Publication Date: May 3, 2011 Publisher: Atheneum Author: · Elanna Allen Grade: A+

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When I was a little guy, I often threatened to run away from home. Almost as often, my parents volunteered to help me pack.

Looking back, I'm still not sure if they were serious, or if they were excercising the wisdom of Itsy Mitsy's father when he does the same in Elanna Allen's absolutely delightful instant classic, Itsy Mitsy Runs Away.

Itsy Mitsy is a little girl who simply cannot stand the word "Bedtime." And so when her dad tells her it's that time again, she decides to run away. And dad, being a wise dad, decides to help her pack.

Of course, everything Mitsy packs -- beginning with her favorite dinosaur, Mr. Roar -- requires something else be packed as well. At the turn of each page, Mitsy's wagon goes from full to ridiculously full, and the inventory list grows progressively larger like the continuing verses of "The House That Jack Built" (another favorite requested bedtime reading around this house, as well as Itsy Mitsy Runs Away:

She packed a lamp
to light up her pup
to bark at the beasts
to guard the snack
that she had packed
for her friendliest dinosaur,
Mister Roar.

"Step aside, Daddy,"
she said.
"I'm running away."

"Yes dear. Have fun."

Elanna Allen's charming story is boosted by her illustrations. Each full-page piece of art is cuteness given form, an eye-grabbing joy for parents and children alike.

Itsy Mitsy Runs Away is highly recommended. If your parents won't buy you a copy, threaten to run away. Begin by packing your friendliest dinosaur.