Humpty’s Great Fall

Humpty Dumpty stars in Moore and Cleland’s pun-fueled tribute to northerly autumnal traditions. The rhyme’s classic start opens, establishing a refrain that sees the jolly egg repeatedly saved from his destined tumble: “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.// Humpty Dumpty had a great...// Would you look at those leaves? The hot summer sun had left him feeling a bit fried. Humpty was so happy autumn had arrived.” Preemptively leaping off the wall at various intervals, Humpty rakes leaves, makes a cider run, dons knits, and more. Via scratchy detailing and bright colors, digital cartoon vignettes exaggerate fall scenes as the egg companionably encounters fellow nursery-rhyme characters. When the troupe, having together ensured Humpty’s safety, end up back at the protagonist’s digs for a harvest party, the opening rhyme finally resolves with a pleasingly punning variation. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages up to 7. (Aug.)