Humpty Dumpty Climbs Again (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
In Humpty Dumpty Climbs Again the classic nursery rhyme is retold with a new and humorous twist. In this version Humpty Dumpty gives up climbing after his great fall, depressed he spends his days watching television, ridiculed by those around him (All the King’s Horse and All the King’s Men) except for his friend the Dish (of the Dish and the Spoon). One day after he is frightened by a spider (just as Little Miss Muffet was) he ends up going for a short climb where he discovers the King’s favorite horse stuck high up on the wall. Humpty Dumpty (this time with the proper safety equipment) climbs the wall once again and saves the day. This retelling is very funny and clever with its various hints to other classic nursery rhymes throughout. The illustrations are cartoon-like and simple, and the added text bubbles add extra humor and narrative to the story. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy this clever and humorous retelling, and those reading it with them will surely chuckle through the story as well. It's nice to see Humpty Dumpty get some respect in this version. I found the story humorous and engaging, even though I don't think it's destined to be a favorite. It was clever how some other nursery rhyme characters made an appearance (I chuckled at the "along came a spider" and "the little dog laughed" bits). Beneath the funny exterior, I also think it presents a thoughtful message about how we need to have passions and special hobbies and interests in our lives and could even perhaps help a child understand about an elderly relative or someone who is struggling with a new injury or disability to show how they might be feeling lost without being able to do things they used to enjoy. (Note that there is some mild "potty humor" like Humpty Dumpty going around in his underwear.)
What do You think about Humpty Dumpty Climbs Again (2008)?
Great for Kindergartners. Story recognition, and correction.
—emmadd
