After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)

The storyline is cute, the illustrations are adorable. The humor of the book is fantastic. However, it had such a lean towards an excellent learning experience for kids and it ended in a totally random way. I was thinking of how i'd write the book myself as I started reading it and was really surprised that they didn't take it towards the "keep trying and don't be afraid" direction. Also the "look at what you're missing out in life by being afraid" direction. I ordered it off the first half, thinking it'd end with a witty and light lesson and the end was just confusing and not even drawn so a child could figure out what happened. Also left little way for an adult to explain.

Prompt delivery, book in excellent condition. Theme of the book is delightful. I'm a pediatric speech-language pathologist who links language therapy to literacy on a daily basis. This book is one of my clients' very favorites in my whole, large collection. One of the best investments I've made. Two thumbs up to seller and the book.

My point of view pretty much coincides with reviewers' comments of five starts. However, I am giving it only 4 stars, because the end is confusing. The egg is depicted smashed, and the "bird airplane" is flying in the sky. What happened? Does anyone else have an explanation?

Prompt delivery, book in excellent condition. Theme of the book is delightful. I'm a pediatric speech-language pathologist who links language therapy to literacy on a daily basis. This book is one of my clients' very favorites in my whole, large collection. One of the best investments I've made. Two thumbs up to seller and the book.

My point of view pretty much coincides with reviewers' comments of five starts. However, I am giving it only 4 stars, because the end is confusing. The egg is depicted smashed, and the "bird airplane" is flying in the sky. What happened? Does anyone else have an explanation?

I ordered this book sught unseen because of the stellar reviews, in the publishing community, but was left wanting more. It’s cute to read once, but my 3yo has zero interest in reading it again. (Not did I.)

Are you afraid of doing something? Is something holding your students back from succeeding? Humpty Dumpty can relate; he fell off the wall and became afraid of heights. Falling was such a dramatic event that it began to keep him from enjoying life (make sure to point the details in the pictures while you are reading, it will add to the story). Can he face his fears and live his life again?

Inspiring and uplifting story for those who have a fear that could be overcome, if given the right opportunity. I like how the story focuses on the fear as an individual and how he handled it. Sure, it is great to have cheerleaders in your life to help you get there; however, at the end of the day it is up to you.

I love spending time with my nieces and nephew, especially when we can bond over books. We all loved reading “After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Hot Back Up Again).” Did you ever wonder what could’ve happened if all the king’s horses and all the king’s men COULD put Humpty together again? This is a great story of how Humpty conquers his fear of heights and learns to fly! Dan Santat’s amazing illustrations and clever story are sure to be a winner for children of all ages. @kidlitexchange #partner

It’s clever and fun, strong and simple, meaningful and inspiring. It’s a book for anyone at any age. Santat has taken that flat character and brought him to life, broken as he is, and created someone to whom we can all relate. I’m itching to tell you about the great ending, but – no spoiler. Suffice it to say, you’ll be cheering for ole Humpty and uplifted by his magnificent story! Absolutely primo!

this is an amazing story which extends the original nursery rhyme. I LOVE IT! I use praise sparingly, but this text far exceeded my expectations- it is a big long for a larger group of young preschool children but would be wonderful to revisit in kindergarten or to have at home--- overcoming fear is a wonderful approach to this new spin on an old favorite. Thank you for adding this to my collection!

Everyone one knows about the story of Humpty Dumpty and how he sat on a wall and then had a great fall. He is well known due to a popular nursery rhyme. Santat added more to the story by incorporating what Humpty Dumpty learned from the fall.

The King's men were able to put Humpty Dumpty back together again but there were wounds that didn't heal. These invisible wounds such as being afraid of heights took awhile for Humpty Dumpty to overcome. It became so apparent that he couldn't even enjoy some of his favorite things anymore. Humpty Dumpty tries alternatives to still enjoy his favorite things but eventually he had to overcome his fear in order to persevere.

