Starchild: Malaysian children showcase their creativity with their special umbrellas

Selvantra Selvakumar, 8

If I could design an umbrella, I’d make one that could change colours to match my clothes. How cool would that be?

Umbrellas are used from time to time, mainly to shelter us from the rain and sun.

The word umbrella comes from the Latin word umbros, which means shade or shadow.

Did you know that the first waterproof umbrellas were created in China about 3,000 years ago?

Recently Starchild asked readers to submit letters on the topic, My Umbrella Design. Here’s what they had to say.

Shobika Hari Haran, 9

Shobika Hari Haran, 9, wants to design an umbrella with symbols of peace and love. “Peace and love are important to us. With peace and love, we can live happily.”

Selvantra Selvakumar, 8, writes: “My umbrella is made from steel and plastic. Children will love it as it can protect them from rain.”

Rasslyn Kaur, 4

“My umbrella will have the colours of the rainbow, ” says Rasslyn Kaur, 4.

Kamalvir Singh, 7

Older sibling Kamalvir Singh, 7, writes: “I have designed my umbrella with a burst of colour. Colours make me happy and cheerful.”

Flora Sia, 10

Flora Sia, 10, says: “My umbrella will be bright and colourful. Everyone who uses it will feel happy.”

Nicol Law Xin En, 7

“Whenever it rains, I get to jump in muddy puddles. I like my umbrellas with bright colours and covered with doodles, says Nicol Law Xin En, 7.

Ashvini Jeyakanthan, 7

Ashvini Jeyakanthan, 7, has created a bejewelled umbrella.

“I got the idea from my Colour By Numbers phone app. My umbrella will have precious stones like emerald and rubies and metal like gold and silver. It’s such a cool umbrella!”

Jethro Ong, 10

Ten-year-old Jethro Ong Seng Tao loves the umbrella which his grandfather bought for him.

“What’s unique is it doesn’t come with a pole and handle. I use it up on my head. It keeps me dry while I’m holding my books to school.”

“My umbrella will have the seven colours of the rainbow – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, writes Saraneya Jay Kumar, 8.

Saraneya Jay Kumar, 8

Esther Ling Sze Rong, 6

Rachel Ling Sze Qing, 5

ITEM: Many children think their grandmothers are beautiful, kind and loving.

Many countries celebrate Gorgeous Grandma Day on July 23. Starchild wants to know more about your grandmother and what makes her so special. Don’t forget to colour the drawing too!

Colour this drawing!

All letters must carry your full name, age (open to children 12 and below only), gender, e-mail, phone contact and address. All letters must reach us by July 10.

Send your letters to: Starchild c/o StarLifestyle, Star Media Group Bhd, Menara Star, 15, Jalan 16/11,46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. You can also e-mail your contributions to [e-mail].

Please put “STARCHILD: Gorgeous Grandma” in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.