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The Day I Ran Away
Foreword Indies 2017 winner
Mom’s Choice Award Gold Winner
Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval
Mississippi Magnolia Children’s Choice Award PreK-2 List, 2019
While Dad tucks her in, a little girl named Grace calmly recounts her day—which was anything but calm. She had a tantrum (because of some injustices involving a purple shirt and breakfast cereal) and was banished to her bedroom before deciding to run away. Understanding that kids have ups and downs, Grace's mom wisely gave her daughter the space and time she needed to reach her own decision to return home—to open arms.
The Day I Ran Away amusingly captures Grace’s mutable moods and childlike logic, making her a character readers care about and can relate to. Warm, humorous digital paintings offer fun details to keep little listeners busy. Kids can compare the bedtime and daytime scenes and try to figure out how Grace got that purple paw-pint on her cheek—and when it got washed away. They can mimic Grace’s facial expressions or copy her poses for some soothing bedtime yoga. And of course, they can create a safe place to run away to when the injustices of Pre-K existence become too much to bear. A pop-up tent in the yard and the haven beneath the dining room table are excellent run-away destinations, as long as you come home for dinner.
Mom’s Choice Award Gold Winner
Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval
Mississippi Magnolia Children’s Choice Award PreK-2 List, 2019
While Dad tucks her in, a little girl named Grace calmly recounts her day—which was anything but calm. She had a tantrum (because of some injustices involving a purple shirt and breakfast cereal) and was banished to her bedroom before deciding to run away. Understanding that kids have ups and downs, Grace's mom wisely gave her daughter the space and time she needed to reach her own decision to return home—to open arms.
The Day I Ran Away amusingly captures Grace’s mutable moods and childlike logic, making her a character readers care about and can relate to. Warm, humorous digital paintings offer fun details to keep little listeners busy. Kids can compare the bedtime and daytime scenes and try to figure out how Grace got that purple paw-pint on her cheek—and when it got washed away. They can mimic Grace’s facial expressions or copy her poses for some soothing bedtime yoga. And of course, they can create a safe place to run away to when the injustices of Pre-K existence become too much to bear. A pop-up tent in the yard and the haven beneath the dining room table are excellent run-away destinations, as long as you come home for dinner.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2017
409 people want to read
About the author
Holly L. Niner
8 books26 followersI grew up in Newburgh, New York where I could often be found reading a book under the weeping willow tree. In elementary school, a friend and I picked our library books together, so that we could trade books half way through the week otherwise I would run out of things to read. I loved to read mysteries, historical fiction, about everyday people and even poetry!
While I loved to read, I did not always write stories. In college I studied to be a Speech Therapist and I continue to provide speech therapy services in nursing homes. However, as I read books to my children, I realized that I wanted to write stories that children would love. So I took a writing course and began to learn about the craft of writing and the business of publishing. The first stories I published were in magazines for children.
My first picture book, Mr. Worry: A Story about OCD, was chosen by International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) to be included in the Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities 2005 catalog and traveling exhibit. I Can’t Stop: A Story about Tourette Syndrome, received a 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio award and was a 2005 Bank Street College of Education Best Book.
Mr. Worry, is close to my heart because my son has OCD. I feel that books are a wonderful way to explain a difficult topic and are a useful place to start a discussion with a child. So I wrote a story about OCD to help children and their families deal with this difficult disorder.
This year Flashlight Press is releasing my latest books--
The Day I Ran Away, Spring 2017
No More Noisy Nights, Fall 2017
YIPPEE!!
I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana with my husband Keith and one crazy cat. My children, Evan (29) and Beth (27) were always able to talk me into buying them a book. There are books everywhere in this house of readers-on bookshelves, on tables, in boxes in the basement, even in the bathroom!
While I loved to read, I did not always write stories. In college I studied to be a Speech Therapist and I continue to provide speech therapy services in nursing homes. However, as I read books to my children, I realized that I wanted to write stories that children would love. So I took a writing course and began to learn about the craft of writing and the business of publishing. The first stories I published were in magazines for children.
My first picture book, Mr. Worry: A Story about OCD, was chosen by International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) to be included in the Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities 2005 catalog and traveling exhibit. I Can’t Stop: A Story about Tourette Syndrome, received a 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio award and was a 2005 Bank Street College of Education Best Book.
