
(You read all my reviews at mybeautymybooks.com)
March 30, 2024
This is a fantasy story set in a city called Roan, where it is always raining. It focuses on a little boy named Oscar whose family comes from a long line of umbrella makers. In recent years, a big corrupt company has swept in and started making cheap umbrellas, which has threatened the Buckle Umbrella corporation. Oscar's dad is struggling to pay bills, and Oscar is struggling because he doesn't want to be an umbrella maker. His best friend is Saige, and circumstances move her to the other side of the wall that divides the town. So, when extraordinary events occur in their rainy town, Oscar becomes suspicious of their competitor.
The footnotes explain words we don't have in this world. They explain different types of rain in this city where it's always raining. The author introduces many kinds of rain we have never heard of. The book also includes a glossary at the end with descriptions of all the various types of rain, food, and geography in the story.
With all this commentary. Your voice is just so accessible and relatable. There's such a fun sense of humor, and yet also immersive. It's great. What a great premise for a story.
The footnotes explain words we don't have in this world. They explain different types of rain in this city where it's always raining. The author introduces many kinds of rain we have never heard of. The book also includes a glossary at the end with descriptions of all the various types of rain, food, and geography in the story.
With all this commentary. Your voice is just so accessible and relatable. There's such a fun sense of humor, and yet also immersive. It's great. What a great premise for a story.
August 23, 2023
4.5
I love rain so I have been excited to read this one and it didn't disappoint.
In a place not quite Earth where there are 47 types of rain, the umbrella maker's son doesn't want to take over the family's business and become an umbrella maker too. He has a passion for carving wood but at this point in his life all seems to be crumbling, his father's business is about to bankrupt and his best friend is moving away.
Things are worse than we imagine because Oscar's future and next decisions will save more than his friendship, it will implicate everyone. Action, tension, an amazing Night Market (my favorite part) an evil corporation, and two friends taking matters into their own hands.
I love the footnotes that add humor and so much personality to the narrator's voice and we learn more facts and interesting details. Also there us fun glossary at the end with all the types of rain and extras.
I won a copy from the publisher.
I love rain so I have been excited to read this one and it didn't disappoint.
In a place not quite Earth where there are 47 types of rain, the umbrella maker's son doesn't want to take over the family's business and become an umbrella maker too. He has a passion for carving wood but at this point in his life all seems to be crumbling, his father's business is about to bankrupt and his best friend is moving away.
Things are worse than we imagine because Oscar's future and next decisions will save more than his friendship, it will implicate everyone. Action, tension, an amazing Night Market (my favorite part) an evil corporation, and two friends taking matters into their own hands.
I love the footnotes that add humor and so much personality to the narrator's voice and we learn more facts and interesting details. Also there us fun glossary at the end with all the types of rain and extras.
I won a copy from the publisher.
July 1, 2023
Here is a video I made for the book:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8euppng/
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 STARS
This is a middle grade fantasy/adventure.
Synopsis:
Oscar lives in a town where it is always raining. As the son of an umbrella maker, he is pretty busy. When a new company starts making cheap umbrellas and running his family out of business he thinks something suspicious is going on and enlists the help of his friend to figure it out.
The Umbrella Maker’s Son is an imaginative middle grade book. I loved the concept of a town where it is always raining. The book has made up words where the author gives definitions and sometimes plot. Some words are real and you can learn something which is the best. There is also a character that is in a wheelchair who shows that being disabled doesn’t slow her down and she ended up being my favorite character.
This is a heartfelt adventurous story! I would read more from this author. ☔️☔️
Thank you to Little Brown Books for Young Readers for the gifted copy!
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8euppng/
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 STARS
This is a middle grade fantasy/adventure.
Synopsis:
Oscar lives in a town where it is always raining. As the son of an umbrella maker, he is pretty busy. When a new company starts making cheap umbrellas and running his family out of business he thinks something suspicious is going on and enlists the help of his friend to figure it out.
The Umbrella Maker’s Son is an imaginative middle grade book. I loved the concept of a town where it is always raining. The book has made up words where the author gives definitions and sometimes plot. Some words are real and you can learn something which is the best. There is also a character that is in a wheelchair who shows that being disabled doesn’t slow her down and she ended up being my favorite character.
This is a heartfelt adventurous story! I would read more from this author. ☔️☔️
Thank you to Little Brown Books for Young Readers for the gifted copy!
June 30, 2023
Every now and then you get a Middle Grade where the writer's imagination is off the scale and this is true for The Umbrella Maker's Son. Here Katrina has built a world where there are so many different kinds of rain. food and games where the reader felt like that they were actually there. This book has been described as a Fantasy but there is so much more like adventure and mystery.
For me the stars of the show were Oscar and Saige what an amazing duo and I think children like Saige will completely fall in love with her. So thank you Katrina for adding such a strong character with disability.
But my favourite things were the footnotes really kept me as a reader enthralled and that rather wonderful glossary at the end was top notch.
For all the above reasons I am giving The Umbrella Maker's Son 4 stars
For me the stars of the show were Oscar and Saige what an amazing duo and I think children like Saige will completely fall in love with her. So thank you Katrina for adding such a strong character with disability.
But my favourite things were the footnotes really kept me as a reader enthralled and that rather wonderful glossary at the end was top notch.
For all the above reasons I am giving The Umbrella Maker's Son 4 stars
June 29, 2023
Thank you @tbrandbeyondtours and @littlebrownyoungreaders for having my son and I on this booktour. My son read this in one sitting and he really enjoyed it.
