Keep Running, Gingerbread Man

by Steve Smallman, Neil Price (Illustrator)

In Keep Running, Gingerbread Man! no one can keep up with the speedy biscuit. Only Fox is fit enough to stand a chance of a teatime treat. But the Gingerbread Man's not just quick on his feet - he's pretty quick-witted too. After outsmarting Fox, he leads the other characters in an aerobics class. This series is a welcome addition for parents looking for picture books with a message. Focusing on personal well-being, QEB aims to intertwine your favourite classic fairy tales with a twist on health, hygiene and nutrition. The Fairy Tales Gone Wrong series includes: Blow Your Nose, Big Bad Wolf (978-1-60992-708-0) Fall 2014; Eat Your Greens, Goldilocks (978-1-60992-707-3) Fall 2014; Take a Bath, Cinderella (978-1-60992-700-4) Fall 2014; Keep Running Gingerbread Man (978-1-60992-701-1) Fall 2014

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, School, Storytime

Paperback

First published October 14, 2014

About the author

Steve Smallman lives in Staffordshire with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He has four children and a grandchild. Steve has been illustrating children’s books for almost 30 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV's Bookaboo). When he’s not working, Steve enjoys films, television, gardening and walking in the countryside.

Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:

I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.

I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.

I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.

I've been writing children's books for about 6 years and have already had several picture books published with more in development.

I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing.

Reviews

[Dana-Adriana B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the classic story like this, it's funnier!

[Cally · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a fat person I am offended by the fatphobic propaganda that this book, if you can even call it that, promotes.

Support your local fat person. <3

[Christine Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cookie Story Time.

A "healthy" take on the traditional Gingerbread Man story. Everyone except for the fox in the story is overweight and cannot catch the Gingerbread Man because they are too slow and out of shape. The pictures are a little disturbing though the story is cute and has an overall positive message.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for a version of the gingerbread man that would be storytime-friendly, i.e. not too long, bright colorful art, etc. This one seemed the closest to that criteria, but I still thought it was pretty dopey (and with the "be fit" theme they've added in, comes weirdly close to fat-shaming the characters??). However, the kids loved it! And the adults liked the twist at the end.

[Georgina Peachey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a modern take on the classic and centres around the importance of being fit and healthy. The characters that want to eat the gingerbread man have to get fit in order to catch him. This book would be great to use within a pe lesson or during healthy/balanced diet topic. This book also has key questions to ask children on the end page.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it weird but the 5-year-old liked it. He has been reading it at school. I don't have a problem with the message per se, it just came off as preachy to me. But if he likes it and got something out of it, I will happily give it 3 stars.

[Christine Meunier · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on the original.

[Set · Rating 2 out of 5]

The gingerbread man outruns all the overweight and unhealthy people and animals that want to eat him. It doesn't quite end the way we are used to.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely alternative tale.

[Amélie Langlois · Rating 1 out of 5]

😳🤯 l’aspect réinventé est malaisant/maladroit/grossier et n’ajoute rien à la version traditionnelle du conte…

[Christine Turner]

ATA Storytime Kit -- Physical fitness

In Keep Running, Gingerbread Man! no one can keep up with the speedy biscuit. Only Fox is fit enough to stand a chance of a teatime treat. But the Gingerbread Man's not just quick on his feet - he's pretty quick-witted too. After outsmarting Fox, he leads the other characters in an aerobics class. This series is a welcome addition for parents looking for picture books with a message. Focusing on personal well-being, this book intertwines your favorite classic fairy tales with a twist on health, hygiene and nutrition.