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The Blue Umbrella
The life of ten-year-old Zac Sparks changes overnight when his mother is killed by lightning. He’s sent to live in Five Corners with his Aunties, two cruel old hags who seem determined to make his life miserable. Before long Zac realizes something really strange is going on: Five Corners is populated with weird characters—a midget butler, a girl who doesn’t speak, a blind balloon seller, and a mysterious singer he can hear but not see. Then there’s the Aunties’ father, Dada. Zac’s first encounter with Dada is so terrifying he faints dead away.
The one bright spot is Sky Porter, the proprietor of the general store across the street, a friendly soul who encourages Zac—when the Aunties aren’t looking—and shows him a kindness that is lacking from his dismal life. But Sky isn’t what he seems either, and when Zac learns Sky’s secret, he realizes, to his dismay, that this wonderful man may have a very dark side after all.
When Zac discovers that the secret behind Dada and the strangeness of Five Corners, he knows many lives are at stake, including his own. With time running out, he must turn to the one person who might be able to help: Sky Porter. But can Zac trust him?
The one bright spot is Sky Porter, the proprietor of the general store across the street, a friendly soul who encourages Zac—when the Aunties aren’t looking—and shows him a kindness that is lacking from his dismal life. But Sky isn’t what he seems either, and when Zac learns Sky’s secret, he realizes, to his dismay, that this wonderful man may have a very dark side after all.
When Zac discovers that the secret behind Dada and the strangeness of Five Corners, he knows many lives are at stake, including his own. With time running out, he must turn to the one person who might be able to help: Sky Porter. But can Zac trust him?
453 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
20 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Mike Mason
120 books80 followersMike Mason is the best-selling, award-winning author of The Blue Umbrella, The Mystery of Marriage, The Gospel According to Job, Champagne for the Soul, Twenty-One Candles, and many others. He has an M.A. in English and has studied theology at Regent College. He lives in Langley, BC, Canada, with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 25, 2019
One of the best and most enjoyable books I've read so far this year! I love literally everything about it. A tad slow to start, but once I really got into this book, I couldn't put it down.
Thoughts:
1. I became really attached to Zac. He might actually be one of my favourite characters - ever. He's just such a kid. He's so full of life, and the way he sees things is really refreshing and fun to read. He also has this maturity and seriousness to him too though. He has a good mixture of qualities actually, though in no way is he perfect. He's just a 10-year-old boy trying to deal with the death of his mother and the realization that he is now an orphan and has no one else to turn to. I also really liked Chelsea and her brother, Ches.
2. The writing in this book was phenomenal. The way Mike describes things so simplistically, yet with such eloquence blows my mind. He portrays all of his characters perfectly and weaves his plot with such precision that you don't even realize what's coming next most of the time.
3. This book just feels like it's so alive. It contains so many youthful characters and has this weird, but fascinating, energy to it. I don't even really know how to describe it. It's something I've never felt before and that excites me!
4. The plot is literally unlike anything I've ever read before. It had me guessing most of the way through, which made the explanation and unveiling of things that much more satisfying. I never once felt disappointed or overloaded with information. It made me feel like a kid again, being read to at night, and not knowing what was going to happen next; feeling that excitement and longing for the story to never end.
5. The ending was beautiful. Not only because of the last scene that took place - between Zac and Mr. Porter - but also because everything was resolved. Mike didn't leave anything unsaid or unexplained. In a way, it makes going into the next book even more exciting, as I'm really not sure what to expect!
I may come back to this and write some more later. There's just so much I could/want to say! <333
Thoughts:
1. I became really attached to Zac. He might actually be one of my favourite characters - ever. He's just such a kid. He's so full of life, and the way he sees things is really refreshing and fun to read. He also has this maturity and seriousness to him too though. He has a good mixture of qualities actually, though in no way is he perfect. He's just a 10-year-old boy trying to deal with the death of his mother and the realization that he is now an orphan and has no one else to turn to. I also really liked Chelsea and her brother, Ches.
