Harper and the Scarlet Umbrella (Harper #1)
by Cerrie Burnell (Author) Laura Ellen Anderson (Illustrator)
Once there was a girl named Harper who had a rare musical gift. She heard songs on the wind, rhythms on the rain, and hope in the beat of a butterfly's wing. Harper lives in the City of Clouds, an enchanting place where it rains every day and an umbrella is always a good idea.
With her Aunt Sassy, her beloved cat, Midnight, and all of her neighbors in the Tall Apartment Block, every day is full of possibility. But when every cat in the city goes missing--including Midnight--Harper is determined to find all of the precious pets. And she'll need a magic, flying umbrella to help in her search. Recruiting friends from her building to help, the magic umbrella whisks them into the sky on the trail of the cats and adventure. They stumble on the Midnight Orchestra--tabbies on triangle, Siamese singing, Persians on piccolo--all under the direction of its fearsome, wild conductor. But can the group use their talents, quick thinking, musical skill, and a little magic to stage a rescue like no other?
Harper and the Scarlet Umbrella is a spellbinding tale of friendship, music, and magic featuring a diverse cast, brought to life through stunning illustrations. A perfect book to be shared and treasured.
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School Library Journal
In this lyrical, action-packed fantasy, Harper is allowed to use her aunt's Scarlet Umbrella and later discovers that her cat is missing. The Scarlet Umbrella has magical powers; it leads her to the homes of others who are missing cats. As Harper works with her friends to find the felines and bring them home, they observe new strengths in one another. Dreamy Liesel, "with tangled, blonde hair and filthy nails," implements plans of action with impressive leadership skills. Liesel's poetic brother, Ferdie, is strong and courageous. Nate, who is visually impaired, assists with his ability to hear incredibly soft sounds and maneuver in the darkness. The kids meet and confront the Wild Conductor, who has enchanted the cats. A chase ensues, with Harper and Nate flying across town in the magical Umbrella. Harper uses her musical gifts to lure the cats back with "a song of stars and mist and hope. A song that spread across the sky, as if it came from the heavens." The kids successfully battle the Wild Conductor and bring the cats home. Line drawings throughout depict the smartly dressed and messy characters. Ample action keeps the story accessible for beginning chapter book readers. Originally published in the United Kingdom, this lively tale is sure to win fans in the United States, from cat lovers to music aficionados to fantasy fans. VERDICT A winning tale of teamwork and artistry. A solid purchase for most chapter book collections.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Cerrie Burnell is an actress, singer, playwright, author, and former television presenter for CBeebies (2009-2017). She was born with half a right arm and has sought to increase visibility of disabled people through her career in presenting, writing, and acting.
Lauren Baldo is an illustrator based in the Philippines. He has worked as a storyboard artist, comic artist, graphic designer, and children's book illustrator.
JUV002050 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Cats
JUV002190 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Pets
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV031040 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Music
JUV045000 - Juvenile Fiction | Readers | Chapter Books
Magic
Neighbors
Umbrellas
