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Humphrey's Corner
A toddler and his favorite toy find the perfect place to play.
Humphrey and his favorite toy, Mop, are looking for a place to play. They set off to find somewhere cozy and interesting, but nothing seems quite right. Then Mommy comes to help, and Humphrey and Mop find a warm, secret place that is just perfect.
"Humphrey's Corner introduces an endearing character who will remind readers of their own favorite toddlers, and will remind toddlers of their own cozy, interesting places.
Humphrey and his favorite toy, Mop, are looking for a place to play. They set off to find somewhere cozy and interesting, but nothing seems quite right. Then Mommy comes to help, and Humphrey and Mop find a warm, secret place that is just perfect.
"Humphrey's Corner introduces an endearing character who will remind readers of their own favorite toddlers, and will remind toddlers of their own cozy, interesting places.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 18, 2011
A young elephant named Humphrey is looking for the perfect place to play with his stuffed animal toy (a cute little rabbit). The story follows him in his journey around the house, finding little treasures as he goes imagining through the house trying out different spots until he finds one that is just right.
This is one of those sweet picture books that I just want to snuggle up with and smile over when I finish reading it. It really takes me back to my own childhood when the house was full of possibilities and everyday objects are the keys to unlocking the imagination.
It's also a good choice for those who are looking for books that don't promote specific gender stereotypes. As part of Humphrey's exploration, he goes into his mother's room and tries on her necklace and high heeled shoes and other things and even wears the high heeled shoes for awhile. What I loved is that this doesn't seem like it's trying to be obvious about gender roles, it's just part of his play-time and exploring his surroundings and loving his mommy. (I must say that while I have no problem with a little boy trying on his mom's things, I was a bit concerned he was playing in his mother's things without asking but it's implied that it is okay as she is nearby.)
This is one of those sweet picture books that I just want to snuggle up with and smile over when I finish reading it. It really takes me back to my own childhood when the house was full of possibilities and everyday objects are the keys to unlocking the imagination.
It's also a good choice for those who are looking for books that don't promote specific gender stereotypes. As part of Humphrey's exploration, he goes into his mother's room and tries on her necklace and high heeled shoes and other things and even wears the high heeled shoes for awhile. What I loved is that this doesn't seem like it's trying to be obvious about gender roles, it's just part of his play-time and exploring his surroundings and loving his mommy. (I must say that while I have no problem with a little boy trying on his mom's things, I was a bit concerned he was playing in his mother's things without asking but it's implied that it is okay as she is nearby.)
August 24, 2021
36/1001 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up
"Humphrey was looking for Mop. He wanted to go and play but he had to have Mop otherwise it just wasn't right."
"Humphrey was looking for Mop. He wanted to go and play but he had to have Mop otherwise it just wasn't right."
February 4, 2026
We just finished reading Humphrey’s Corner, and it turned out to be such a warm, gentle bedtime story. The book has a soft rhythm and cosy illustrations that make winding down feel natural, not forced. It’s the kind of story that slows everything down before sleep.
Amelia especially loved the funny little detail where Humphrey is walking around in his mummy’s shoes. That was the highlight for her 😄 She immediately laughed and said it was just like her, because she also loves putting on my shoes and clomping around the house. That moment made the story feel personal and familiar, which is exactly what you want in a bedtime book.
What I appreciated most is how the story shows a child-like need for comfort and closeness in such a sweet, calm way. It opens the door for little conversations about bedtime feelings without making them big or scary.
Overall, this is a lovely, reassuring book for young children — gentle, relatable, and perfect for cuddly evening reading. And apparently, also a great reminder that mummy’s shoes are very important fashion items 👠✨
Amelia especially loved the funny little detail where Humphrey is walking around in his mummy’s shoes. That was the highlight for her 😄 She immediately laughed and said it was just like her, because she also loves putting on my shoes and clomping around the house. That moment made the story feel personal and familiar, which is exactly what you want in a bedtime book.
What I appreciated most is how the story shows a child-like need for comfort and closeness in such a sweet, calm way. It opens the door for little conversations about bedtime feelings without making them big or scary.
Overall, this is a lovely, reassuring book for young children — gentle, relatable, and perfect for cuddly evening reading. And apparently, also a great reminder that mummy’s shoes are very important fashion items 👠✨
October 15, 2017
Why I picked it up: It appears on the list of 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up. I'm attempting to read through the list.
Why I kept reading: Humphrey is so cute and so much fun. He gets up to a lot of mischief as he searches for a good place in the house to play with his toys.
In the end: I read this during a week when a lot of upheaval was going on around me. The illustrations in the book made it a very calming read. Just what I was needing at the time. The book made me smile and left me wishing I too could take a day and just play around the house.
Why I kept reading: Humphrey is so cute and so much fun. He gets up to a lot of mischief as he searches for a good place in the house to play with his toys.
In the end: I read this during a week when a lot of upheaval was going on around me. The illustrations in the book made it a very calming read. Just what I was needing at the time. The book made me smile and left me wishing I too could take a day and just play around the house.
September 28, 2021
Humphrey's Corner was my absolute favorite book as a kid. This book is very special because of how cozy all of the writing and illustrations are. The story is from the toddler elephant's perspective, and it has a warmth that makes the reader feel secure. I love this book and how cozy it is.
November 5, 2017
A wonderful book about Humphrey's search for the perfect place to play. The pastel illustrations are very calming.
January 14, 2021
Read on archive .org
Sweet, gentle story for the little ones. It includes some British terms I wasn’t familiar with, so that was interesting.
Sweet, gentle story for the little ones. It includes some British terms I wasn’t familiar with, so that was interesting.