2. The writing in this book was phenomenal. The way Mike describes things so simplistically, yet with such eloquence blows my mind. He portrays all of his characters perfectly and weaves his plot with such precision that you don't even realize what's coming next most of the time.
3. This book just feels like it's so alive. It contains so many youthful characters and has this weird, but fascinating, energy to it. I don't even really know how to describe it. It's something I've never felt before and that excites me!
4. The plot is literally unlike anything I've ever read before. It had me guessing most of the way through, which made the explanation and unveiling of things that much more satisfying. I never once felt disappointed or overloaded with information. It made me feel like a kid again, being read to at night, and not knowing what was going to happen next; feeling that excitement and longing for the story to never end.
5. The ending was beautiful. Not only because of the last scene that took place - between Zac and Mr. Porter - but also because everything was resolved. Mike didn't leave anything unsaid or unexplained. In a way, it makes going into the next book even more exciting, as I'm really not sure what to expect!
I may come back to this and write some more later. There's just so much I could/want to say! <333
December 9, 2013
It's supposed to be a children's book, right? I am eons past that age and I loved reading this book. That may be reflecting the level of my maturity or proving that there is always a child inside us.
Though the author says this is not an allegory but a story, one simply can not escape the spiritual undertones expressed in simple words.
The story revolves around Zac, a child whose mother dies and he comes to stay with his grand-aunts in a new city. The evil grand-aunts make his life miserable but at the same time a new window opens in his life through Sky Porter, who apparently runs a general stores but acually runs the weatherworks of the world. Zac picks up a few friends and how at the end things make a total turn-around and the evil loses out is the story. Very predictable! But what was not predictable is the Blue Umbrella and the story is intricately woven around it.
The story-line does not allow you to slacken your interest and you just start moving with it. The language easy and a pleasure to read.
I suggest, all of you adults, want to have a peep at the child in you, read this book!
Though the author says this is not an allegory but a story, one simply can not escape the spiritual undertones expressed in simple words.
The story revolves around Zac, a child whose mother dies and he comes to stay with his grand-aunts in a new city. The evil grand-aunts make his life miserable but at the same time a new window opens in his life through Sky Porter, who apparently runs a general stores but acually runs the weatherworks of the world. Zac picks up a few friends and how at the end things make a total turn-around and the evil loses out is the story. Very predictable! But what was not predictable is the Blue Umbrella and the story is intricately woven around it.
The story-line does not allow you to slacken your interest and you just start moving with it. The language easy and a pleasure to read.
I suggest, all of you adults, want to have a peep at the child in you, read this book!
February 15, 2010
Umm...sort of a cross between Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Bizarre people, bizarre situation; quite Twilight-zone-ish. I was somewhat repulsed by a few situations (i.e. the application of the cane), and the focus on weather was sometimes tedious. I did like Chelsea, she was the oasis in a vast sea of chaos.
December 21, 2025
I love Mike Mason’s foray into fiction. This book was creepy and whimsical, scary and wonderful. It is a well-crafted fantasy story with allegorical dimension that gives good examples of different ways people respond to Jesus.The plot is action-packed, but the real beauty of the story is in the weather.
June 27, 2017
Loved this book. After reading the Mystery of Marriage, I wasn't sure what to expect from The Blue Umbrella. What an interesting story, truly captivating and something that a wide range of readers will enjoy. Memorable characters all wrapped up in a great adventure.
June 6, 2022
Odd. That's the word for this one. A cross between Lemony Snicket, Harry Potter, and James and the Giant Peach.
November 10, 2011
Reason for Reading: Simply the plot! The folkart cover appealed to me too.
I've had this book on hand since publication but it was unfortunately just one of those books that kept slipping further down the pile for no particular reason. I sure wish I had read this sooner as it was absolutely fantastic! One of the best children's fantasies I've read in a while! The book comes from a Christian publisher and so technically is christian fiction, but this is as mainstream as Madeline L'Engle and C.S. Lewis' children's books. The story is pointing to God, the Creator and this is obvious to me, a Christian, as I went in looking for it but there are no religious themes or preaching, etc. and the book is easily as mainstream as the Time Quartet with a scientific basis. Here the weather is our theme.
