Alfie Runs Away - Hardcover

Cadow, Kenneth M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374302022 ISBN 13: 9780374302023

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 2010

Synopsis

Alfie's mother wants to get rid of his favorite red shoes he's outgrown. So Alfie is running away. His mother points out that he might get thirsty on his trip, and she gives him a bottle of nice cold water. And a flashlight, in case it gets dark. Together, they pack everything Alfie might need. But once he is out in the wide world, Alfie discovers that some very important things can't be packed in bags.

About this title

About the Author

Kenneth M. Cadow is an art teacher who he lives in Norwich, Vermont. Alfie Runs Away is his first picture book. Lauren Castillo has illustrated several books, including That's Papa's Way by Kate Banks. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

Kindergarten-Grade 2—There are several things Alfie doesn't like about living in his household, but when his mom decides to give away his favorite too-small shoes, he's had enough. "I'm going to run away," he declares. His very accommodating mother helps him pack for the journey: flashlight, batteries, water bottle, snacks, pillow, blanket, stuffed bear, and books. When he gets as far as the backyard, however, the pack is so heavy that he empties everything out and has a picnic. And just when Alfie discovers a way to avoid parting with his shoes forever, his mom comes running with a sorely missed hug. Endpapers feature broad outline drawings of Alfie's treasures, color visible only on his beloved red shoes. The mixed-media illustrations are large and heavily outlined in black. They depict a very determined child, hair sticking up, hands on hips, and foot tapping as he makes his ominous announcement. He prances out of the house while Mom calmly looks on, his bravado dampening only when he begins to realize what he has left behind. Youngsters will enjoy hearing the story of Alfie's short-lived adventure along with that of another small runaway in Elissa Haden Guest's Harriet's Had Enough! (Candlewick, 2009).—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT
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Picture-book shelves overflow with stories of furious young kids who protest injustice by packing up their essentials (snacks, stuffed animals) and running away, often making it only as far as the backyard before setting up camp. In his debut picture book, Cadow borrows familiar elements, but what feels fresh here is the child's reason for leaving. Instead of sibling rivalry or the struggle to be heard, it's young Alfie's frustration and sorrow over his own growing up that sends him out the door. After his mother tells Alfie to part with a favorite pair of outgrown sneakers, he explodes, announces his departure plans, and assembles his supplies. His gentle, understanding mother helps and even tucks an imaginary hug into his bag. Alone in the backyard, Alfie slowly accepts that his shoes need to go, and in a warm conclusion, finds a new home for them. Young children will easily recognize Alfie's frustrated feelings of powerlessness, as well as his fears of independence. Castillo's expressive illustrations sensitively reinforce this tender, reassuring story's elemental emotions. Preschool-Kindergarten. --Gillian Engberg

Edition details

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0374302022
• ISBN 13: 9780374302023
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Castillo Lauren