The Runaway Dinner
Age 3+
Picture Storybooks
Talk about fast food! A hilarious, high-speed tale from the inimitable Allan Ahlberg – catch it if you can!
The celebrated Allan Ahlberg is in his element in this fast-paced, funny story about what happens when dinner decides that it doesn't fancy being eaten. Just as hungry little boy Banjo is about to tuck into his sausage, it jumps right up off the plate and runs away! But the sausage – whose name is Melvin – isn't alone... He's followed by the fork, the knife, the table, the French fries and even the peas. And so the chase is on! Will Banjo ever catch up with his runaway dinner? And what (gulp) happens to Melvin if he does? Gloriously illustrated by the award-winning Bruce Ingman, this is a whacky, whimsical romp perfect for reading aloud.
Creators
Allan Ahlberg has written nearly 140 titles for children, including Everybody was a Baby Once, The Pencil, The Runaway Dinner and such classics as The Jolly Postman series and Peepo. His books have won numerous awards: the Kurt Maschler Award in 1986, the Blue Peter Award in 2001 and the Children's Book Award in 2002. Allan lives in Bath with his family.
Bruce Ingman's first book, When Martha’s Away, was published in 1995 and was honoured with the National Art Library Award. It also won the 1996 Mother Goose Award for the most exciting British newcomer to children's books. Since then, he has made four more picture books, including Bad News, I’m in Charge and Boing!, written by Sean Taylor. He recently illustrated Ronny Rock Starring in a Thousand Tiny Explosions by Merryn Threadgould. He lives in West London.
Reviews
Joyously funny and absolutely attuned to small children, the story of Allan Ahlberg’s The Runaway Dinner is all contained in its delicious title…This Marx Brothers-style improvisation on the dish running away with the spoon theme will amuse and entertain children, giving them the bug of being in love with books.
The Sydney Morning Herald
I loved Bruce Ingman’s illustrations for Allan Ahlberg’s The Runaway Dinner, but this is a book that is carried by the strength of its writing…Ahlberg makes it perfectly hilarious. I found myself reading this aloud, despite the fact that I was the only person in the room.
The Listener
Ahlberg’s verbal text and Ingman’s pictures harmonise perfectly in content, mood and tone to present a child-centred narrative and world-view…Highly recommended for pre-schoolers.
Magpies Magazine
Ahlberg’s relaxed, droll commentary strikes a nice balance with Bruce Ingman’s naïve illustrations in this funny fast-food chase.
The Dominion Post