Zac has been orphaned and taken in by two unknown "Aunties" who are very nasty, cruel and downright weird. They live in a small town called Five Points and you could say the whole town and everyone in it is a little strange. From the man who runs Porter's General Store who continuously carries a blue umbrella with him all day long outdoors and in, to the aloof, know-it-all, weather fanatic at school who befriends Zac but isn't exactly that friendly, to his sister Chelsea who *can* talk but hasn't spoken a word in years. Then there is Dada whom the Aunties take Zak to meet, their own father, who must be pushing a hundred himself. It is here that Dada introduces Zak to the powers of the cane, which he has previously only been beaten with, but Zac falls unconscious every time he touches the cane with Dada. And Dada sends Zak back with a mission, get the Blue Umbrella and bring it back for him or else ...
A fantastically, unique fantasy with weather as it's main theme. When Zak makes the connection of the blue umbrella's purpose we have entered a strange reality within our own world. But Zac and his two friends must face evil in the form of the Aunties and Dada while along the way they pick up surprising allies and are shocked by who has joined against them on the side of evil. The characters really make this book, along with those mentioned there is Butler, the Aunties' man about the house a tiny old man who at first is not kind to Zak but eventually they strike up an odd friendship only when the Aunties are out of the house. Then there is Eldy another person who cannot talk but he can communicate and he has the tiniest store selling roses and balloons. Finally the children also befriend the neighbourhood Barber, rightfully named Barber, who is an old man with very long hair and a very long beard who won't answer questions, yet if one is smart enough one can still have very informational conversations with him.
Well-written, a tight plot, a unique theme, fun and simply a great read. The book finishes with the complete end of the plot yet ends on a note that leaves room for a sequel, which has already been published. This is a book that really needs to get more attention! A great read! Now, just to get my hands on the sequel "The Violet Flash".
I've had this book on hand since publication but it was unfortunately just one of those books that kept slipping further down the pile for no particular reason. I sure wish I had read this sooner as it was absolutely fantastic! One of the best children's fantasies I've read in a while! The book comes from a Christian publisher and so technically is christian fiction, but this is as mainstream as Madeline L'Engle and C.S. Lewis' children's books. The story is pointing to God, the Creator and this is obvious to me, a Christian, as I went in looking for it but there are no religious themes or preaching, etc. and the book is easily as mainstream as the Time Quartet with a scientific basis. Here the weather is our theme.
Zac has been orphaned and taken in by two unknown "Aunties" who are very nasty, cruel and downright weird. They live in a small town called Five Points and you could say the whole town and everyone in it is a little strange. From the man who runs Porter's General Store who continuously carries a blue umbrella with him all day long outdoors and in, to the aloof, know-it-all, weather fanatic at school who befriends Zac but isn't exactly that friendly, to his sister Chelsea who *can* talk but hasn't spoken a word in years. Then there is Dada whom the Aunties take Zak to meet, their own father, who must be pushing a hundred himself. It is here that Dada introduces Zak to the powers of the cane, which he has previously only been beaten with, but Zac falls unconscious every time he touches the cane with Dada. And Dada sends Zak back with a mission, get the Blue Umbrella and bring it back for him or else ...
A fantastically, unique fantasy with weather as it's main theme. When Zak makes the connection of the blue umbrella's purpose we have entered a strange reality within our own world. But Zac and his two friends must face evil in the form of the Aunties and Dada while along the way they pick up surprising allies and are shocked by who has joined against them on the side of evil. The characters really make this book, along with those mentioned there is Butler, the Aunties' man about the house a tiny old man who at first is not kind to Zak but eventually they strike up an odd friendship only when the Aunties are out of the house. Then there is Eldy another person who cannot talk but he can communicate and he has the tiniest store selling roses and balloons. Finally the children also befriend the neighbourhood Barber, rightfully named Barber, who is an old man with very long hair and a very long beard who won't answer questions, yet if one is smart enough one can still have very informational conversations with him.
