The Runaway Beard: A Hairy Tale

by David Schiller, Marc Rosenthal

Illustrated by Marc Rosenthal. An old-fashioned hairy tale. The time has come. Dad's decided to shave off his Beard. But the Beard refuses to go. Escaping glinting razor, swirling bowl, and gurgling drain, the Beard launches itself off Dad's face and onto the nearest chin--the baby's! And so begins an inspired story of a Beard, a boy named Jack, and their misadventures in trying to find the Beard a new home--on Jack's face, decorating his sister's Barbie doll, on the dog's chin, camouflaging itself on a book about Lincoln. Written in deadpan narrative by David Schiller, author of The Little Zen Companion ("Where does a beard go when you shave it off?" might be a Zen koan), and illustrated with energetic high humor by Marc Rosenthal in a style reminiscent of old comics, The Runaway Beard is a hairy tale about finding your place in the world. And to help kids play along, the book comes with its own kid-size costume beard on an elastic string, packaged in the see-through die-cut front cover. Will the Beard ever find happiness? Just wait until Jack's bald uncle pays a visit--and Jack gets an idea. For ages 2-6.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jeffrey Bumiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Guy shaves his beard, but the beard isn't having it. The beard runs away and is eventually discovered by a little boy who adopts the beard and has some crazy adventures with it. The best part? The damn book comes with a beard you can wear and have your own adventures with!

[Elisha Condie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dad goes to shave off his beard when it runs away and lands on the baby's chin. It tries to find a home (on the Mona Lisa, a shoe, a potty) until the kids help the beard find a new home. This book is funny and creative and one we've been reading a lot.

[Randine · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST BOOK EVER!!!! And it comes with a beard you can put on your own face!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cute, funny, and I love the beard. We picked this up from the library, so the next trip is to the fabric store to make some more beards!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure I've ever laughed so much during story time as I did while the librarian read this book today. And it comes with a beard to wear! Which she did. Fantastically fun and silly!