After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)
Ages 4 to 8Listed among picture books about courage and facing fears. The blogger describes Humpty’s paper-airplane plan and the wall he has to face.
Recommended by Imagination Soup
Ages 4 to 9Saturday
Ages 4 to 9About this age guidance
Kirkus: 4–9
The age tag follows Kirkus review. Other sources may suggest different ages. This is audience guidance, not an independent reading level.
A favorite recommendation for the relationship between mother and child.
Ava and her mother have one shared day off and a full list of plans. A string of disappointments tests their enthusiasm. Their pause-and-breathe routine helps them continue, and Ava ultimately reminds her mother why the day mattered in the first place.
Recommended by Happily Ever Elephants
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What children see in the story
Their protected time together matters at the start, and Ava names that priority when the activities fail. The repeated breathing routine offers a response to frustration; the later overwhelm also shows that coping can still be difficult. The pair value their scarce shared time from the beginning; Ava later recognizes what her mother has given even though the plans fail.
Why it’s on these shelves
- Priorities
- Ava and her mother treasure Saturday because her mother works the other six days. When their plans go wrong, Ava reminds her mother that spending the day together is what matters.
- Handling big feelings
- When their plans go wrong, Ava and her mother pause, close their eyes, breathe and keep going. A final problem still overwhelms her mother, so the story shows that calming down isn’t always easy.
- Gratitude
- Ava and her mother value their one shared day from the start. Even after the plans fall apart, Ava comforts her mother and reminds her why the day mattered.
Why pick it up?
Their connection survives the failed itinerary.
A note for parents
Disappointments lead to coping and mutual comfort. They do not secure replacement treats by escalating.
Where this recommendation comes from
Happily Ever Elephants
A favorite recommendation for the relationship between mother and child.
Read Lauren Bercuson’s recommendationSources and review status
We have checked source descriptions and drafted the value mapping. We have not personally reviewed the full book. The value labels, situation assignments, and parent notes remain provisional.
Publisher or literacy resource · Original recommendation
Our explanation of the value fit is separate from the original reviewer’s judgment. Their inclusion here does not imply an endorsement of Stories for Growing.
Another good example
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Scaredy Squirrel
Ages 4 to 8Called a classic picture book about fear. The parent says children will laugh at his over-preparation and cheer when he finally leaves the tree.
Recommended by What Do We Do All Day?