Well-written, a tight plot, a unique theme, fun and simply a great read. The book finishes with the complete end of the plot yet ends on a note that leaves room for a sequel, which has already been published. This is a book that really needs to get more attention! A great read! Now, just to get my hands on the sequel "The Violet Flash".
June 29, 2022
Strong Christian allegory throughout the whole book. I can’t tell if this is supposed to be a young adult book or a kids book. Either way, it read almost like a Lemony Snickett book, where the adult characters are larger and scarier that life.
Didn’t enjoy it too much, but I think it would be good if you are looking to give you tween a book that eludes the the Bible.
Quote:
“People believe what they want to, and beliefs don’t easily change. Even in the face of truth.”
Didn’t enjoy it too much, but I think it would be good if you are looking to give you tween a book that eludes the the Bible.
Quote:
“People believe what they want to, and beliefs don’t easily change. Even in the face of truth.”
March 9, 2017
The Blue Umbrella is a fascinating read, and one that I will never forget. I was hooked from the first line! Mike Mason has an incredible ability to paint vivid pictures with the words he uses and the way he chooses to structure his sentences. As far as book villains go, I'd have to say this book has some of the very best. I highly recommend this read!
April 9, 2024
I love this book! My mom introduced me to this book years ago, and I fell in love with the style of writing, the characters, the humor, and the message. When I teach this book to upper middle school students, we analyze the language, the puns, the allegorical elements, and the themes.
The elements of magic and mystery are intriguing. Zac is a strong protagonist who suffers hardships and struggles with trust. He is able to overcome the difficulties he faces with the help of Sky Porter. The weather is a beautiful metaphor throughout the novel. Pair the weather works with the book of Job, chapters 38-40.
Spoiler alert! The Aunties are kidnappers who seek out orphans and unwanted children in order to "suck the life out of them." Flowers and balloons counter the effects of the cane, and Zac discovers this and saves the other children whose lives have been shortened by the Aunties.
Allegorical elements: Eldy represents God the Father, Sky represents God the Son, and O represents the Holy Spirit.
The elements of magic and mystery are intriguing. Zac is a strong protagonist who suffers hardships and struggles with trust. He is able to overcome the difficulties he faces with the help of Sky Porter. The weather is a beautiful metaphor throughout the novel. Pair the weather works with the book of Job, chapters 38-40.
Spoiler alert! The Aunties are kidnappers who seek out orphans and unwanted children in order to "suck the life out of them." Flowers and balloons counter the effects of the cane, and Zac discovers this and saves the other children whose lives have been shortened by the Aunties.
Allegorical elements: Eldy represents God the Father, Sky represents God the Son, and O represents the Holy Spirit.
July 20, 2019
This book by Mike Mason is banquet loaded with adventures with a pinch of livelong adults who are kidnapping orphans so they can steal something special from them. There are many characters in this book. Some are good some not so good, and some are in between good and evil. It took a strong 11 year old 7 orphan to go to battle with evils to rid the town of evils. I'm glad the characters were able break the chain of evil. I enjoy that book. It would be a good read for anyone.
March 22, 2022
For a kid’s book this is violent and very depressing. It reminded me somewhat of the Lemony Snicket books. The first thing that happens is the mother is killed by lightening. So having already lost his father when just a baby, Zac is left an orphan. Some elderly ladies show up proclaiming to be great aunts. But they beat him with a cane. And later we find out the sisters actually suck the life from children.
June 15, 2020
I enjoyed this children's fantasy novel written by a local Christian author. The fact that a Langley heritage general store, now a coffee shop, plays a big role in the story, enhanced my enjoyment, making me add an extra star.
January 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was magical and allowed the use of imagination. It also had a dark side that made me as a reader engaged and read for longer as I hoped the “hero’s” would win in the end.
