Humpty Who?

Humpty Who? A Book I Earnestly Recommend to You

I recently discovered Humpty Who?, a wonderful gem of a book for the parents of babies and young children, especially first-time parents. I envision the prototypical reader as uncharacteristically uncertain in her (okay, it could be “his”) new role. The author, Jennifer Griffin, describes herself similarly at a loss about what to do when the visitors all left, her husband returned to work, and there she was alone with this occasionally cranky baby. She tried feeding, changing, offering a binkie, rocking, and finally singing to her new son. But all she could think of to sing were themes from TV sitcoms and Christmas songs (in the springtime). She discovered she knew just a few fragments of nursery rhymes.

As a confident and competent person, she got over her chagrin by discovering she was not alone. Her remedy was to do the research for, and write, this lovely book presenting her 80 favorite classic nursery rhymes. They are accompanied by some -- not too many -- engaging suggestions and facts about the origins of of the rhymes.

Ms. Griffin underestimates her intuitive gift for relating to young children. On her own she recognizes that “almost anything is okay to sing to a child, as long as it’s catchy,” adding “I hope that my thoughts on emoting free you to be goofy, because babies love broad humor and most of all they love you -- no matter how silly or off-key you are.” I will support her promise that “if you master even a quarter of the classics here, I guarantee years’ worth of coos and giggles and snuggles and repetitions of that magic word that proves you really have done your job well: 'AGAIN!'”

The same delightful tone encourages new parents to relax with a wonderful collection of rhymes, some with known roots; others anonymous, old, or new; and there is also an accompanying CD to get you started and comfortable performing for your tiny audience member. The first chapter after the introduction has a title that makes it clear just how much fun you can have with this book: “If You’re Clueless and You Know It, Clap Your Hands.”

Even I, who thought I was pretty well versed in the genre, having grown up during an era when most adults around me were effortlessly nursery rhyme-literate, learned a lot from this fun book. I might even suggest that you make it a standard new mother’s gift, along with 5 or 6 classic picture books. How much more practical and fun would that be than the standard pink or blue outfit?

I can’t wait to visit our 13-month-old grandson to try out what I have learned. I must not be overeager and keep in mind his current priority is not sitting still, but navigating the furniture in an all-consuming eagerness to let go and walk. I’ll practice the patience that I preach by remembering he adores being read and sung to. Would you believe his first word was “book” (pronounced “OOOK”)?

May 6, 2008