Rosie Runs
$11.00 – $19.95
Translated by Mia Spangenberg
Rosie dreams of forests, meadows, hares, and freedom. Trapped at the race- track, she sprints in endless circles – until one day, Rosie makes a fearless beeline for the enormous world beyond the track. Scared and a little excited too, Rosie runs through shadowy forests, a circus, a bustling train station, and even takes a quick dip alongside a ferry. She runs on, through small towns and whirling cities, and on her way catches glimpses of passersby, brief but clear. Readers will find peace in a private look at a man watering his plants, or a jolt of happiness at a long-snouted dog wearing a cap on a train. A book about taking in the wide world around you, Rosie Runs beckons young readers to rediscover their favorite hobbies and passions and revel in the joy of playing and being among new friends.
Published on August 15, 2023
Praise
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The whimsical, abstract art, executed in broad, playful, childlike strokes of oil pastel and crayon, add to the story’s sense of innocent adventure and discovery… Spangenberg’s translation reads smoothly, capturing the poignancy of Rosie’s tale and the juxtaposition between her urgent flight to freedom and the ordinary lives unfolding around her.
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review -
This story by Finnish creator Maijala offers many pleasures: riveting, sustained motion; the suspense of wondering whether Rosie will be captured; and acute observations (a tethered circus pony “neighs in longing as Rosie runs by”). A series of wide-angle views roughly stroked in crayon-like colors give a mosaic feel to Rosie’s flat-out dash for freedom in this triumphant escape story.
— Publishers Weekly, starred review -
Rosie Runs describes the world through a dog’s eyes. Rosie is a dog that loves to run. This can be seen in the illustrations, which have speed and movement. The illustrations are unrestrainedly expressive, but at the same time . . . perfectly controlled.
— Rudolf Koivu Award Jury -
Rosie Runs is both extremely beautiful and well thought-out. The book’s unusually large format allows bird’s-eye view depictions of the landscapes and environments through which Rosie journeys, won- dering at the world. The pictures are full of exciting details, and the interaction between images and words encourages the small reader to study the pictures closely. Where is the man taking pictures with his mobile phone? Where is the goose shaking its wings? . . . Rosie Runs is an ambitious work of art which is at the same time simple and easily accessible.
— Nordic Council Children’s and Young People’s Literature Jury -
What an exuberant book about finding freedom and following one's true path! Marika Maijala's story of Rosie, a greyhound who escapes the world of forced dog racing, is one that will captivate both children and adults as they follow Rosie through brightly colored and detail packed illustrations that keep readers engaged and wanting to know what happens next. It is one of those rare books that improves with repeated readings as one finds more and more to see in Maijala's spirited crayon drawings. A must purchase for libraries!
— Beth Pierson, White Lake Community Library in Whitehall, Michigan -
In the spirit of Pulitzer Prize-winner Jane Smiley's magical and uplifting novel, Perestroika in Paris, Rosie Runs is the heart-warming and energetic tale of a race-dog and her sudden dash into the wider-world. Rosie runs indeed-- through countryside and towns, across water, and past people and animals of all sorts. Like Smiley's tale, some notice Rosie while others miss the wondrous sight. But young readers won't miss a second of this brave greyhound's journey to freedom. The crayon drawings add more magic to the adventure. What a gorgeous gem of a picture book!
— Joy Preble, Brazos Bookstore -
What a charming book! This Finnish import feels like an epic journey. The mystery is: does Rosie dream this adventure as a way to break free of the life of a racing dog? Readers can decide for themselves. All will agree that the sliver of her body, elongated and hovering over the earth like a speeding bullet, is the embodiment of her joy in running . . . A great pick for story time.
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Rosie’s adventures as she hurtles away from the mechanical monotony and exhaustion of the racetrack are rendered in lively images that immediately evoke sympathy. The gorgeous artwork also serves as an invitation to explore (or revisit) the pleasure of drawing with crayons! With Rosie as our guide, the narrative naturally goes beyond the visual: the scents and sounds of the greyhounds’ journey make this lovely book even more appealing.
Extras
Check out Marika’s studio tour, featuring Rosie Runs!
Grab a Rosie tote bag to hold all your Elsewhere Editions favorites! With every tote purchase, we will email you a 25% off discount code for one pre-order of the hardcover!