November 11, 2025
I really liked this book and as someone who really likes fiction, this book is just wow. i also learned a lot of new words haha. Really a good book but can be confusing to kids so i wouldn’t say that it’s a children’s book
July 27, 2017
One of my new favorite books! A lot like James and the Giant Peach or Matilda. However, I love this author's use of words and descriptions, so poetic and multi sensory.
February 5, 2020
Enjoyable reading, nothing great :-)
April 28, 2020
Where has the book been? What a fantastic read! I could read this over and over. Great for all ages.
April 20, 2023
A YA Book - I listened to the audio version. it seemed a bit harsh for a young person to read about how miserable an orphaned teenager boy was treated by his tow "aunties"
March 2, 2017
Simple and a bit long but good
Enjoyed this as a take on good vs evil, God and relationship and how life takes us on a journey and we don't know the end but we make choices in that process that impact the journey. If you can't get into it, it reads quickly after the start.
Enjoyed this as a take on good vs evil, God and relationship and how life takes us on a journey and we don't know the end but we make choices in that process that impact the journey. If you can't get into it, it reads quickly after the start.
September 29, 2009
The Blue Umbrella
A Novel
Mike Mason
2009
David C Cook
Juvenile Fiction/Fantasy
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Have you ever read Job 38? I had, but it had not caught my attention until I read this book, it is lovely scripture, poetical even, questions that God asked Job. Questions about the weather. And that was the preface of this book.
Poor Zachary Sparks, his father died when he was but a young toddler, and now he is an orphan at ten years old. His mother gone, in an instant, struck by lightning as she walked on the golf course near their home. What is going to happen to Zac? Hang on to your seats and fasten your seat belts for the story to come of what become of Zac is a wild ride!!
Two ancient Aunties, sweep down and take Zac home with them, and the first thing he realizes, is they did not allow him to bring any of his things, even his clothing. The second scary thing is, they refuse to call him by his name, he is called Boy. The third thing he realizes, is he is not in a loving home, they lock him in his room, they beat him with a cane and they are evil and cruel old women.
Five Corners, the town the Aunties live in, is a very strange town indeed, as if there is a horrible secret, that all the townspeople are keeping. There is!! A secret so wild, that Zac is having a hard time believing it. Strange lights over the store across the street fascinate him, and begin the downward spiral. Drawn like a moth is drawn to light, Zac is caught trying to investigate, and nearly beaten by the aunties, because they think he is trying to steal a fur coat and run away.
A visit to Dada, the even more ancient father of the Aunties, is a horrifying experience that lives Zac physically ill. Told by the old man, that he must steal a blue umbrella owned by the store across the streets, proprietor, Zac begins to learn he is in the middle of a nightmarish reality. Little old people the size of children, strange vendors who do not speak, but you can hear them talking in your mind. Yes life is strange at Five Corners.
This book will keep you enthralled, it is not your typical fantasy book, it is a book full of imagination and it is a story most definitely to read with your children. The book ends with an author interview and discussion questions with Mike Mason. A four star rating is well deserved of this book. 425 pages US $14.99
A Novel
Mike Mason
2009
David C Cook
Juvenile Fiction/Fantasy
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Have you ever read Job 38? I had, but it had not caught my attention until I read this book, it is lovely scripture, poetical even, questions that God asked Job. Questions about the weather. And that was the preface of this book.
Poor Zachary Sparks, his father died when he was but a young toddler, and now he is an orphan at ten years old. His mother gone, in an instant, struck by lightning as she walked on the golf course near their home. What is going to happen to Zac? Hang on to your seats and fasten your seat belts for the story to come of what become of Zac is a wild ride!!
Two ancient Aunties, sweep down and take Zac home with them, and the first thing he realizes, is they did not allow him to bring any of his things, even his clothing. The second scary thing is, they refuse to call him by his name, he is called Boy. The third thing he realizes, is he is not in a loving home, they lock him in his room, they beat him with a cane and they are evil and cruel old women.
