If you're planning to run away because your family is "the worst family in the world," then the first thing you need is a reason, counsels the author. Yell your reason out loud several times to make sure it sounds strong, then pack your things (a wagon is recommended) and write a goodbye note that will make your parents want to "burst into tears." When you're going to whatever destination you have in mind, don't dawdle, though there's not much to worry about because "the truth is, they probably won't come looking." Nevertheless, don't stay close, and don't linger in broad daylight. And if you do get weak and don't know where to go, you can always return. After all, you can just run away again if they don't start treating you right, now that they know you mean business. And next time you'll be better-prepared.
I was excited when I began this book because I expected a silly, tongue-in-cheek look at children running away from home in a huff, all the while showing how over-the-top such a thing is and that it's not a solution at all. Ending, of course, with the child returning and seeing how wonderful home is. That is NOT this book, however. The humor is so subtle and adult-like, and the tips so close to practical, that I am concerned that children will not see any intended silliness and will instead consider running away a reasonable and doable solution, and slights such as someone throwing away your candy wrapper collection or your brother getting to stay up late completely valid reasons for leaving. In which case, the many children who do not understand the subtle irony of the book will be encouraged to run away, despite the fact that it is dangerous and manipulative and that there are much better strategies for achieving what you want. (None of which is mentioned in the book, of course.) And when the boy returns home simply because he can't decide where to go -- not because he sees the error of his ways or figures out how to actually talk to his parents about how hurt he is when they don't let him have his way -- the author totally lost me. Especially since she then encourages children to simply save that technique to use again now that they know it works. Nothing like teaching children how to manipulate and terrify their parents in order to get their way! As for the illustrations, I found them intriguing at first, but they are extremely unusual, running the gamut from fun and quirky to just plain creepy, giving the whole book an unsettling feel. And, finally, at 40 pages, some of which are quite text-heavy, it's on the long side for a picture book.
EL -- NOT RECOMMENDED. Reviewed by: Caryn
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