Dimity Dumpty: The Story of Humpty's Little Sister
Starred Review.PreSchool-Grade 2–Everyone knows the story of Humpty Dumpty. Not so many know the story of his little sister, Dimity. So begins the tale of his quiet, diminutive, and painfully shy sibling who prefers the background to the limelight of her circus family's acrobatics. The perfect foil to her reckless brother's antics, Dimity finds solace and meaning in her flute music. But when Humpty takes his proverbial fall while spray painting graffiti, it is Dimity who comes to his rescue. She runs to the big top and, finding her voice, mobilizes everyone to save her brother. After the rescue, she remains her timid self, but those around her come to appreciate her quiet center. The full-color watercolor illustrations are a delight–from the egg carton mobile home pulled by a hen to the emotional expressions Graham can pull out of an eggshell. The language is lyrical (the spotlight pushed like a bright finger across the tent, gentle as a beetle's breath, high notes fly like swifts on a summer's morning) and makes a perfect read-aloud. This story of a quiet child who shuns attention and remains true to herself will resonate with children and their parents, who know that everyone has special gifts and talents.–Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.