The Runaways

Ulf Stark author Kitty Crowther illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Gecko Press

Published:1st May '19

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The Runaways cover

"Ulf Stark might be my favourite writer in the world and this book is as good as his best. Ulf writes absolutely from the child within." Julia Marshall, Publisher

Grandson and grandpa run away together for a one-night adventure. This novel is filled with warmth and humour, from one of the world's best writers for children.Grandpa’s in the hospital and hating it. He swears at the nurses and makes trouble for everyone. Dad finds it too stressful to visit, but Gottfried Junior visits Grandpa as often as he’s allowed, and when he’s not allowed, he goes anyway. Grandpa thinks only of the place he was happiest—the island where he lived with Grandma. He wants to go back one last time, but they won’t let him out of the hospital. Gottfried Junior and Grandpa take things into their own hands. If running away is the only way to the island, then they’ll be runaways.

"A touching, realistic, gently humorous story of how a sensitive boy copes with his treasured grandfather’s decline."

-- Kirkus Review, starred

"Autumn-hued illustrations by Crowther (Stories of the Night) juxtapose the dull hospital against glorious piney islands and a light-filled sea. Stark straightforwardly conveys family tensions, end-of-life concerns, and intergenerational adoration alongside an archipelago’s worth of vivid details."

-- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Deftly drawn and sometimes amusing, the character portrayals are utterly convincing. Expressive full-page illustrations add color to the pages while supporting the story’s tone. An unusual adventure story with a core of mutual grandfather-grandson affection."

-- Booklist, starred review

"The writing is unflashy and deadpan except for when it’s unflashy and musical. Crowther’s bright, naïve pencil illustrations fit the offbeat text."

-- The New York T

ISBN: 9781776572342

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

136 pages