August 29, 2022
1001 Children's Books To Read Before You Grow Up - #36
February 8, 2023
Beautifully illustrated
January 12, 2026
my favourite children’s book growing up and still my favourite now as a 24 year old. genuinely makes me cry reading it. it’s so beautiful and tender and warm
February 25, 2026
Checked out from Kilbourn Public Library 📚 in Wisconsin
April 10, 2008
CIP: A little elephant tries out different spots around the house, until he finds the perfect place to play - near his mother.
Another beautifully illustrated picture book in pastel colors by the author. A familiar character, Humphrey, is going about his daily life at home with Mommy. He spends time in various rooms of the house picking up various objects that become his toys. These are common and logical tasks and assumptions that toddlers & preschoolers would also do. There are some humorous parts like when the toys fall down the stairs.
A favorable review by Rebecca Greeley is found on the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northern Latitudes Literacy Network: (http://www.uaf.edu/educ/jpw/book_revi...
Another beautifully illustrated picture book in pastel colors by the author. A familiar character, Humphrey, is going about his daily life at home with Mommy. He spends time in various rooms of the house picking up various objects that become his toys. These are common and logical tasks and assumptions that toddlers & preschoolers would also do. There are some humorous parts like when the toys fall down the stairs.
A favorable review by Rebecca Greeley is found on the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northern Latitudes Literacy Network: (http://www.uaf.edu/educ/jpw/book_revi...
September 19, 2011
This is a charming story of a young elephant and his favorite stuffed animal spending the day together playing, getting into some mischief, and realizing things weren't quite right until they were somewhere Mom was close by. There's repetitiveness throughout the narrative that could be used to encourage children to anticipate the action. The illustrations are easily recognizable and would thus make this book one that children could memorize the gist of it after a few readings. This in turn could help build a child's confidence which is almost always a good thing.
August 7, 2014
Reading this book gave me warm fuzzies all over! Humphrey is a typical toddler who keeps busy throughout the house. He makes messes without meaning to. I love the author's insight on what these messes mean to Humphrey. Mom doesn't scold him because she understands this is what busy toddlers do. My favorite part is when Humphrey goes into his special play place that mom has created just for him. Beautiful, lovingly done illustrations.
Do I recommend this book? YES. A great book for the little ones
Do I recommend this book? YES. A great book for the little ones
June 13, 2012
1001 Children's Books list
Age group: 0-3
Their list: 36/1001
My list: 30/1001
Why they say you should read it? Enduring but not overly sweet. A story that is simple and packed with leaning opportunities.
Pencil outlines. This illustrator/author is after my soul. Man, I wish more illustrators appreciated the simplicity and beauty of pencil amongst soft color.
My kids thoughts? Stop staring at the pictures and read the story, mom!
Age group: 0-3
Their list: 36/1001
My list: 30/1001
Why they say you should read it? Enduring but not overly sweet. A story that is simple and packed with leaning opportunities.
Pencil outlines. This illustrator/author is after my soul. Man, I wish more illustrators appreciated the simplicity and beauty of pencil amongst soft color.
My kids thoughts? Stop staring at the pictures and read the story, mom!
May 13, 2010
This is one of the most beautiful children's books I've ever read. The creative play ideas for hidey holes around the house is inspired and inspirational for little ones. Wish I'd known about this book before my kids reached school!
This has just gone on my list of 'gift books' - might even get myself a copy .....
This has just gone on my list of 'gift books' - might even get myself a copy .....
December 9, 2011
A cute story- Humphrey and his friend Mop just want a nice cosy quiet place to play, and they have a bit of trouble finding it. I liked the story, but for me the illustrations are just a bit washed out to give it the proper punch it deserves. The illustrations can be quite funny- Humphrey making sploshy sounds dropping things down the toilet, I just found them too insipid to work for me.
November 27, 2013
A sweet book about Humphrey the elephant who is looking for the perfect place to play. Parents will identify with the messes Humphrey creates as he looks all over the house and children will identify with finding just the right spot for play time (near mommy!). The illustrations are as beautiful as ever.
December 10, 2013
Ah, the sunny and soft idyll of childhood. This book is cuteness personified, with a little elephant dragging his toys around the house to find the perfect place to play, ending in a clothes fort, of course! Made me think of the Babar books, the Ernest and Celestine stories and You'll Wake the Baby while reminding me of my own childhood of creative play. :)
September 21, 2014
Very cute, both the storyline and the illustrations. It would have been five stars if it hadn't stuck to 1950s stereotypical gender roles. Women-elephants don't have to stay chained to the kitchen sink, y'know.
March 29, 2009
This is a picture book, but it is so cute!! You can borrow it from me if you like!
March 4, 2010
I just want to give Humphrey a great big squeeze. This book is so sweet and whimsical...adorable!
March 15, 2010
comfort and snuggling. Classic wanderings of a little one, the thought process of going from one activity to another
September 17, 2011
Humphrey's Corner is a great bedtime book. The picutres and story are so warm and nostaligic you can't help but feel as cozy and tired as Humphrey does once he finds his just right sleeping spot.
August 22, 2012
Great pastel illustrations and a very relatable character and story for toddlers
August 24, 2012
Really cute pictures!
March 2, 2013
I liked this cute story about a little boy (elephant) and his adventures with his toys. It made me think of how my kids would play, so it appealed greatly to my imagination.
June 6, 2013
Oh my goodness. Humphrey is just TOO cute!!! Really enjoyed the story and loved the font in the book. :)
March 8, 2014
Totally reminded me how I played as kid! Loved it! :)
March 30, 2015
I loved this story and i'm sure when i read it to my daughter she will also like it as well. I loved the pictures and story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews