His mom’s insistence that he get rid of his favorite pair of old shoes is the last straw for Alfie, and he threatens to run away. His mother sends him off with a bottle of water, some food, a flashlight, and a bag to carry it all in, while Alfie selects his teddy bear and his favorite picture books. He gets as far as his own backyard before he decides to stop to take a snack break, and, upon reflection, he comes up with the perfect solution: his shoes may be too small for him, but they fit his teddy bear perfectly. By the time his mom comes to find him, he’s ready to go back home. Ken Cadow offers an appealing take on a common childhood occurrence. Black charcoal lines predominate in Lauren Castillo’s warm illustrations, in which most pictures are designed to highlight the little red sneakers that serve as the catalyst for Alfie’s misadventure. (Ages 3–5)

Alfie's mother wants to get rid of his favorite red shoes he's outgrown. So Alfie is running away. His mother points out that he might get thirsty on his trip, and she gives him a bottle of nice cold water. And a flashlight, in case it gets dark. Together, they pack everything Alfie might need. But once he is out in the wide world, Alfie discovers that some very important things can't be packed in bags.