lsm239's review
4.0
What happened to Humpty Dumpty after he fell off the wall? Dan Santat answers this question with a beautifully illustrated book about how to face your fears. Humpty Dumpty was put back together, but has been too afraid to go back to his favorite bird-watching perch on the wall. His fear of heights keeps him from sleeping in his loft bed, or getting his favorite cereals off the high shelves at the store. He eventually makes a paper bird, and flying it helps him feel close again to the skies. But when his bird lands on top of the wall, Humpty must face his fears to retrieve it... and undergoes a magical transformation when he does!
Facing your fears is scary and tricky. This book helps show young readers the wonderful things that can happen when you step out of your comfort zone. The illustrations use contrasting colors, from warm, cheerful colors at the top of the wall to the blue-green shadows at the bottom, to highlight how much Humpty misses being able to experience heights. Often, the illustrations include key information that is missing from the text of the story; for example, what happens to Humpty's bird, or what Humpty becomes at the end of the story.
Some pages are a little more text heavy. This book would probably be most enjoyed by 1st-3rd graders. It would be great as a read-aloud because of its message about facing your fears, but would probably also be enjoyed by individual readers.
Facing your fears is scary and tricky. This book helps show young readers the wonderful things that can happen when you step out of your comfort zone. The illustrations use contrasting colors, from warm, cheerful colors at the top of the wall to the blue-green shadows at the bottom, to highlight how much Humpty misses being able to experience heights. Often, the illustrations include key information that is missing from the text of the story; for example, what happens to Humpty's bird, or what Humpty becomes at the end of the story.
Some pages are a little more text heavy. This book would probably be most enjoyed by 1st-3rd graders. It would be great as a read-aloud because of its message about facing your fears, but would probably also be enjoyed by individual readers.
heatherbermingham's review
5.0
Okay, but seriously, this is one of the best books I've read this year. I immediately bought it and plan on reading it with my kiddos after break. Perfect for our characteristic of the week, perseverance. I just adore this.
loffy81's review
5.0
Beautiful. That single word can some up this book. The images are beautiful and the story of Perseverance. Everyone knows that Humpty Dumpty fell off of the wall, but it’s what Dan Santat imagines he does next that matters.
kristinamskinner's review
5.0
I need it but a copy for my home library. I loved the message and it was beautifully illustrated.
preezka's review
5.0
Very creative! Never thought about the what kind of egg Humpty was. Love the artwork as well!
oneangrylibrarian's review
5.0
Dan Santat is simply one of the best! What a great reveal at the end! Just makes me smile!
idgey's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
msgabbythelibrarian's review
4.0
This book is gaining some Caldecott buzz and true, the illustrations are amazing. There are a couple of pages in particular where they tell the story better than the words. However, the story is your typical "don't let fear keep you from greatness" type of stories. It almost felt cliched. Yet this book had more heart than I expected; after all, Humpty Dumpty's story is usually told in comedic fashion.
shighley's review
4.0
Just be certain that students clearly understand the ending, or they might be afraid. I admit, it was a great twist!
atiny4lyfe8m1's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0