BOOK REVIEW: After the Fall by Dan Santat

Stephanie O'Connell | 26 June 2018 | Reply

BOOK REVIEW: After the Fall by Dan Santat

Lothian Children’s Books
June 2018
Paperback, $16.99
Reviewed by Steph O’Connell

Picture Book

8/10

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.

Anyone familiar with Santat’s work will have an idea of what to expect when approaching his latest title.

Everything he produces is gorgeously illustrated and has so much heart that you will come away with a big case of the warm and fuzzies, but they also deal with topics like making your own destiny and finding friends when you might be socially awkward.

In this latest release he deals with getting back up “after the fall”. He acknowledges that after a scare or a trauma we might feel hesitant to put ourselves in similar situations, but that over time, if we are passionate about a thing, we will find a way to build our confidence back up.

After the Fall is a gorgeous story about perseverance and determination, and the resilience of the human (or egg) spirit. This will make a great addition to any picture book library, and whether you’re already a fan of Santat’s work or not, you will be after diving into this story.