Five Corners, the town the Aunties live in, is a very strange town indeed, as if there is a horrible secret, that all the townspeople are keeping. There is!! A secret so wild, that Zac is having a hard time believing it. Strange lights over the store across the street fascinate him, and begin the downward spiral. Drawn like a moth is drawn to light, Zac is caught trying to investigate, and nearly beaten by the aunties, because they think he is trying to steal a fur coat and run away.
A visit to Dada, the even more ancient father of the Aunties, is a horrifying experience that lives Zac physically ill. Told by the old man, that he must steal a blue umbrella owned by the store across the streets, proprietor, Zac begins to learn he is in the middle of a nightmarish reality. Little old people the size of children, strange vendors who do not speak, but you can hear them talking in your mind. Yes life is strange at Five Corners.
This book will keep you enthralled, it is not your typical fantasy book, it is a book full of imagination and it is a story most definitely to read with your children. The book ends with an author interview and discussion questions with Mike Mason. A four star rating is well deserved of this book. 425 pages US $14.99
Read
March 8, 2013Wow! I was riveted and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this page turner in the YA genre. It is truly a book for adults too. Mike Mason is masterful in his use of language and and imagination. This was a book club pick by someone else in my group, I knew nothing about it and probably would not have selected it myself. Thank you, Peg! What an eye-opener. I was captivated by young Zac and the unusual situation he was unwillingly thrust into upon the untimely death of his mother. The evil aunties and Dada brought a sinister presence into an innocent life seemingly with no possible route of escape.
I love the anthology. It was reminiscent of reading one of my favorite authors, C. S. Lewis.
Zac learns about Sky Porter, the inner workings of his one-of-a-kind store, Eldy, Sky's father, and truth that triumphs over evil when one person has the courage to stand alone in the midst of injustice and odds stacked sky-high against the smallest of people.
Size, ranging from the height of an elephant and flashing lightening, to the littlest of shrinking children and tip of an umbrella, and words spoken in hatred or love, have the power to make or break individual people with consequences that ripple out to others.
What is the measure of faith?
Who can you trust?
Where is your real home?
When must one decide to make a change?
Why does the decision of one small boy make a difference?
How can one personal sacrifice bring hope to so many?
Learn a few things about the weather you never knew before while seeking cover during raging storms, delighting in powdery snowfall, and melting in suffocating heat.
Things aren't always what they appear to be on the outside. You'll never look at the people that come into your life the same way again.
More importantly, you'll see yourself differently, from the inside, out.
I love the anthology. It was reminiscent of reading one of my favorite authors, C. S. Lewis.
Zac learns about Sky Porter, the inner workings of his one-of-a-kind store, Eldy, Sky's father, and truth that triumphs over evil when one person has the courage to stand alone in the midst of injustice and odds stacked sky-high against the smallest of people.
Size, ranging from the height of an elephant and flashing lightening, to the littlest of shrinking children and tip of an umbrella, and words spoken in hatred or love, have the power to make or break individual people with consequences that ripple out to others.
What is the measure of faith?
Who can you trust?
Where is your real home?
When must one decide to make a change?
Why does the decision of one small boy make a difference?
How can one personal sacrifice bring hope to so many?
Learn a few things about the weather you never knew before while seeking cover during raging storms, delighting in powdery snowfall, and melting in suffocating heat.
Things aren't always what they appear to be on the outside. You'll never look at the people that come into your life the same way again.
More importantly, you'll see yourself differently, from the inside, out.
October 13, 2009
I heard someone compare this book to C.S. Lewis' Narnia books, J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings books and even Madeline L'Engle's sci-fi books. I'm not quite sure where those comparisons came from, for one thing, talk about setting the bar pretty high! For another, I didn't sense a similarity between The Blue Umbrella and any of those books, what I did sense was more of a Lemony Snickets or a Charlie and The Chocolate Factory vibe (the new version with the creepy Johnny Depp and the really peculiar short man that appeared everywhere).
