After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) - by Dan Santat (Hardcover)

About the Book

From a Caldecott Medalist and "New York Times"-bestselling author-illustrator comes the inspiring epilogue to a beloved nursery rhyme. Now terrified of heights after his fall, Humpty Dumpty can longer do many of the things he loves most. Will he summon the courage to face his fear? Full color.

Book Synopsis

From the New York Times-bestselling creator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend comes the inspiring epilogue to the beloved classic nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty.

Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after?

Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's poignant tale follows Humpty Dumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favorite place to be is high up on the city wall--that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most.

Will he summon the courage to face his fear?

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) is a masterful picture book that will remind readers of all ages that Life begins when you get back up.

2018 NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Winner
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2017
A New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2017
A New York City Public Library Notable Best Book for Kids
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017
A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book of 2017
An NPR Best Book of 2017

Review Quotes

"Santat gives full weight to the power of fear, which can daunt anyone who has been injured, before showing Humpty Dumpty's eventual triumph with an inventive ending that is nothing short of exhilarating." --Wall Street Journal

"I was so genuinely surprised by the book's conclusion that I won't spoil it. It's always gratifying to see how an artist can turn even the most familiar tale into something new." --New York Times

"Dan Santat's hilariously touching story and magnificent illustrations give Humpty new life as he confronts his debilitating fear. The final twist in this totally original next chapter of a Mother Goose's classic offers a stunningly triumphant ending that will take your breath away." --NPR

"A validating and breathtaking next chapter of a Mother Goose favorite." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"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." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The author gives wings to both his protagonist and his message about the importance of getting back up after a fall and the realization that recovering from a trauma takes time." --Booklist, starred review

"Santat's precise illustrations and sensitive text combine for more emotional depth than the typical nursery rhyme remix. A terrific redemptive read-aloud for storytime and classroom sharing." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Luminous." --Horn Book, starred review

"Authentically exhilarating." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Instead of resting on his laurels, Dan Santat soars above them. I loved this!" --Dav Pilkey, creator of the Captain Underpants series and The Paperboy (Caldecott Honor)

About The Author

Dan Santat is the Caldecott Medal-winning and New York Times-bestselling author and illustrator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend and the road trip/time travel adventure Are We There Yet? His artwork is also featured in numerous picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels, including Dav Pilkey's Ricky Ricotta series. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and many, many pets.