Earlier this month, Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat embarked on an eight-city tour in honor of his latest picture book, After the Fall, which tells the story of Humpty Dumpty’s triumph over his fear of heights. In keeping with the book’s themes, the tour increased in elevation at every stop. The celebration kicked off at sea level at Octavia Books in New Orleans on October 3 and culminated at Second Star to the Right in the mile-high city of Denver on October 11. We present some highlights from the interactive events, which featured arts and crafts, storytimes, cake, and more.
The author-illustrator serves up some bookish birthday cake at Octavia Books in New Orleans.
Santat strikes a pose with students at Metairie Academy in Metairie, La.
Inside the Reading Lodge at Griffin Elementary School in Houston.
Santat takes his tour to new heights with astronaut Leland Melvin at the Kinkaid School in Houston.
Inspired by After the Fall, students at Menchaca Elementary School in Austin created a Wall of Things to Overcome.
Students take part in an interactive storytime at Drummond Elementary School in St. Ann, Mo. Photo: The Novel Neighbor
Santat leads an arts and crafts activity at Brazee Street Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio. Photo: Blue Manatee
Don’t break the hand-decorated eggs at Falcon Heights Elementary in Falcon Heights, Minn.
The author-illustrator reads from his book at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, Minn.
Santat meets one of his youngest fans at Addendum Books in St. Paul.
The illustrator demonstrates his drawing skills for a student at Freeman Elementary School in Haysville, Kans., with Watermark Books & Café.
Santat signs a book for Mario and Wonder Woman at Cheltenham Elementary School in Denver, at an event hosted by Second Star to the Right. At 5,280 feet above sea level, the tour reached its peak.
