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

 

Bibliography
Santat, Dan, 2017. AFTER THE FALL (HOW HUMPTY DUMPTY GOT BACK UP AGAIN). New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9781626726826.

Plot Summary
Humpty Dumpty once had a great fall, one that scarred him for life. Being put back together left him very cautious and afraid of heights. One day, he decides to overcome his fear and live his life to the fullest. A modern sequel to the beloved Mother Goose nursery rhyme.

Critical Analysis 
Santat has taken a beloved tale and given it a modern twist. The story reintroduces Humpty Dumpty and where readers were last left off from his journey - a great fall off of a very high wall. Fortunately for Humpty Dumpty and fans, he was able to be put back together by the king's men. However, from that day on, he developed a new fear of heights. Leaving him to live a settled, routine life, avoiding the things he loves the most such as selecting his favorite foods on the top shelves, bird watching, sitting on the wall, etc. The day Humpty Dumpty sees a paper airplane flying, he becomes inspired again. As an avid bird watcher, the paper airplane was similar in using its wings to fly high in the sky. It sparked his interest and encouraged him to create a plane and watch it fly in the sky, eventually soaring over the wall. No longer afraid and realizing all the time missed by his fear, Humpty Dumpty climbs the wall, determined to live his life and overcome his anxious fears. Although this story is geared towards young readers, readers of all ages could learn from the lesson Santat shares; your fears are validated, but do not be afraid to try again and do not let this fear prevent you from doing what you love. All readers would benefit from reading this story and becoming inspired after seeing how this beloved character soars gets back up again and soars past his fears. 

Santat's illustrations are calming and very detailed, with a style and color shading that is similar to children's Japanese manga scenes. The illustrations are calming yet adventurous. Each scene has a modern flair to the story, such the Kings County Hospital, the bunk bed in Humpty's bedroom, or the visual of the town and their buildings. Each illustration supporting the text and capturing Humpty Dumpty's every feeling such as anxiety, fear, determination, and freedom. The illustrations and story are sure to draw readers interests in finding out what happens to an old friend. 

Review Excerpt(s)
- An NPR Best Book of the Year
- NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Winner
- New York City Public Library Notable Best Book for Kids
- Chicago Public Library Best Book
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A validating and breathtaking next chapter of a Mother Goose favorite."
Starred review in PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "More than a nursery rhyme remix, Santat's story speaks boldly to the grip of fear and trauma, and to the exhilaration of mastering it." 

Connections
- Young readers will enjoy this modern twist to a Mother Goose classic.  
- A great addition to read when studying fables and folktales, a good opportunity to compare and contrast between the original and this version.
- Similar book recommendations:
Santat, Dan, 2016. ARE WE THERE YET? ISBN 9780316199995.
Schwartz, Corey Rowen, 2014. NINJA RED RIDING HOOD. Ill. by Dan Santat. ISBN 9780399163548. 

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