A Plymouth author who once gave up on dreams of becoming a writer has brought Humpty Dumpty back to life in a beautifully illustrated retelling inspired by children, family, and centuries of English history.
Steve Pawley’s journey back to storytelling began after years working in schools reignited a lifelong creative spark that had faded following difficult experiences in education and disappointing GCSE results in English and Art.
The imagination and curiosity of the children he worked with, alongside the influence of his own grandchildren eventually led him to create a fully illustrated Humpty Dumpty retelling, a project that took around seven months to complete.
But this is not the nursery rhyme many people remember from childhood.
Hidden within the story are subtle nods to one of the most fascinating historical theories surrounding Humpty Dumpty’s origins the 1648 Siege of Colchester, where “Humpty Dumpty” is said to have been the nickname of a huge cannon positioned high on the town walls.
According to the legend, the cannon fell during battle and could not be lifted back into place — inspiring the famous line about “all the king’s horses and all the king’s men.”
Steve wove these historical ideas into his retelling, giving the familiar childhood character an added layer of adventure and mystery.
After publication, the book was shared with children at Montpelier Primary School, where the response proved unforgettable. Some pupils created their own Humpty Dumpty illustrations and stories, moving Steve to write special verses back to them based on their characters.
The book is now continuing its journey through Plymouth schools. Children at Widey Court Primary School have already enjoyed an early preview, with teachers praising how much pupils loved both the adventure and the unexpected twist at the end. A reading session is also planned at Whitleigh Primary School later this month, with talks ongoing to arrange storytelling sessions in libraries across Plymouth.
Steve says the project has allowed three lifelong passions storytelling, poetry, and illustration to finally come together in one place.
And there may soon be another adventure on the way. A first draft for a second rhyming retelling of another classic tale is already complete, with hopes of having the next fully illustrated book finished by autumn.
The book is available on Amazon, and can also be ordered through local bookshops including Waterstones and The Ivybridge Bookshop.
What’s your favourite childhood nursery rhyme or story and does Humpty Dumpty bring back any memories for you?