Mr. Worry, is close to my heart because my son has OCD. I feel that books are a wonderful way to explain a difficult topic and are a useful place to start a discussion with a child. So I wrote a story about OCD to help children and their families deal with this difficult disorder.
This year Flashlight Press is releasing my latest books--
The Day I Ran Away, Spring 2017
No More Noisy Nights, Fall 2017
YIPPEE!!
I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana with my husband Keith and one crazy cat. My children, Evan (29) and Beth (27) were always able to talk me into buying them a book. There are books everywhere in this house of readers-on bookshelves, on tables, in boxes in the basement, even in the bathroom!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 8, 2019
This was an adorable little book. I really loved the fact the the lines are different colors. This makes it really easily to do a read alone with your child.
March 4, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is The Day I Ran Away, written by Holly L. Niner and illustrated by Isabella Ongaro, a delightful tale of a little girl’s eventful day.
Catching up with her daddy before bedtime, Grace relates some surprising news: she ran away today. Naturally, her father is curious as to why, so Grace unpacks the trials and tribulations of her difficult day. First, her favorite purple shirt was dirty, so she had to wear a white one instead. Then, they were out of her favorite cereal. After she gets sent to her room for coloring WAY outside the lines, she decides she’s had enough: she’s going to run away. Just one problem – she’s not allowed to cross the street by herself. So her mommy makes a suggestion: how about they set up her pop-up tent in the backyard, and she can run away to there. Brilliant! Grace enjoys her freedom right up until dinner time, when she decides to UN-run away… until tomorrow, that is.
Positively charming. I love when authors tell a story from a child’s point of view, and this one was so representative of actual child logic that it was hilarious. The dialogue-exclusive text is great for reading aloud, and encourages fun voices and creative emphases. Grace and her mom’s tumultuous day will strike a chord with any stay-at-home parent, and kids will laugh at the familiar antics of one of their own. The illustrations are adorable, colorful and sweet and filled with clever little details, such as Grace and her dad’s yoga poses as they chat (though I wish this cute detail had been highlighted more – I wouldn’t have even noticed had a glossary not been included in my review packet). The length was great, and JJ and I definitely had fun with it. A lovely little slice-of-life story, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
April 2, 2017
This is a cute story with a bit of a lesson for both children and parents. All children (actually people of all ages) will get upset at one time or another and this story shows that if you handle it properly and have taught your children well that it will all work out. I like how the mother handled the situation - giving her daughter some freedom and letting her think she was running away from home without actually leaving the yard. In a small way she turned it into an adventure and having taught her daughter some lessons earlier in her life about crossing the street, she was able to keep her close. It was really ingenious!
The only thing that was wrong is that the story never says the little girls name in the text. No where in the story does mom or dad call her by her name. (at least not in the ARC that I had been provided). Her name does appear in an illustration, and while I did look at the illustrations (they depicted the words beautifully) I would not have expected to have to look there for her name.
The only thing that was wrong is that the story never says the little girls name in the text. No where in the story does mom or dad call her by her name. (at least not in the ARC that I had been provided). Her name does appear in an illustration, and while I did look at the illustrations (they depicted the words beautifully) I would not have expected to have to look there for her name.
July 23, 2017
The Day I Ran Away by Holly Niner introduces the reader to a young girl named Grace. While getting ready for bed, she proudly tells her dad that she ran away earlier that day. Her father asks her why she ran away and receives quite an earful.
Grace was not able to wear her favorite shirt. They were out of her favorite cereal and she was put in a time out for yelling at her mother. Feeling bad for how she acted, Grace heads to her room to make a card for her mother. That's when her day really took a turn for the worst...
With her wagon loaded full of toys and trusty Charlie Dog by her side, Grace is ready to leave it all behind and run away. Will she be able to go through with her plan? Is there anything that can change Grace's mind?
I absolutely loved this book! I was enchanted from start to finish. One of my favorite aspects of this book is that the entire text is a dialogue just between Grace and her dad. This reminds of me of the close relationship that I had with my father as a child (and still do). I love how her dad remains calm throughout the story and really listens to Grace while validating her feelings.
Isabella Ongaro's illustrations are amazing! I especially love the Charlie Dog character. He is so cute and his expressions and antics are adorable. I also love the style of the illustrations as well as the vibrant color palate that was used.
This story is a great read for children of all ages. The timeless theme of home being where the heart is can be felt with every turn of the page. Children will definitely relate to Grace and her feelings.
