Books we love: Humphrey’s Hum – Joyful New Picture Book Explores Big Feelings and the Healing Power of Mum and a Hum

Humphrey’s Hum is a gentle, reassuring tale about feeling ‘under the weather’ and the quiet comfort of being cared for. With his mother providing love, rest and understanding, Sophie Hyndman shares how Humphrey is coaxed back to his usual happy self – hum and all.

Humphrey’s Hum: Joyful New Picture Book Explores Big Feelings and the Healing Power of Mum and a Hum

Bursting with warmth, creativity, and charm, Humphrey’s Hum is the heartwarming children’s book that parents, carers, and educators won’t want to miss.

Published on 1st October 2025, author Sophie Hyndman shares a gentle, uplifting exploration of what it means for children, especially boys, to feel a little ‘off’ and the loving relationships that help them bounce back.

Perfect for ages three to six, this beautifully illustrated story highlights the emotional side of feeling unwell in a way children can instantly relate to. With its emphasis on family care, emotional awareness, and the quiet magic of everyday love, Humphrey’s Hum opens the door for important conversations about health, rest, and reassurance.

Brimming with humour, tenderness, and relatable sibling moments, this delightful picture book is a tender reminder that being cared for is part of growing strong, and that, sometimes, even the busiest minds need a little rest.

The story

Humphrey hums when he is happy, but one day, his hum has gone. Without his hum, he can’t do all the exciting things he has lined up. Humphrey’s Mum helps him to look for his hum, but when Humphrey sneezes, she explains that he has a cold. After some medicine and a good night’s rest, Humphrey’s hum is back, and Humphrey has a busy day getting all his projects done (even the ones which annoy his sister). 

Published on 1st October 2025 by Barleyfrog Books, Humphrey’s Hum is available priced £8.10/ $10.50 (paperback) and £2.21/ $2.99 (Kindle format) on Amazon.co.uk (https://tinyurl.com/56fk4nhnand Amazon.com

 The Author

Sophie Hyndman is a writer and illustrator who has been creating children’s books since 2006, combining this with a career in academic writing. Her work combines a love of visual storytelling with a deep understanding of childhood imagination, creativity, and emotion.

She holds a BA in Fine Art from Banbury School of Art (De Montfort University) and has studied illustration under acclaimed artist, Korky Paul.