After The Fall

by Dan Santat

“After The Fall” by Dan Santat. Published by Andersen Press. An inspiring and  unforgettable take on the popular nursery rhyme of Humpty Dumpty straight from his mouth.

Humpty Dumpty is one of the most popular nursery rhymes that children learn. This book goes beyond what happens in the rhyme. The narrative is by Humpty Dumpty himself. He wants everyone to know what happened to him after he fell. Also, why did he climb the wall in the first place? These are things that need to be talked about. After all, his reputation has been at stake. Everyone has made fun of him. Now it is time for everyone to know his side of the story.

The fall changed Humpty’s life forever. He became way too famous for all the wrong reasons. It was just an accident after all. The King’s men managed to put him back together. But there were some parts of him which couldn’t be healed with bandages and glue. He was left with a fear of heights now. Would he be able to climb a wall again? Would he be able to do what he liked doing? Would he avoid going to places at a height? Would he be able to overcome his fear of falling? Read this beautifully penned book with fabulous illustrations to appreciate the creativity of the author.

My son has enjoyed reading this book with me for the last three years. It made us look at Humpty Dumpty with a new perspective. Unlike the rhyme which emphasises his fall, the book beautifully portrays how Humpty Dumpty decided to get back up and how this changed his life. It is a MUST READ for everyone. Attaching a link here of an interview with the author. He talks about his wife’s anxiety and post partum depression and why he has dedicated this book to her. The book is apt for everyone aged 4/5 and above.

Recommended Age

The book is apt for everyone aged 4/5 and above.

Reasons to Read

The book will help in encouraging anyone to overcome their fears, learn to get back up like Humpty and reach new heights.