Runaway Dinner
Talk about fast food! A hilarious, high-speed tale from the inimitable Allan Ahlberg – catch it if you can!
The celebrated Allan Ahlberg is in his element in this fast-paced, funny story about what happens when dinner decides that it doesn't fancy being eaten. Just as hungry little boy Banjo is about to tuck into his sausage, it jumps right up off the plate and runs away! But the sausage – whose name is Melvin – isn't alone... He's followed by the fork, the knife, the table, the French fries and even the peas. And so the chase is on! Will Banjo ever catch up with his runaway dinner? And what (gulp) happens to Melvin if he does? Gloriously illustrated by the award-winning Bruce Ingman, this is a whacky, whimsical romp perfect for reading aloud.
Allan Ahlberg (1938-2025) wrote over 140 titles for children and was one of the most beloved children's book writers of his time. Allan's stories include The Pencil and The Runaway Dinner, both illustrated by Bruce Ingman, and bestselling stories illustrated by Janet Ahlberg: Funnybones, The Baby's Catalogue, The Jolly Postman, Peepo and Each Peach Pear Plum. Allan's books have been enjoyed the world over and have won numerous awards – the Kurt Maschler Award, the Blue Peter Award, the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Children's Book Award, to name but a few.
Bruce Ingman's first book, When Martha’s Away, was published in 1995 and was honoured with the National Art Library Award. It also won the 1996 Mother Goose Award for the most exciting British newcomer to children's books. Since then, he has made four more picture books, including Bad News, I’m in Charge and Boing!, written by Sean Taylor. He recently illustrated Ronny Rock Starring in a Thousand Tiny Explosions by Merryn Threadgould. He lives in West London.