Dimity Dumpty

by Bob Graham

Shy as her big brother is bold, Dimity Dumpty prefers the shadows to the spotlight and never joins her performing family in the tent at showtime. But when her brother, Humpty, climbs the factory wall at the edge of the circus ground and slips, it's Dimity who finds her voice and saves his life.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Nursery Rhymes, Fantasy, Retellings, Family

38 pages, Hardcover

First published January 9, 2006

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

An Australian children's author and illustrator. His books include Max, which won the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize Gold Award, Jethro Byrd, Fairy Child, which won the Kate Greenaway Medal, and "Let's Get A Pup!" Said Kate which won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award

Reviews

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of weird. But good

[Set · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a silly little story about Humpty Dumpty's family and his odd ball sister Dimity. She is different because she isn't part of the circus like the rest of her family and that's okay. She is more safe and responsible than her brother but she's always there for him like a family should be. One of the lessons to be learned is to not graffiti on walls lest you fall from one while doing your misdeed.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tumbling Dumpties travel in their egg-carton camper with a circus, acrobats all--except for little Dimity, who prefers to slip quietly away and play lovely melodies on her flute. When tragedy strikes, however, Dimity is on the move to bring help for her reckless older brother, Humpty. The original story shines brightest when Dimity plays her flute; at those times the language takes a lyrical turn as her music is "...gentle as a beetle's breath, making sounds known only to birds and things that slide in the night." Muted watercolor and ink illustrations alternatively show the tiny family from an inches-high perspective and surrounded by a big world. While this will be enjoyed by the very young, upper elementary Language Arts students might be challenged to create "spin-offs" of other traditional nursery rhymes.

[Yzobelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had probably been three decades now that I have known Humpty Dumpty's fall from the great wall. It is a surprise that in those decades, I never even imagined a Dumpty Family, travelling in an egg carton that is chicken-drawn (ala horse-drawn buggy).

I am so glad and lucky to have encountered this in a rare book fair have finally met the whole family of Humpty Dumpty. ... It is a simple story showing the core of a family, their having a deep internal connection that no distance can cause to fade.

The illustrations are fantastic! Just flipping through the pages is entertaining enough.

I wonder why this did not seem to circulate much, even 6 years after its publication.

[SoulSurvivor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've now read 3 of Bob Graham's young childrens' boooks and come to the conclusion that they are safe for the 2 , 3 and 5 year-old girls of our neighbors . A certain childrens' librarian friend will claim that I am padding my 'read' list for 2019 , but she is just a cynic .

[L11_Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty. This version gives more meaning to the nursery rhyme with Humpty having a mother, father and sister. This story is based on Dimity Dumpty who is Dumpty's little sister. She is quite different from the rest of the family, but comes to the rescue when misbehaved Dumpty takes his great fall.

This book not only teaches a lesson about making good decisions, it also shows the different traits within a family and what makes a family a family. I think many students can relate to this book if they've ever done something important for their family, or made their mom and dad proud. I think in a classroom setting it would be beneficial to talk about how Dimity Dumpty was different from her family, and that was ok. Everyone can be his or her own person. As a teacher, I would stress the importance that it's ok to be who you are, even if it's different from your family or classmates. This book would make a great read aloud at the K-2nd grade levels, as well as at 3rd, but with more discussion and possible group work.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little long
Hard to engage students
Illustrations were a bit too detailed to lend to a read aloud

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humpty Dumpty was the famous one but did you know he had a shy little sister? An entire story is woven around these two (they are part of a travelling circus family, apparently). I like it because there is virtue in being the quiet heroic one, rather than the brazen and silly bold one (after all, he did take a fall). There is much to examine in the drawings; it's imaginative and somewhat topsy turvy, not too different from a Lewis Carroll nonsense poem.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a fun embellishment on the famous Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme. We get to find out about Humpty's sweet little sister Dimity and how she found the courage to save the day, despite her innate shyness. A great story about bravery and sibling love. This one is a little long, but definitely story time appropriate.

[Edward Sojuwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, stop what you're doin, cos Bob Graham's gonna ruin the Mother Goose style that you're used to...a female Humpty is the new egg in town and the sound is laid down til it's underground!
In other words, Bob Graham (Australian kids lit author, not the former Florida Governor, so please chill) is remaining the Humpty story by putting a dumpty on everything you thought you knew about our fairy tales. Humpty Dumpty can sit on a wall, cos he's what dieticians call a "well balanced' egg. (Pardon the pun) So much so he learned the balancing tricks with his entire egg family in the circus. (Cirque du Souffle?) The ending tragedy with his accidental fall from grace (oops!) could have ended with him (say it!) SHELL SHOCKED!!! But lo! Humpty has a baby sister named Dimity! And she is more together again than her egghead brother after all the king's horses and men already tried. Apparently they had given up on our hero.... who has a cracked shell....but he's STILL ALIVE! (Just depressed, cos a fall that deep has never been known to leave an egg "sunny side up") Sister Dimity, a flute player who never could feel comfy around her circus egg family of EGG-ROBATS, has also taken first aid lessons and helps her brother to heal up. Because, Humpty is her BROTHER, DUH! Graham has achieved what no man has tried without persecution from the religious right: a feminist Dumpty, a WOKE YOLK! And this time it's all good!
Three stars
Here's your chance to redo the Humpty Hump!!! Girl power style!!!

