Humphrey's Playtime

Review also includes:

Humphrey’s Colours, 978-0141380117

Humphrey’s Family, 978-0140569308

Humphrey’s Garden, 978-0140567458

First published in a larger format, these Humphrey books are now republished as small format board books. The series presents aspects of childhood experience through the eyes of a two- to three-year-old elephant and his family. This elephant concept works exceptionally well, particularly in displaying the tender clumsiness of early childhood. Each page is a clearly considered portrait of childhood activity. This sometimes gives the impression of a series of overworked studies rather than a book designed for children. This is evident in the author’s use of colour, which is at best muted. In Humphrey’s Colours the images lack the vibrancy required to clearly demonstrate categories of colour. Rather, we are presented with pastel tones and dampened hues. The text is good for children of toddler age but it has clearly been a secondary consideration in the making of these books. Often consisting of a single statement, each double spread cuts the text in half, stilting the flow of text. The style of illustration is also suited to the larger page size as the images occupy only the central area of each page and therefore become very small.

Overall the Humphrey series provokes delight as a considered presentation of the child’s mind. This charming series of books will be attractive to adults and should also be enjoyed by young children.