Grace was not able to wear her favorite shirt. They were out of her favorite cereal and she was put in a time out for yelling at her mother. Feeling bad for how she acted, Grace heads to her room to make a card for her mother. That's when her day really took a turn for the worst...
With her wagon loaded full of toys and trusty Charlie Dog by her side, Grace is ready to leave it all behind and run away. Will she be able to go through with her plan? Is there anything that can change Grace's mind?
I absolutely loved this book! I was enchanted from start to finish. One of my favorite aspects of this book is that the entire text is a dialogue just between Grace and her dad. This reminds of me of the close relationship that I had with my father as a child (and still do). I love how her dad remains calm throughout the story and really listens to Grace while validating her feelings.
Isabella Ongaro's illustrations are amazing! I especially love the Charlie Dog character. He is so cute and his expressions and antics are adorable. I also love the style of the illustrations as well as the vibrant color palate that was used.
This story is a great read for children of all ages. The timeless theme of home being where the heart is can be felt with every turn of the page. Children will definitely relate to Grace and her feelings.
February 19, 2018
Note: I received an unbound galley of this book from the publisher at ALA Midwinter 2017.
July 24, 2017
Holly Niner, Author... was our dear friend and wonderful neighbor when we lived in Fort Wayne, IN.
We are still friends, just different cities, and both love reading books.
Holly wrote "Mr. Worry", a story about OCD to help children unlearn the compulsions that they have developed.
Holly also wrote "I Can't Stop!", a story about Tourette Syndrome and the misconceptions and acceptance of TS, which is a neurologic disorder.
Now she has a new book that is winning all kind's of awards..."The Day I Ran Away", which is a spirited story for days when you feel like running away and it has a sweet reminder that home is where the hugs are.
Congratulations to our friend Holly!
Love,
Deanna and John Schleeter
We are still friends, just different cities, and both love reading books.
Holly wrote "Mr. Worry", a story about OCD to help children unlearn the compulsions that they have developed.
Holly also wrote "I Can't Stop!", a story about Tourette Syndrome and the misconceptions and acceptance of TS, which is a neurologic disorder.
Now she has a new book that is winning all kind's of awards..."The Day I Ran Away", which is a spirited story for days when you feel like running away and it has a sweet reminder that home is where the hugs are.
Congratulations to our friend Holly!
Love,
Deanna and John Schleeter
March 1, 2017
Sweet joy, warm fuzzies and happy thoughts abound in this fanciful book about a day in the life of a little girl who has experienced an abundance of frustrations one after the other. At bed-time the child shares with her father the unvarnished details of her day. As she prattles along he offers a sympathetic ear while she recounts the traumatic events leading to her impending departure. From her beloved shirt being in the laundry, to learning the cupboards were devoid of her favorite cereal, she holds nothing back as she explains why she felt the need to take leave of her home on that very disheartening day.
Author Holly L. Niner's endearing depiction of a precocious young girl, and her father who shows perfect love and compassion, is one that is sure to warm the heart of readers young and old. Whimsical illustrations by Isabella Ongaro are perfectly paired with this delightful book which earns our recommendation for home and school libraries everywhere. Look out Alexander and the Terrible Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, there's a new book in town and it's earned a very special place in our hearts and on our book shelf.
Author Holly L. Niner's endearing depiction of a precocious young girl, and her father who shows perfect love and compassion, is one that is sure to warm the heart of readers young and old. Whimsical illustrations by Isabella Ongaro are perfectly paired with this delightful book which earns our recommendation for home and school libraries everywhere. Look out Alexander and the Terrible Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, there's a new book in town and it's earned a very special place in our hearts and on our book shelf.
May 16, 2018
As a book reviewer, I received a free e-copy of this book, and was quite delighted with the story. Told from the pov of a young girl telling her dad about her day and how she ran away, this tale shows how a child's day can go from horrible to memorable when a little love is added to the mix. The wonderful way this story unfolds, allows children to see that punishment for wrong doing doesn't mean parents don't love them. I especially loved the ending where they young girl turns the negativity of running away into something positive and fun she can share with her parents. Great work Ms. Niner!
February 25, 2017
As a bookstore owner I was lucky to get a copy of this book prior to its release date. As a mom I found this to be a lovely book about a child discovering her independence. I love that throughout the story the mom plays along with her daughter running away and that the daughter finds her day enjoyable and wants to "run away" again the next day. It is both a great story for a child as they will see the young girl calm down as the day progresses and also a great story for a parent as they will see a mom find a creative way to encourage her stubborn child.
