Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Sylvia Walker (THE UMBRELLA)!
Meet the Author: Sylvia Walker
Sylvia Walker, a Southern California native, brings a natural affinity to the artistic painting of diverse images, especially children. She expresses herself in a variety of media, including watercolor, pencil, ink, acrylic on canvas and wood, and recently digital images. After earning a BFA at California Institute of the Arts, she began a career in fashion illustration for department stores, fashion houses, and the Simplicity and McCall’s pattern companies. Sylvia has years of experience illustrating children’s books. The Umbrella is her author-illustrator debut. Sylvia lives in Bellevue, Tennessee.
About the Book: THE UMBRELLA
Getting caught in the rain at the park leads a little girl to discover a remarkable umbrella and, with it, the magic of friendship and community in this charming picture book inspired by Jan Brett’s classic The Mitten.
Amazon * B&N * IndieBound
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
Inclusion. My second inspiration for writing this book came from growing up in a happy, diverse neighborhood.
YABC: How do you know when a book is finished?
When Zora found new friends
YABC: If you could meet a character from a book, who would it be?
I would love Zora to meet Suri from my first written and illustrated book “HAIR TO SHARE”
YABC: How do you plan to celebrate the launch of your book?
I plan to launch THE UMBRELLA on social media, school visits, library readings, and workshops.
YABC: What is your favorite reading space?
My favorite reading space is relaxing in a comfy chair on my deck surrounded by my favorite plants and flowers.
YABC: What hobbies do you enjoy?
My current favorite hobby is learning to play the guitar.
YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?
My favorite holiday tradition is Thanksgiving because I’m surrounded by family
Title: THE UMBRELLA
Author: Sylvia Walker
Illustrator: Sylvia Walker
Release Date: June 9, 2026
Publisher: S&S/Denene Millner Books
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Age Range: 4-8