There is definitely an audience for this book. In fact, in the 9-12 age group this book has blockbuster potential. It was not written for me and I had trouble getting through the first part, it was pretty depressing actually. Zac's mother dies getting struck by lightning, he has no one else except his creepy Aunties from Five Corners. He has to go live with them and things just get stranger. A short man named Butler lives there with them and the Aunties are cruel. Really cruel. You just feel sorry for Zac. Then he meets Dada and you really feel sorry for him. Dada wants Zac to steal Mr. Porter's blue umbrella. Mr. Porter runs the general store. Zac starts working for him after school but Mr. Porter is the one nice person in his life at this time and he just can't get himself to take the umbrella. Things are not as they seem with Mr. Porter and Zac starts discovering some very weird things happening in Five Corners - the weather, the Barber, Chelsea who doesn't talk, Ches who only talks about the weather...
By the end I was curious how everything was going to turn out and I can really see fans of books like Lemony Snickets loving this book. For that group of readers I highly recommend this book.
There is definitely an audience for this book. In fact, in the 9-12 age group this book has blockbuster potential. It was not written for me and I had trouble getting through the first part, it was pretty depressing actually. Zac's mother dies getting struck by lightning, he has no one else except his creepy Aunties from Five Corners. He has to go live with them and things just get stranger. A short man named Butler lives there with them and the Aunties are cruel. Really cruel. You just feel sorry for Zac. Then he meets Dada and you really feel sorry for him. Dada wants Zac to steal Mr. Porter's blue umbrella. Mr. Porter runs the general store. Zac starts working for him after school but Mr. Porter is the one nice person in his life at this time and he just can't get himself to take the umbrella. Things are not as they seem with Mr. Porter and Zac starts discovering some very weird things happening in Five Corners - the weather, the Barber, Chelsea who doesn't talk, Ches who only talks about the weather...
By the end I was curious how everything was going to turn out and I can really see fans of books like Lemony Snickets loving this book. For that group of readers I highly recommend this book.
October 31, 2009
I've enjoyed the writings of Mike Mason ever since I discovered The Mystery of Marriage while engaged. When I heard that he had written a children's/young adult book, I was eager to see what he would do with it! The Blue Umbrella tells the tale of young Zac who is orphaned after his mother's tragic (and weird!) death. He is sent to live in a small town with his two spinster aunts and that is just the beginning of the strange things that start happening to him!
The start of this book reminded me so much of the Lemony Snicket books. (I've only read the first couple of those). Everything is going wrong. Everything. Even when you think it might not get stranger or worse, it does! However, from what I read, this book is a great option for kids if you are looking for a Lemony Snicket-look-alike from a trusted Christian author.
I would say more about the book - because I was very much enjoying it - but my own tragedy befell me while reading this book ... I left it in the hotel in Memphis when we went to the zoo! *gasp* Imagine my shock and sadness when I got home to finish this and couldn't! :) So, this book will be going back on my list to add to my library for my girls when they get older AND myself so I can see how it ends!! :)
The start of this book reminded me so much of the Lemony Snicket books. (I've only read the first couple of those). Everything is going wrong. Everything. Even when you think it might not get stranger or worse, it does! However, from what I read, this book is a great option for kids if you are looking for a Lemony Snicket-look-alike from a trusted Christian author.
I would say more about the book - because I was very much enjoying it - but my own tragedy befell me while reading this book ... I left it in the hotel in Memphis when we went to the zoo! *gasp* Imagine my shock and sadness when I got home to finish this and couldn't! :) So, this book will be going back on my list to add to my library for my girls when they get older AND myself so I can see how it ends!! :)
February 2, 2012
The Blue Umbrella is a very good book. It focuses on a boy named Zac who is forced to live with his terrible aunties because his mother was struck by lightning.
One day they take him to Dada, who gives him a task to steal the blue umbrella from a local shop. To do this he must get a job there.
After a day of cleaning shelves at Sky's shop he develops a relationship with Sky and even gets to hold the umbrella.
When he comes home that evening the aunties are very unimpressed with Zac so they threaten him with the cane. Every day he comes home without the umbrella he gets a whack with the cane.
