If you were in a rainstorm and had a big umbrella would you invite someone else to share it? What if they talked differently than you? What if they looked different? What if their clothes were not as nice as yours?

Heidi has a big umbrella, and she has invited Beti the Yeti, Donkey Hotay and Rolanda to be with her. This story is about including others. What are some ways that you include others?

Heidi could choose to keep the umbrella to herself so she stays completely dry. How do you think she might feel is she kept it to herself while everyone else got wet. Should she let animals that are not hedgehogs under her umbrella? The Donkey Hotay has different fur color. Does he deserve to stay dry like Heidi?

What did you notice about the pictures in the story? Why wouldn’t you just keep the umbrella all to yourself? What would happen if you did keep it to yourself?

How would Heidi feel if she helped someone out. Even for a few minutes? Here are some ideas of ways you can help others.

• hold the door open for them
• smile at them
• wave at them
• if they drop something, pick it up for them
• introduce yourself and ask their name
• on the playground offer them a toy you are playing with
• invite them to play with you

Helping is something that is kind of magical because it can make the person helping feel happier and the person who is being helped. It might help build a new friendship. If it a brief moment, like holding the door for a stranger, think of bringing a little happiness into someone’s day.