[Amanda Kearney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about Humpty Dumpty's little sister, Dimity. At first, I thought it sounded interesting because everyone knows the story of Humpty Dumpty. However, it did not grab my attention, and the book was slightly dull to me. Dimity was shy and timid, where her brother was more of a troublemaker. Her family was all in the spotlight, but timidity wanted nothing to do with the spotlight. When Humpty Dumpty fell, Dimity was the first to find him. She ran to the circus and asked for help, and Humpty Dumpty ended up being okay. She saved her brother's life. I would recommend this book to someone in my class who is very quiet and shy. They could learn that even if they are quiet, they are still capable of great things. However, I don't think I would read this book to my class because I did not learn a ton from it.

[Alex Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book because I never knew that there was a different side to the story of humpty dumpty. I would definitely use this book in my classroom and be able to teach the lesson on this in my class.

[Laura Battle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great illustrations for a mediocre story.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute narrative with cleverly detailed illustrations.

[Catherine Petrini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming picture book about how Humpty Dumpty's shy little sister saved her brother and found her courage.

[Amy Keltner]

1. Mother Goose
2. Everyone knows the story of Humpty Dumpty and his great fall. But, the most untold story is of how his little sister saved him and the adventure it took her to get there.
3. a: The greatest strength of this book is the simple drawings as well giving you an insight into the family Dimity and Humpty belong to. You are able to see the shyness of Dimity and the courage it took her to save her brother from his great fall.
b: Because Dimity is very shy she you are able to see that everything she does is done in a quiet manner. "But it was in the dust of the road that a gift lay waiting for her one day. It was Dimity's father, Dominic, who found the old pen. He removed the case and, from the tube inside, made his daughter a little silver flute. Dimity's first notes were soft as the breeze itself" (page 3-4). You are able to see her shyness shown through the words and images.
c: One of the best parts of the story when she finds Humpty when he falls down. "Dimity stopped, Her hands went to her face. She took a deep breath...then removed her T-shirt and bandaged Humpty's leakage. She laid her little flute along Humpty's leg and wrapped her skirt around it. She tried to stop passersby. "Please help my brother!" she called. But nobody heard her. There was only one thing to do" (pages 8-9). You can tell that she saw an opportunity to help her brother. The courage it took her to help her brother and take him to a doctor.
4. This would be a great way to introduce nursery rhymes and even teaching cause and effect and comparing the story we know and love to this new one.

[Jade Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. { Genre }: Mother Goose

2. { Summary }: Dimity Dumpty saves her brother Humpty Dumpty who had a great fall.

3a. { Area for comment }: Content, Theme

3b. { Critique }:
Graham takes a very interesting and creative approach to Mother’ Goose story of “Humpty Dumpty”.

3c. { Critique Example }:
The title takes a more abundant and detailed approach on the simple Mother Goose’ rhyme of “Humpty Dumpty”. Though, Humpty Dumpty does have a great fall, Graham adds additional characters, gives them personality and adds a very interesting narrative. Humpty Dumpty plays a somewhat reckless character in which his baby sister, Dimity Dumpty, plays a more careful and seemingly fragile personality. Though, it’s Dimity Dumpty that saves the day. It’s a rather cute, yet substantial take on the nursery rhyme which not only sends good messages of caution, care but also being a good sister and samaritan.

4. { Curriculum Connection }:
I could see this title being used in the K to Grade 2 classroom. I would probably used this to supplement the nursery rhyme, “Humpty Dumpty”, and have my students share how they feel about the second version. Then I would ask them to relate (text to self, text to world). Students would be expected to relate the relationship between Dimity and Humpty to there siblings at home, friendships and beyond...This title could be used to send a good message and in the meantime test for comprehension. Because you’re really only following two characters, Dimity Dumpty and Humpty Dumpty, comprehension should be very applicable for this text and age group.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humpty Dumpty has a sister and a family? Who knew. The Dumpty family are part of a traveling circus. Humpty is a "rascal" and his sister is "shy and timid as a field mouse." Humpty and his parents are part of the flying trapeze act of the circus, the Tumbling Dumpties and his sister does odd jobs around the circus and plays her flute. One day as Humpty is out spray painting on a wall (being a rebel) he falls off the wall. Yes, this is part we are all familiar with. The soldiers come with their horses and they see Humpty but they don't take much of an interest in him and they walk away. As Humpty lays hurt on the ground, something in the wind gets the attention of someone special who comes to the aid of Humpty. Using everything within themselves, they help Humpty and at the same time change a part of themselves.

