The idea for The Runaway Garden came to Schatzer when he heard the staggering statistics of runaways in the United States today. With one in seven children running away at some time in their young lives, Schatzer wanted to tell a story that could open discussion in a positive light about what could happen if a child left home. When he sat down to think of who could do the running away and what situations could develop, vegetables came to mind, using their names with homonyms and puns. All the green peas split for town; the tomatoes stewed and stirred. Celery and her friend sweet corn stalked off without a word. What made the snap beans snap? How did the berries get into a jam? What happened to the cauliflower's head? Read along as Grandpa spins a tale about the night that all the plants in the garden get up and run away. At first they think running away is fun, but it isn't long before things go terribly wrong.

 

There are 32 pages in this book. This book was published 2012 by Mitten Press .

Jeffery L. Schatzer has won numerous national and international awards for writing and creativity. His stories have been noted for strong moral values and important messages and themes. An avid student of Michigan and Midwest history, Jeffery creates historical fiction that brings the past to life through characters that are quirky and entertaining. In 1935 his father was a CCC boy at a camp in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Jeffery and his wife, Deborah, live in Bellaire, Michigan. Their home is nestled in the marvel and majesty of the Depression Era contributions of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Jeffrey Ebbeler has illustrated more than 40 books for young readers, including Sterling's The Twelve Days of Christmas in Ohio , by Carole Gerber. He gives many lectures and demonstrations in grade schools, colleges, and museums, and attended the Art Academy of Cincinnati, the city where he now lives with his wife and twin daughters. Visit Jeff at jeffillustration. com.