We all know that I’m a pushover for cute illustrations. These books by Sally Hunter grabbed me as soon as I grabbed them.
Humprey is an absolutely adorable little elephant, drawn in a style that reminds me quite a bit of Precious Memories. The colors in these books are soft pastels, all the edges and lines of the pictures are softened and not sharp, and when you open the book you feel as though you’ve stepped into a nursery.
In the first book I’m featuring today, entitled “Humphrey’s Corner,” Humphrey is looking for a place to play. First he finds his rabbit, Mop, and his blanket. It just wouldn’t feel right to play without them. The stool would probably come in handy, so he takes it along as well. He wanders through the house, looking for the perfect place to play, but no matter where he goes, it just doesn’t feel right. He does, however, add to his collection with a sparkly necklace and a pair of high heels from Mommy’s closet.
His load is getting too heavy to drag around, and he’s getting tired. Maybe he doesn’t want to play any more.
But then Mommy comes along and helps him bring his box downstairs to the kitchen where it’s warm and sunny. He finds a corner that is just right. It has light and smells like treats, and best of all, it’s near Mommy.
All together now, say “Awwwwwwwww!”
The other book is called “Humphrey’s Bedtime.” It’s getting dark outside and time for everyone to get ready for bed. Baby goes down first, since he’s the youngest. Humprey and his big sister Lottie tuck the baby in and tiptoe out of the nursery. Lottie brags that she can stay up later because she’s the oldest.
Humphrey has a lovely bath to get ready for his bedtime, but Lottie says she doesn’t have time for a bath; she must wash her dolls. Besides, she doesn’t go to bed for a little while yet. There’s plenty of time. She sets about washing her dolls while Humphrey puts on his pajamas and has a nice bedtime snack.
Humphrey’s mommy takes him upstairs and reads him a story, all snuggly warm in his bed. Lottie doesn’t want to join them. She’s a big girl and doesn’t have to go to bed yet. But suddenly taking care of her dolls isn’t as much fun any more. They just won’t behave themselves! She feels very cross and angry, and stamps her foot. Daddy comes along and scoops her up, carrying her off to bed where she falls fast asleep. It’s exhausting, being a big girl.
(These books were published in 1999 and 2000, respectively, by Henry Holt and Company and were illustrated by the author.)
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