Runaway Blanket

For some children, when it’s time for bed, it’s also their time to activate their array of delaying tactics, like, “I need a drink of water”, “I can’t find my stuffie”, or “Just read me one more book”.

Using first person, the young narrator comes up with a new excuse when his/her mother points out that is bedtime: his/her blanket has packed a bag and is running away. Of course, without the child having access to this comfort object, sleep will be impossible. The same excuse is proffered to the child’s aunt and grandmother (plus the family dog) as each remarks that it is the child’s slumber time. Mike Deas’ illustrations reinforce the child’s words, with the blanket, packed bag in “hand”, being seen running from the child’s bedroom, down the stairs, grabbing food from the refrigerator, and then climbing though an open living room window before exiting the yard’s gate and running down the road until stopping by a lake, all while being pursued by the three women (Mama with younger child in her arms), the narrator, and the dog. Seeing that the blanket has become fatigued by its run, the child decides its time to take the blanket home and to bed. Lest readers think this happening was a one-off, the child closes the board book with:

Snuggled in all nice and cozy,

Sweet dreams, my little runaway

...until tomorrow night.

Mike Deas’ art sets the story in a forested, likely rural, area. Youngsters will enjoy the story’s gentle humor. However, at a certain time of the day, they may ask for it to be read again...and again...and again.