Itsy Mitsy Runs Away
on Goodreads (434)
What’s inside...
NO ONE likes bedtime, and Itsy Mitsy has had quite enough. So tonight's the night she's running away to the perfect place where there are no more bedtimes ever (not even one). But running away isn't as easy as it seems. There's a lot to pack: Mitsy's friendliest dinosaur Mister Roar; a snack for Mister Roar; her dog, Pupcake, to keep the bedtime beasties away from said snack; the list goes on and on. But with a helpful Dad who makes sure Mitsy doesn't leave anything behind--especially not him--Mitsy might want to run away tomorrow night, too.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Itsy Mitsy was feeling when she decided to run away?
Can you think of a time when you wanted to change something at home? What did you want to change?
How did Itsy Mitsy's dad help her feel better? What do you like to do with our family that makes you happy?
Why is it important to talk about our feelings instead of running away?
What would you pack in your adventure bag if you were going on an adventure like Itsy Mitsy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle and curious tone to encourage your child to explore Itsy Mitsy's emotions and actions without judgement.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by asking them about times they felt similar to Itsy Mitsy and what they did.
Discuss the importance of family and communication, highlighting how Itsy Mitsy's dad responds to her feelings.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking what they would bring on their own adventure and why those items are important to them.
Focus on the resolution of the story to foster a positive discussion about problem-solving and understanding within the family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the story, Itsy Mitsy confronts various challenges as she tries to run away, allowing readers to see her problem-solving process.
Real-World Application: Children will learn to face challenges head-on and develop their own solutions, which is a vital skill for school projects and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: As Mitsy tries to run away, her father follows her to ensure her safety, showing the unconditional support families provide.
Real-World Application: Children will understand the value of family and the sense of security and support that comes from loved ones.
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: Mitsy's journey helps her explore and convey her emotions, making it easier for children to understand and express their own feelings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to articulate and manage their emotions, a key component in developing empathy and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The whimsical and imaginative scenarios Mitsy creates highlight the importance of creativity in solving problems and expressing oneself.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in everyday play and interactions, fostering creative thinking and innovation.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Decision Making
Explanation: By planning her runaway adventure, Mitsy learns to make decisions and assess their impacts, understanding that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think through their choices and recognize that decisions carry weight and influence their lives and those around them.