Far Far Away - Hardcover

John Segal is the author and illustrator of many picture books. He lives in New York City and rides a yellow bike.

Kindergarten-Grade 2—When a piglet decides to run away, his unflappable mother tells him he might need a light, a bike helmet, a tent, and a variety of other items, prompting him to decide to bring toys and pets as well. But when Mom suggests cake, which isn't ready, he chooses not to go after all: "I have everything I need right here." The story is written entirely in dialogue, with the mother's voice indicated by italics. While the child's voice is authentic, the reason he's running away is only vaguely hinted at through spot illustrations on the title, copyright, and dedication pages, and his turnaround, though fitting, is abrupt. The minimal text, containing mostly one- or two-syllable words, makes this picture book an effective beginning reader. The childlike cartoon artwork, rendered in watercolor and pencil, depicts elongated figures with dot eyes that migrate to one side of their heads when appearing in profile. The varied layouts, including full-bleed spreads and lots of spot art on white backgrounds, give the story motion and interest. However, the simplicity of the art belies the sophisticated dialogue.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT END