Itsy Mitsy Runs Away

Name: Itsy Mitsy Runs Away
Item: Itsy Mitsy Runs Away
Rating: 4
Author: Monica Mehta

Book review by

Monica Mehta, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 4+

(i)

Tender book about bedtime battles imparts a loving message.

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Kids say

age 7+

Based on 1 review

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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Educational Value

Early readers will enjoy the simple text on the page, which also includes more challenging words to expand their reading vocabulary ("dinosaur," "beasties," "outlet").

Positive Messages

There's a positive message about family and love as a patient papa comes up with a clever plan to stop his daughter from running away -- and also manages to get her to sleep.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Itsy Mitsy's father, who "helps" his child to run away, is ever-loving and patient.

Violence & Scariness

Although there is no violence in this book, there is the existence of "bedtime beasties," which may initiate a conversation about the boogeyman, monsters, and other scary bedtime creatures that exist in your child's imagination.

Language

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a book about bedtime drama -- and that while the protagonist may want to run away, she ends up being too tired to go through with her plan. There's a positive message about family and love as a patient papa comes up with a clever plan to stop his daughter from running away -- and also manages to get her to sleep. Although there's no violence in this book, there is the existence of "bedtime beasties." Early readers will enjoy the simple text on the page, which also includes more challenging words to expand their reading vocabulary ("dinosaur," "beasties," "outlet").

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User Reviews

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Kid, 11 years old July 31, 2011

age 7+

wow!

i think it is good

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What's the story?

Little Itsy Mitsy does not want to go to bed. So, she informs her father that she is running away. Her father decides to help her pack, and starts with basics such as her favorite stuffed animal and a snack. The book quickly veers into more imaginative territory as he suggests she pack something to shoo off the "bedtime beasties." After that she must pack her dog to fend off the beasties, a light to see with, and eventually, the house and her father. The task proves to be so tiring that she ends up falling asleep. It's so fun that she asks her dad if she can "run away again tomorrow."

Is it any good?

This funny, sweet bedtime picture book has a simple yet imaginative storyline. The humorous text, written in short rhythmic passages, is easy for early readers to master. The colored pencil cartoon drawings come to life on the page as the main character gets ready to run away. This is a great pick for children who just don't like to sleep -- and you know who they are.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about bedtime and the importance of resting and sleeping. Do you ever feel like Itsy Mitsy? What are some ways bedtime can be an easier, happier process?
What are "bedtime beasties?" Parents may want to ask their kids about their own fears and what they imagine -- while also reminding their kids there is no such thing.