I love light and heavy rain because I remember a story my mom told me that our plants are getting their nourishment from nature. So this book is basically about Oscar being a great son who is willing to help his father to get their business back to shape and even enlisting his friend Saige for help. This book is so good because Katrina Leno introduced some words I’ve never heard before. Also when they added Saige and her wheelchair ability, the story becomes really good. Finally some of the fantastical part of the book becomes magical. I really like this book just like my mom’s story about rain. I hope this book gets around so that other kids will be able to read and enjoy it too.
I love light and heavy rain because I remember a story my mom told me that our plants are getting their nourishment from nature. So this book is basically about Oscar being a great son who is willing to help his father to get their business back to shape and even enlisting his friend Saige for help. This book is so good because Katrina Leno introduced some words I’ve never heard before. Also when they added Saige and her wheelchair ability, the story becomes really good. Finally some of the fantastical part of the book becomes magical. I really like this book just like my mom’s story about rain. I hope this book gets around so that other kids will be able to read and enjoy it too.
September 11, 2023
Confession: I literally purchased this book for my library because the professional review that I read for it was weirdly specific, saying that the book would be perfect for anyone interested in weather-themed fantasy. Is there anyone in the world who is actively seeking such a thing? Not that many people, I would think. But it got my attention and amused me, so I bought the book.
Then I read the book, and it was quite charming. Not the best book I have ever ready, but not a shabby couple of hours of reading at all. The worldbuilding is really the best part. Leno created a setting that feels a lot like our world but with some decidedly fun quirks. It's not quite fantasy, but not quite realistic either. The story wrapped up in a satisfying way, but I would not mind returning to this world at all.
Then I read the book, and it was quite charming. Not the best book I have ever ready, but not a shabby couple of hours of reading at all. The worldbuilding is really the best part. Leno created a setting that feels a lot like our world but with some decidedly fun quirks. It's not quite fantasy, but not quite realistic either. The story wrapped up in a satisfying way, but I would not mind returning to this world at all.
June 29, 2023
Here’s 5 reasons you should read this new book published by Little Brown for Young Readers, by an author I want to read more by now, Katrina Leno:
5. It’s a middle grade fantasy, and you are never too old to read this kind of wonder!
4. It is one of the most unique books I’ve read this year.
3. It gives you all the feels, from making you laugh to making you cry, with adventure and mystery in the middle.
2. It takes place in a different planet!
1. It’s is well written, with lovable characters, illustrated (and we all know how much I love illustrations, but trust me!) and reads so easily, you will want more!
5. It’s a middle grade fantasy, and you are never too old to read this kind of wonder!
4. It is one of the most unique books I’ve read this year.
3. It gives you all the feels, from making you laugh to making you cry, with adventure and mystery in the middle.
2. It takes place in a different planet!
1. It’s is well written, with lovable characters, illustrated (and we all know how much I love illustrations, but trust me!) and reads so easily, you will want more!
September 23, 2024
I rarely give a book 5 ⭐️s but this one just hit me the right way. The main character is lovable.Perfect read aloud, awesome read for weather geeks, and could be used during reading groups.
The book is a tad bit cheeky in a few places, tiny hints of a dystopian society, mystery, 47 different types of rain, and the main character Oscar is the son of the town’s Umbrella Maker. It RAINS EVERY SINGLE DAY! 🌧️ 💦
Just buy the book for your classroom and your students will love it. There’s a glossary that’s a MUST need to help a reader out on all of the different types of rain. ☔️
There are 2 cuss words in the book. Nothing horrible though.
The book is a tad bit cheeky in a few places, tiny hints of a dystopian society, mystery, 47 different types of rain, and the main character Oscar is the son of the town’s Umbrella Maker. It RAINS EVERY SINGLE DAY! 🌧️ 💦
Just buy the book for your classroom and your students will love it. There’s a glossary that’s a MUST need to help a reader out on all of the different types of rain. ☔️
There are 2 cuss words in the book. Nothing horrible though.
June 24, 2023
💭Thoughts:
As someone who has lived my whole life in an area with a lot of rain, I was drawn to this book and its whimsical take on all things rainy.
The author has done a great job creating a whole new world, complete with a vocabulary full of new and different words. I think young readers will have fun learning the different meanings.
Overall, this is a sweet, engaging story. The ending put a big smile on my face. I was rooting for a happy ending for Oscar and his dad the whole time. Now where can I get my own umbrella?!
January 13, 2025
Reminds me of books like City of Ember and The Giver. Some Lemony Snicket-style elements as well. Diverse representation and an anti-megacorp (dare I say Amazon??) message with attention paid to the effects on not just small business owners, but poor communities and the climate. Really enjoyed this book, glad I finally prioritized it after seeing it in the library for nearly a year and saying “I really gotta read that”. Also… Stardew inspired?? Maybe??
CWs - Bullying, Confinement, Classism, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Blood, Kidnapping
CWs - Bullying, Confinement, Classism, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Blood, Kidnapping
Read
May 16, 2023I have read all of Leno's books and loved each story she has crafted. I was looking forward to see how she would pull together a book for the younger crowd. She nailed it! The Umbrella Maker's Son is so unique and full of a gazillion new words from a made up planet! It was so fun to read. I can imagine middle schoolers loving this. Well done. This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Five stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews