Humpty Dumpty is a bimonthly American magazine for children 2 to 6 years old that takes its title from the nursery rhyme of the same name. The magazine features short stories, poems, nonfiction articles, games, comics, recipes, crafts, and more. Having been continuously produced for more than 65 years, it is one of the oldest American magazines for kids.
History Humpty Dumpty Magazine (then called Humpty Dumpty’s Magazine) was launched by George J. Hecht and Parents magazine in October 1952. Originally, it was a sister publication to Children's Digest, aimed at a younger audience than the latter publication. The first editor of Humpty Dumpty was Harold Schwartz. Another early editor was the children's book author Alvin Tresselt. In January 1980, both Humpty Dumpty and Children’s Digest came under the ownership of the nonprofit Saturday Evening Post Society. When Children's Digest was merged with Jack and Jill in 2009, Humpty Dumpty was continued.
Features The magazine holds an annual themed cover contest in which readers submit their artwork. The winning entry is featured on the front cover, with second-, third-place, and Readers’ Choice winners’ art showcased inside the same issue.
Notable contributors Mel Alexenberg, American-Israeli artist, art educator, and writer Margaret Wise Brown, author of children's literature Martin Gardner, mathematics and science writer Charles Ghigna, poet and children's book author Lee Bennett Hopkins, American educator, poet, author, and anthologist Jack Kent, American cartoonist and author-illustrator of children's books Lilian Moore, poet, children's author, and editor Ilse-Margret Vogel, German-American author of children's books Jay Williams, American author of science fiction
Criticisms A 1986 study of several magazines for the very young, including Humpty Dumpty, concluded that only National Geographic World "solely and completely provided young children with entertainment and interesting information which offered many opportunities for extended discussion". A 1980 study was similarly dismissive of Humpty Dumpty and other children's magazines.
Awards Parents’ Choice Award Recommended Winner, 2017 Parents’ Choice Award Approved Winner, 2012 Association of Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Award for “Autumn Moon,” 2011 Parents’ Choice Approved Award Winner, 2011 iParenting Media Awards Best Product Winner, 2009
See also
Children's literature Childhood in literature Children's literature criticism
References
External links Official web site