Like most little boys his age, Banjo is hungry! He can't wait to gobble up his delicious dinner. But as he sits at the table ready to dig in, something very wild and wacky happens. Melvin the sausage suddenly leaps from Banjo's plate and leads Peter, Percival, Paul, Caroline, Clara, and the other peas and carrots on a daring escape. As the silverware, table, and chairs also flee the kitchen, Banjo begins a hilarious race to catch up with his very, very fast food. Two-time winner of the Children's Book Award and the Kate Greenaway Medal, acclaimed British author Allan Ahlberg delights children of all ages. Ascribing to him "the kind of genius that can dominate an era," London's Sunday Times ranks Ahlberg with Lewis Carroll and A. A. Milne. And the Gurardian believes The Runaway Dinner "confirms [Ahlberg] as one of the finest writers of picture books." ". stylistically accomplished . sophisticated . this madcap riff is for primary-grade readers-and their clever parents."-Kirkus Reviews "Funny, touching, ridiculous and dramatic-a treat from start to finish."-Guardian "Talk about fast food! A Hilarious, high-speed tale from the inimitable Allan Ahlberg-catch it if you can!"-Candlewick Press