The Little Wonders Library · Working title
The Umbrella Named Captain Blue
Benny wants to stay safe under the kitchen table — until an old blue umbrella turns a rainy errand into a brave mission.
Narration and illustrations in this video are AI-generated.
Ronald Moy Presents: The Umbrella Named Captain Blue | LA Read-Aloud Story · 2:47 · Watch on YouTube · More read-aloud stories
About the story
Benny doesn't like thunder. When it booms, he dives under the kitchen table. But Dad has a box to bring to Mrs. Alvarez, and every captain, Dad says, needs a shield.
With the old blue umbrella in hand (now Captain Blue) and Dad right beside him, Benny sets out into the rain, where puddles become a stormy ocean. Then, under a bush, something goes mew: a kitten, soaked and shivering. Benny takes a wobbly breath, sets Captain Blue over the bush like a roof, and steps back while Dad makes a call.
A gentle, sound-filled story about discovering you can be scared and brave at the same time. The narrated read-aloud is on YouTube now; the picture book is still in the works.
What readers will enjoy
- Puddles that turn into a stormy ocean in Benny's imagination
- Captain Blue, the old umbrella that becomes a ship's sail
- A brave choice: Benny shelters a soaked kitten without touching her
Meet the characters
- Benny
- Thoughtful and easily frightened by loud noises.
- Dad
- Calm and reassuring.
- Captain Blue
- Benny's imaginary captain — really his old blue umbrella.
Big ideas
Conversation question
Something to talk aboutWhat helps you try something when you feel nervous?
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In the works
