How to Cure the Bedtime Woes

Itsy Mitsy Runs Away
by Elenna Allen

I learned of Itsy Mitsy while skimming through a copy of Publisher's Weekly. The cover was cute enough to make me want to read the book, so I quickly put in a request to check out my library's copy!

Summary
Bedtime. It's a bad word to children all around the world, and Itsy Mitsy is no different. She hates bedtime. When her dad tells her it's time for bed, Itsy Mitsy (donning the cutest dinosaur costume I've ever seen), declares that she is going to run away. Dad graciously helps her pack, and then tells her she should probably bring a friend, you know, so she won't get lonely. Itsy Mitsy decides this is an excellent idea, and grabs her "most friendly dinosaur, Mr. Roar." As she heads for the door, dad points out that Mr. Roar will probably need a snack. Again, Itsy Mitsy agrees. The suggestions from dad escalate until Itsy Mitsy finds herself loaded down with stuff - all of it necessary, of course - and she falls down in a sudden fit of sleep. Luckily, dad was there to tuck her in.

Worth staying up past bedtime?
Rating: Up 'Till Dawn

As I said, the cover alone was cute enough to entice me, and the contents did not disappoint! Itsy Mitsy is great on so many levels! Colorful illustrations of Itsy Mitsy, dad, and Itsy Mitsy's things are set against simple black and white sketches, that still contain detail and interest. The story itself will appeal to any bedtime-haters, and dad's method is so clever and amusing, you can't help but feel bad for Itsy Mitsy as she tries to accomodate all the things she realizes she'll need in order to successfully run away.

Recommended for all ages, especially those who have trouble going to bed at night!