Santat teaches little ones and pretty much anyone who reads the After The Fall that everyone can overcome their fears. If a fear is interfering with you enjoying a favorite thing, one must overcome that fear. Also, Santat discusses about accidents and how accidents happen. One must learn how to adjust if an accident occurs. Sometimes you will need to overcome a fear as an result of an accident aftermath. It's okay to be nervous and terrified. It's okay to be worried and thinking you might not make it. Just keep moving one step at a time toward to goal. Taking baby steps will help achieve a goal with less fear.

Santat's illustrations are remarkably wonderful! The timeless muted color palette reminds me of Mike Curato's Little Elliot, Big City. The ending was unexpected but it works beautifully with the motto of the book. The dust jacket has the title of the book in a raised semi-spot glossed type while the rest of the cover is matte. Humty Dumpty sitting on a while is also semi-spot glossed. Removing the dust jacket reveals a wonderful illustration of Humpty Dumpty falling with from the sky. Birds and a pair of binoculars are seen in the sky.

After the Fall is a wonderful and inspirational book for all ages. It's the type of book that will help readers feel at ease when they make mistakes. This is a classic story about overcoming fears when you are afraid. It's okay to fall but as long as you get back up, everything is okay.

Beautifully illustrated and written, it will speak to adults as well as children. The story, told from the viewpoint of Humpty Dumpty, is about facing and overcoming your fears. But it's not didactic at all! It's funny AND glorious AND brilliant! The ending is miraculous. And sometimes, being able to overcome your fears feels like just that. Nuff said.

The awesomeness of After the Fall boggles the mind. The writing and theme of anxiety is absolutely perfect. The illustrations are some of the best I have ever seen in a picture book. After the Fall should have Caldecott stamped all over it. I will be astonished if a beautiful and shiny award sticker isn't affixed to it in early 2018.

After the Fall - How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again

By Dan Santat

Thanks to the author for sharing a copy of this book with @Kid Lit Exchange for review! All opinions are my own.

Dan Santat has again created an amazing picture book that will be timeless! I shared it with three second grade classes and they unanimously loved it - especially the surprise ending. The message is such a good one for ALL of us to remember. Even though we fall, we can make it “back up again” and succeed, even it takes every bit of courage we can gather from deep within our souls.

I loved the “winks” that are included on almost every page, such as “Then one day I fell. (I’m sort of famous for that.)” and the more subtle thoughts that need to be inferred. For example, it was great that some of the kids understood immediately why Humpty was sleeping on the floor and why he had to resort to eating the boring bottom row cereals. I especially loved watching the realization on so many of their faces when they saw the last page.

The story provoked so much good conversation among the kids as we discussed how color was absent from some pages, Humpty’s feelings after falling and after re-climbing the wall and how they might have some Humpty type experiences. This is a book that I’m adding to several of my holiday gift lists.

I did not not know what happened to Humpty Dumpty after and now I do!
No spoiler alerts here! You'll have to read it for yourself.

Brilliant book!

Written and illustrated by Dan Santat, published by Roaring Brook Press.

#mustread #nurseryrhyme #newstory

This book is great. It takes such a simple premise and unfolds it into a tale of courage, resilience and ultimately transformation. It's the kind of book I wish I'd written. It's creative and simple and has such an important message for kids and adults alike and the illustrations are perfect for it.

This is a sweet story about overcoming fears, getting back up, and learning about who you are.

The ending was a beautiful surprise and I loved so much that even as an adult, I was surprised. :)

Way too frightening for my younger kid (major themes of injury and death). Will older kids really be interested in Humpty Dumpty though? Maybe mostly intended to interest parents with a fondness for graphic novels. I noticed that for this book, reviews with high ratings generally focus on the parent's expectations, but when the kid's actual experience is the focus, the rating is lower.

Everyone falls, but can they get back up? This has a life lesson for all...whether you are an egg or a human. The words and illustrations are beautiful. This needs to be required reading in elementary schools.

We loved Dan Santat’s award winning book “Beekle” so we bought this one. There are not many books that adults and children can enjoy at the same time. Our 2 and a half year old keeps asking for this “Humpty Dumpty” book! I love how it encourages children to conquer their fear and get back up without giving up. That’s how you would find your true destiny!

I loved how the egg always loves watching birds because he was destined to become one. 5 stars!