April 29, 2023
How adorable!! I love the parents in this book and the little girl and doggie are so cute. The illustrations are fantastic. I want to run away too. It did remind me of when I ran away with my best friend, we were around 8. We made sandwiches, got chips and drinks, with no lids, and walked to the end of a street where there was a field. We sat and complained about our families and ate our lunch. Then got tired and went back home. So there, this kind of thing has been happening for a long while.
July 25, 2023
A great book for littles! I loved the story, and the illustrations are done well.
The different colors on the lines of print is a fun way to read the book with a child.
A great book that teaches a lesson and will relate well with all children who are not happy with rules and punishment.
I liked how the mom found a creative solution to make Grace happy in the end.
Nicely done Holly Niner.
I would recommend this book to all.
The different colors on the lines of print is a fun way to read the book with a child.
A great book that teaches a lesson and will relate well with all children who are not happy with rules and punishment.
I liked how the mom found a creative solution to make Grace happy in the end.
Nicely done Holly Niner.
I would recommend this book to all.
October 12, 2017
A common story told in an uncommon manner - series of flashbacks as a little girl recalls her day. This requires the reader to think a bit to follow the story - but not so much to confuse the reader.
Hand-sketched illustrations digitally colored. Left-hand page shows the girl telling her dad what happened, the right-hand side shows the sequence of events throughout the day.
Hand-sketched illustrations digitally colored. Left-hand page shows the girl telling her dad what happened, the right-hand side shows the sequence of events throughout the day.
August 22, 2018
I liked that the parent didn't lose her cool when responding to the child's actions, but I questioned some of the parenting decisions. To each her own. Still, I was left with a negative overall feeling that "running away" was somehow now a fun thing. Couldn't it have changed to family camping or something? Not my favorite.
February 2, 2021
We've all heard the story about the kid wanting to run away and the mom helping her do it. This is a bit of a fresh take on that with the girl recounting the events of the day to her dad at bedtime. It is a really sweet family book that shows a strong family bond. Very cute for the younger crowd of readers.
March 13, 2017
This book was so fun to read and colorful illustrations are beautiful.I read this book to my kids and we all enjoyed it.Different fonts in adult orange and youthful purple made the conversation relate to the emotions so beautiful.
June 17, 2017
Okay how cute was this story. I pretty much tried to run away when I was little with my tricycle, a dollar and a barbie I got to the end of the block and it started raining and I got caught by my cousin. LOL!!! But anyway cute text and cute pictures
July 21, 2017
i loved the format of this so much. i love that the whole book is simply the little girl telling her dad about her day. and how responsive he is to everything she tells him. illustrations were super fun, especially that tiny dog of hers haha.
September 13, 2017
This cute story is told in question and answer dialogue between a father and daughter at bedtime about the activities and events that lead the girl to run away during the day. preschool and up for concept. very cute but must be able to follow the two stories in words and pictures.
May 11, 2017
This is a super cute story with awesome illustrations. My daughter, niece, and nephew all loved it!
I won this book via a Goidreads Giveaway. That has in no way influenced my review.
I won this book via a Goidreads Giveaway. That has in no way influenced my review.
May 12, 2017
THIS WAS ADORABLE!
May 23, 2017
I read it out loud to my little girls and they loved it! I will be reading the author's two other children's books to my girls.
May 25, 2017
Cute story that embraces the straightforward "logic" of a child.
Bright, colorful illustrations.
Bright, colorful illustrations.
June 14, 2017
Sweet, fun read for kids and parents alike, especially any who have run away.
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.
June 22, 2017
This is a super cute story with awesome illustrations. My daughter, niece, and nephew all loved it!
I received a copy of this book via a Goidreads Giveaway
I received a copy of this book via a Goidreads Giveaway
June 25, 2017
Kids liked the pictures in it and the story!
November 17, 2017
Cute! Great dialogue, great story.
October 5, 2018
I think the book is good because one time I wanted to run away because things were noy going my way And I am on page 3
January 2, 2020
I can never get over how beautiful children's books are and how they deliver deep, meaningful stories with just a few words and wonderful expressions.
January 21, 2020
I think this is a cute and relatable book for kids who get frustrated with rules and punishments. After all, sometimes we all need to run away.
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September 3, 2021Cute.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews