The Egg Incident

K-Gr 3--The traditional Humpty Dumpty story gets a unique upgrade in the tale of Humphrey, Dumpty's nephew. Humphrey's parents worry that their young egg will follow his uncle's footsteps and fall off of a wall, so they have taught him to be extra cautious to avoid any "cracks." When Humphrey runs into Princess Jean (PJ), he has no choice but to be more adventurous and answer her question, "Why are you so scared of everything?" All eggs in the story have astonishingly accurate emotional expressions. The artistic effect of the watercolors and black inks show Humphrey clearly dizzy, alarmed, and worried. In addition to the emotion, the movement of the eggs' small limbs is so obvious that the action and mood of the story becomes even more engaging. All readers will be able to appreciate the story of Humphrey "coming out of his shell" and teaching his family how to do the same. In an added bonus, readers learn what really happened to Humpty. VERDICT A first purchase for all libraries and the best of what graphic novels have to offer.--Danielle Schwessinger

"This short graphic novel is a fast-paced read, thanks in large part to Daisy Wynter's dynamic illustrations. Motion lines, hand-lettered sounds and dramatic page turns are used to great effect. And kids will get a kick out of Humphrey's expressive reaction shots. The story comes with a surprising epilogue. If you've ever wondered what really happened to Humpty, well, it'll crack you up." - The New York Times

"The Egg Incident looks like a humorous graphic novel, but really it's a modern morality tale for children ages 7-12 and their parents. Helicopter parents, take note: What's true of an egg in a story may be true of your children, too." - The Wall Street Journal

"A first purchase for all libraries and the best of what graphic novels have to offer. All readers will be able to appreciate the story of Humphrey "coming out of his shell" and teaching his family how to do the same. In an added bonus, readers learn what really happened to Humpty." - School Library Journal Starred Review

"Lays a liberating message on helicopter parents and their overprotected offspring." - Kirkus Reviews

It may be a short graphic novel, but this 72-page book packs a punch. Daisy Wynter's illustrations are the highlight of the book. Throughout the story, she captures the character's personality so well. The Egg Incident is a fun graphic novel that flips the Humpty Dumpty story on its head providing an entertaining story." - YA Books Central

"Cute illustrations throughout show Humphrey's fears as well as his excitement when he is brave enough to try new things." - Youth Services Book Review