“I am running away!”

If you are a mommy, then I am sure you have heard that statement at least once. If you have not, then that means your kid knows he has a good thing going and is not running anywhere. Just in case he surprises you one day, let me prepare you by suggesting you read this book to him. It will make you laugh and remind your child how much he is loved at home.

Alfie (Alfie Runs Away), on the other hand, has yet to realize how good he has got it. His mother makes his life rather difficult. I mean really, what kind of mother requires you to take baths, or make up your bed or even set the table? Well, Alfie’s mother does and he is just plain tired of the “madness.”

What finally sends Alfie “packing” is when his mother decides to give away his favorite red shoes. She does not make this decision to be mean, but rather, because Alfie is growing up and has outgrown his red shoes.

With blanket and pillow in hand, and red shoes on feet, Alfie prepares to run away from home. Rather than stopping him, his mother suggests he take a water bottle in case he grows thirsty. He accepts the water bottle, but is not swayed by her kindness; he is still running away. As the story continues, his mother suggests a few other items Alfie should take to make his journey more manageable. By the time he makes it to the front door, Alfie has a bag full of “stuff” filled with just about everything he “owns”, and his mother gives him one last thing to “pack”; a hug.

Determined, Alfie leaves with his heavy bag, but only makes it to the far end of the backyard where he decides to stop and rest before continuing on his journey. After all, he has everything he needs in his bag, or does he?

Kenneth Cadow has written a sweet book reminding parents of the “silly” things our children say to us, but often do not really mean. Cadow also reminds parents of the growing pains children may experience when faced with the loss of treasured items of their childhood. Alfie’s solution at the end of the story and his realization that everything that really matters can not be packed into a bag, is a nice conclusion to this adorable story.

What are some of the cherished items your children have from their childhood? What are some of the items you will save (have saved) for your memories of them?