An addition to a classic tale, I liked the way this tale added to the original story we all know. I enjoyed the pictures - the colors and the drawings themselves. I wished there would have been more about how Humpty and his sister got along and their relationship. I thought that part was missing in this story. Since it was about his sister, I thought it would talk more about how they got along or their relationship or they would talk more to each other. They talked to each other only once in the whole book.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern twist on Humpty Dumpty in a whole story book. I like this book because it gives the nursery rhyme a story with it. It gives meaning and reasons behind why Humpty was on the wall and it gives Humpty Dumpty a close and happy ending. I like that it give insight to what was going on with Humpty before and what happened after. I like the modern twist on the story. Dimity Dumpty was the heroin of the story. I personally love to see a female come out as the hero and saving a man none the less! I also enjoyed the modern twist of Humpty being a bad kid. It wasn't just a fairy tale with the typical castle and magic. It was a circus and graffiti, something that kids now a days can relate to better. When a book becomes relatable to a student they can appreciate it more and it can become one of their favorites because they feel that the book understands them. I will definitely be reading this book to my class because it gives a new meaning to the nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty.

[Danielle Harriger · Rating 4 out of 5]

PB 17: I thought this book was a creative way to introduce a new plot line to a well-known, timeless childhood story (Humpty Dumpty). I think children can benefit from reading books that have their own interpretation to a story because children can be encouraged to extrapolate and create their own versions of commonly known stories too. Also, this book resonated with me because it had a light-hearted, humorous plot, but also was able to underscore the idea that even if you are different, you can be recognized for your unique talents and hobbies. I felt the part where Dimity “finds her voice” is most powerful, as children should learn to find their strengths and be proud of them. I think this would be a strong book to teach from and lead a discussion with children about what strengths they have and I would definitely recommend this book.

[Miss Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really quite sweet. The love of siblings, the value of people who don't like the limelight, the strength of quiet. I really liked it.

Plus, I especially like that the Dumpty's are regular sized eggs, not giant ones, and that they are in a circus, and they travel around in a tiny little caravan (although my adult brain soon wondered how that little trailer can keep up with the real people sized trailers) At first, I thought the whole circus was just the Dumpty's so I was a little confused by that, but I liked the melding of full size people and tiny eggs.

Even the tiniest people are important, and can make a difference.

[Veronica]

I'm working on creating a booklist for my local public library. This book was one in consideration for this list.

This is not going on my list. I appreciate the main character's bravery and how she was always well-behaved and saved her brother, but it was a convoluted plot. It starts out talking about how everyone knows the story of Humpty Dumpty but this story is about his sister, but we only get a small glimmer of her, really. The story seemed consumed with Humpty Dumpty despite promises to the contrary.

It also doesn't really cover manners or honesty or doing the right thing.

[Shannon K]

I did not like this book at all. To me it was boring and did not really have much of a point. The illustrations were ok, but there was nothing unique or eye catching to them. As I read this book it just seemed to be a filler book, a book with a long story but with out a lot of content. I guess in a way it adds substance too the Humpy Dumpty nursery rhyme by giving the reader a history behind it, but it is not the substance I would have envisioned behind that particular nursery rhyme.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humpty Dumpty is a well-known character in children's literature...but what about his family? More specifically, what about his sister?

Graham answers these questions. The egg family is in the circus business and they travel near and far to perform their acts. Humpty is a bit of a trouble maker while his sister, Dimity, is soft-spoken and well-mannered. Will Dimity be able to overcome her shyness when her brother needs her?

Fun variant of a beloved nursery rhyme.

[Jack Kirby and the X-man · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love alternative views on traditional children's fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Bob Graham has done a fantastic job at fleshing out the Humpty Dumpty story - with the hero being his relatively-unknown sister, Dimity.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a great idea to tell the story of Humpty's little sister, Dimity. And indeed I really liked some parts of this book. I like that the Dumpty family are circus performers who travel about in an egg carton pulled by a chicken! That humpty fell because he was tagging a wall (very modern take). But the book as a whole didn't quite work for me. Not sure why.

[Victoria Lowman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was cute because it gave a twist to an old story that almost everyone is familiar with. Humpy dumptys little sister is very cute and the illustrations are adorable. Not my favorite a cute idea for a student who doesn't connect well with reading because most students have heard the story of humpy dumpty.

[Alyssa Casto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a very cute idea and concept. Personally, i did not care for the book but it showed great creativity because it was nothing like the original Humpty Dumpty. I also enjoyed Dimity's character and braveness because it would encourage children to be and act more like she would.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Humpty Dumpty's little sister, Dimity. The Humpty family are in a circus and each have their own act, except for Dimity who is too shy. Humpty her brother is rambunctious and always getting into trouble - including one day falling off a wall. Dimity's quick thinking helps save Dumpty.

Cute illustrations.

[oplkids · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Humpty Dumpty's little sister, Dimity. The Dumptys have a circus act, but little Dimity is too timid to be a part of it. But when Humpty has a great fall, Dimity is there to save the day.