And You Can Come Too

Author & Illustrator: Ruth Ohi
Annick Press, 2005
ISBN: 1-55037-904-6 (sc)
ISBN: 1-55037-905-4 (hc)

Synopsis:

Running away is a lot more fun when you let your family come too.

Sara’s quiet Saturday with her little sister Annie ends with a bout of sibling bickering. When Daddy intervenes with some firm words, Sara crossly announces she’s running away… and Annie can come too.

Soon the girls are in the backyard, where they get Daddy to pitch a tent made with bed sheets. They also let him bring flashlights when it gets darker, make a yummy supper of cheese sandwiches (with the crusts cut off), and read them bedtime stories. With cross words forgotten, and with all the comforts of home, what could make running away better? Mommy, of course, who soon turns up with pillows and blankets for all.

Ruth Ohi has created another charming portrait of young sisterhood. Her expressive, tender illustrations and just-right words create an endearing story that will resonate with families everywhere.

Canadian Materials: Highly Recommended

“Children will relate to Sara’s feelings… this story is sure to bring a smile to the faces of parents. ‘And You Can Come Too’ would make a nice read aloud choice for preschool storytimes.”

Booklist:

“PreS-Gr. 2. Ohi’s story about running away from home has no rough edges and lots of reassurance. Two sisters have made it through most of Saturday without fighting. Then the little sister performs her “Dance of the Bunny Queen” and topples big sister’s stack of blocks, her “Fortress of Doom.” Big sister pushes little sister, and Dad weighs in with a mild rebuke: “We don’t push in this family.” Big sister decides to run away–and little sister goes, too. The humor and comfort of this story comes from the way Dad aids and abets–building the girls a blanket tent in the backyard, reading to them, and bringing them sandwiches^B. The watercolor illustrations contribute to the humor and ably capture the frenetic movement of the kids at play. Parents may note that Dad’s a real chump here, but the story is still fun. Connie Fletcher Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved –This text refers to the Library Binding edition.”

“Our Choice” Selection, Starred Review, Canadian Children’s Book Centre