After the Fall: questions to ask and activities to try
Everyone knows Humpty Dumpty fell. After the Fall is about what happened next: being scared, and finding the courage to climb again.
What age is it for? After the Fall is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Children who are scared to try again after something went wrong.
After the Fall (Dan Santat)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Children who are scared to try again after something went wrong
Read it after your child has had a fall, a bad experience or a scary moment, once things are calm. Pause when Humpty can't climb the ladder and ask how he feels.
What it helps with
- Being scared to try again after something went wrong
- Facing a fear one small step at a time
- Knowing that being scared is normal
- Bouncing back after a setback
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “How did Humpty feel after his fall?”
- “What could he no longer do?”
- “What did he start doing instead of climbing?”
- “What helped him climb the wall again?”
- “Has something ever felt scary after it went wrong?”
- “What’s one small step you could take?”
5-minute activities to try together
Tiny steps ladder
Draw a ladder with five rungs. Write one tiny step on each towards something your child finds scary, starting with the easiest.
Paper planes
Make paper planes together like Humpty. Talk about what you'd like to feel brave enough to try.
Free printables: After the Fall worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
More illustrated by Dan Santat: Don't Trust Fish!
If your child liked this, try
The Gruffalo (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Feeling scared, and using your wits
- Age
- 3-6
The Lion Inside (Rachel Bright)
- Best for
- A child who feels too small or too quiet to be noticed
- Age
- 4-7
We're Going on a Bear Hunt (Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury)
- Best for
- Keeping going when something is hard, and facing fears together
- Age
- 2-6
Search all our books by what's happening →
By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.