The Pink Umbrella

Understated text and gauzy pencil-and-pastel artwork transport readers to a seaside village where social life revolves around the Polka-Dot Apron, a cafe run by a young woman named Adele. "It's where everyone meets," writes French author Callot. "Where they cry, laugh, yell, argue and love." Adele herself "is the village's sun--lively, sweet and sparkling," but her spirit plummets whenever the weather turns rainy: on one gray day, Godbout (When Santa Was a Baby) shows her scowling from beneath a floral magenta quilt, refusing to open the cafe. Over a few sunny days, rain boots, a raincoat, and umbrella--all bright pink--show up at the Polka-Dot Apron. Readers will likely guess who is responsible (a handsome handyman named Lucas) before Adele does, and a subdued romantic undercurrent swells as she begins to appreciate the rain: "The wind was fresh, the drops slid off the leaves, the snails were out." It's a languid story, and mystery rain gear is a pretty low-key hook, but it's also an atmospheric portrait of village life and the small actions that build loving communities and relationships. Ages 6-9. Illustrator's agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Literary Management. (Jan.)

PreS-Gr 2--Translated from the French, this Canadian import stars Adele, owner of the Polka-Dot Apron cafe. Her establishment is the center of this seaside town's life, hosting a market, cinema night, and parties each week. The jaunty brunette is loved by all: she is "the village's sun--lively, sweet and sparkling." A grocer from a neighboring community is particularly fond of her. Lucas runs the market, bringing food and flowers and a bouquet or two just for Adele. Listeners may figure out before Adele that it is he who starts leaving presents. Knowing that she abhors rain (sometimes she doesn't even emerge from the covers when it is dreary), he first deposits pink boots with images of the sun etched in the soles. These are followed by a matching raincoat and then a polka-dot umbrella. Godbout's pastel and colored pencil compositions are softly textured and vary in mood and design to suit the story. The settings and characterizations have the feel of a 50s Audrey Hepburn movie. Viewers who love pink will be enthralled by Adele's striking, fashionable ensemble against the impressionistic gray rain when she ventures out to find her gift-giver. VERDICT At 80 pages, Callot's title is a sweet and tender story best shared one-on-one with those who enjoy just a hint of romance.--Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library