Grandma Fina's Wonderful Umbrella

Benjamin Alire Sáenz (1954-2026) wrote poetry and prose for adults and teens. He was the first Hispanic winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award and a recipient of the American Book Award for his adult literature. His award-winning books for young readers include the beloved Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, a Printz Honor Book, Stonewall Award winner, Pura Belpré Award winner, and Lambda Literary Award winner, and its #1 New York Times bestselling sequel, Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World. Raúl the Third is the New York Times bestselling, three-time Pura Belpré Award–winning author-illustrator of ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market, ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Eat, ¡Vamos! Let’s Cross the Bridge, and the rest of the World of ¡Vamos! He illustrated Schneider Family Book Award honoree Stuntboy, in the Meantime, by Jason Reynolds, and the Lowriders series, by Cathy Camper. Raúl was born in Texas and grew up going back and forth between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, México. He now lives in Medford, Massachusetts, with his New York Times bestselling collaborator, Elaine Bay, and their son, Raúl the Fourth.

"This charming misadventure is a beautifully rendered example of community caring in action." — School Library Journal (starred review)"With this sweet testament to the resilience of community, [Benjamin Alire] Sáenz and Raúl the Third envision a world that beckons readers into its cozy embrace. A delightful walk in the sun." — Kirkus Reviews“An elder treasures her worn umbrella but longs for companionship. [T]his sunny story [is] a stroll worth taking.” — Publishers Weekly“Sáenz’s text is sweet and sincere, succinctly introducing a diverse cast of characters and naturally incorporating Spanish phrases. Raúl the Third’s standout ink and digital comics-style illustrations, colored by Bay, match Sáenz’s heartwarming story, adding a touch of irreverent whimsy. A cheerful ode to grandmas—whether yours or the whole town’s—and to community in its many forms.” — The Horn Book