Charming in style, quirky in concept, and shot-through with a message of teamwork, this madcap picture book boasts engaging text that’s great to read aloud, and elegantly chuckle-some illustrations.
MacFogarty has abandoned his clothes all over the place – his shoes have been flung at the side of the old cart track, and his socks are caught in some nettles. With MacFogarty nowhere to be seen, the socks and shoes decide to take their chance to make a run for it. Along the way, they join forces with MacFogarty’s abandoned trousers, shirt and hat, all of them uncared for, which is why they’re so keen to escape. Then, when MacFogarty’s spies them, Hat speaks up and rouses the runaway clothes to stand up for themselves.
Filled with a sense of adventure (especially during the wild chase scene), Soham De’s evocative watercolour illustrations add detail and more than a dash of humour. The clothes quiver with movement and life, the countryside landscapes are beautiful, and the sight of MacFogarty in his birthday suit is sure to induce lots of laughs. This is a perfect pairing of words and pictures.
Joanne Owen, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
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A delightful and amusing tale that children will want to read again and again.
A delightful and amusing tale that children will want to read again and again. Beautifully illustrated in a way which enhances the story and adds to the enjoyment. The story can be used in a number of different ways to teach children lessons about looking after their possessions and being inclusive, about working together and about being brave.... Read Full Review
The illustrations are particularly lovely and when I asked my granddaughter, she told me she liked the pictures the most.
I read this book with my 4yr old granddaughter.... Read Full Review
The story teaches young readers to take a stand if they are unhappy and to work with others as a team. I highly recommend this book, which will appeal to children up to the age of 10.
The Runaway Clothes by Julian Armistead and illustrated by Soham De is a delightful children’s book. This amusing 24-page book introduces us to Fergus MacFogarty’s neglected clothes. He carelessly flings them off when he goes swimming in the river. MacFogarty hasn’t bothered to mend and clean them, and they are tired of this situation. They decide to seize this opportunity to escape. The shoes, socks, trousers, shirt, and hat set off together. However, MacFogarty spots them. What will happen next? Will the clothes be able to escape and enjoy some adventures without their indifferent owner or will he re-claim them and spoil their plans? The author uses descriptive language and alliteration to craft an entertaining story. Each page has a few lines of engaging text and a colourful and humorous watercolour illustration.... Read Full Review
