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

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After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)
Written and illustrated by Dan Santat
Roaring Brook Press, 2017. Picture Book. 40 p.

What happened to Humpty Dumpty after his legendary fall? As it turns out all the King’s horses and all the King’s men could put him back to together again, but not everything can be healed with bandages and glue. Caldecott medal-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat beautifully depicts how accidents can make you anxious. Before his fall, Humpty’s favorite spot was the top of the wall because it brought him closer to the birds he loved. After his fall, Humpty develops a fear of heights so bad that he can’t sleep on the top bunk or even climb the ladder to reach the best cereals on the top shelf at the grocery store.

Santat uses dull colors and shadows to depict how Humpty’s fear and anxiety limits him, and vibrant colors and warm light to depict Humpty’s successes. The illustrations not only make the book visually enjoyable but elaborate and enhance the text.Through this wonderfully illustrated story Humpty learns how to cope with his fear through the process of making paper airplanes. When his favorite paper airplane scales the wall Humpty resolves to overcome his fear to retrieve it. Through Humpty’s efforts not only does he overcome his fear and anxiety, but learns something new about himself along the way.

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