Zac is forced to choose between Sky or his aunties when he finds out that the cane does more than just threaten children; it sucks the life out of them!
When the aunties and Dada finally get a hold of the umbrella Zac has to fight them to return it to its rightful owner before it's too late!
One day they take him to Dada, who gives him a task to steal the blue umbrella from a local shop. To do this he must get a job there.
After a day of cleaning shelves at Sky's shop he develops a relationship with Sky and even gets to hold the umbrella.
When he comes home that evening the aunties are very unimpressed with Zac so they threaten him with the cane. Every day he comes home without the umbrella he gets a whack with the cane.
Zac is forced to choose between Sky or his aunties when he finds out that the cane does more than just threaten children; it sucks the life out of them!
When the aunties and Dada finally get a hold of the umbrella Zac has to fight them to return it to its rightful owner before it's too late!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2013
Similar in ambiance to A Wrinkle in Time, The Blue Umbrella is middle-grade allegorical fiction. Mike Mason does not hold back on his vocabulary, so there is a glossary at the back of the book for those confused about the meanings of words such as pedantry, promontory, and phosphorescent.
This book is classic good vs. evil, but at the center lies a crisis moment for Zac Sparks, a 10-year-old boy whose mother died when struck by lightning. Can Zac reconcile a loving God with a Sovereign God who controls the weather?
Beautifully allegorical, thoroughly trinitarian, this book will make you smile at the end and warm your heart in the process.
(One star knocked off because the pacing is slow in parts).
This book is classic good vs. evil, but at the center lies a crisis moment for Zac Sparks, a 10-year-old boy whose mother died when struck by lightning. Can Zac reconcile a loving God with a Sovereign God who controls the weather?
Beautifully allegorical, thoroughly trinitarian, this book will make you smile at the end and warm your heart in the process.
(One star knocked off because the pacing is slow in parts).
February 28, 2015
Didn't really expect much, but was blown away from the beginning. The writing is beautiful throughout, with countless memorable passages, demonstrating a remarkable talent. The story itself is the old good vs evil, dark against light and so on and so on, but here it feels fresh and original. The contrasts are sharp, the dark is very dark and the light is blindingly brilliant. There is a spiritual element at the heart of the narrative. This is something that would normally bother me, but in this case it worked well - in the same way as in the Narnia books or Lord of the Rings. If you enjoy great story telling and excellent writing - and don't mind a fair bit of magic thrown in - then you will enjoy this book. I am definitely getting the sequel.
March 18, 2016
I found this book while randomly looking at the children's section of the library. I was drawn to the cover design and then what it said on the back. To me, it is an allegorical style story about good vs. evil. The Aunties, Dada and Reverend are creepy, and you can feel Zac's misery many times. I read this book fast even though it's over 400 pages long, I just had to keep reading!
There is a lot of focus on weather, which I liked actually. My seven year old son has been interested in storms and clouds lately. But I think he'd have to be a few years older before reading this story because of the darker elements.
There is a lot of focus on weather, which I liked actually. My seven year old son has been interested in storms and clouds lately. But I think he'd have to be a few years older before reading this story because of the darker elements.
December 25, 2012
I wasn't sure what to expect from this being a freebie on the Kindle, but it sounded just magical enough that it may be worth a try. At first this reminded me of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, the characters were so outrageous and nutty, the settings were so vibrant. But as I went on, I ralized it was a bit more of a grown up version and quite fantastic. Towards the end, the allegory became rather obvious. All in all I found it entertaining and mysterious, an enjoyable read.
February 16, 2014
This delightful novel is chock-full of lively action, wonder and excitement! I learned more about weather than I ever did in school, and I was completely engrossed in the story of little Zak Sparks. Very intriguing and enlightening, just like the first book I read by Mike Mason decades ago, "The Mystery of Marriage."The Mystery of Marriage: Meditations on the Miracle I highly recommend The Blue Umbrella for kids and adults.
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