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Itsy Mitsy Runs Away
Common Sense says
- Elanna Allen
- Picture Book
- 2011
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
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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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.
Book details
- Author: Elanna Allen
- Illustrator: Elanna Allen
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Publication date: May 3, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.