Please recommend a book about getting lost or running off for a toddler...

[Tamashii]

DS is 3yo and has started to run away anytime we are anywhere remotely crowded so I thought maybe reading some books about getting lost or running off might help him to understand why we don't want him to do it. He loves books so I thought this might be the best way to try and get the message across at this young age when explaining doesn't really seem to make any difference.

Thanks for any help.

A Pipkin of Pepper for the Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper features an animal getting lost in the big city after daydreaming.... (it all ends happily though). I really like it, prose is great to read, full of rhythm and alliteration. My 3 year old daughter likes it too.

Alfie and Annie Rose stories have one where Alfie runs inside the house and slams the door so his mum can't get in. Not quite running away.

Does he get scared when he can't find you, or are always running after him? Maybe he thinks it's a bit of game and you could pretend to get lost so he can't see you? Mean, but it may do the trick?

DS (nearly 3) thinks running away in park / supermarket is a hilarious game, made even funnier if I shout stop in my 'serious' voice

Following a supermarket incident the other day I asked him what he would do if he ran away and then couldn't find me, he looked distinctly alarmed and it seemed to sink in, not sure how long term the effect will be.

Have tried to instate the rule that he mustn't go where he can't see me (rather than me not being able to see him IYSWIM) when in busy public places.

Am watching with interest for recommended books.

DS also enjoys closing the front door so will get the Alfie and Annie Rose book (love the nostalgia of the Shirley Hughes books), thanks for the recommendation better

Was going to say alfie and annie rose but see thats been done, you could try dogger to though, I know its the teddy that gets lost but it gives them an idea of what being lost is.

The Alfie one is "Alfie gets in first" and I think there's one called "Alfie and the big boy" where he helps an older boy who's upset because he's got lost.

'Baby Tiger' by Susan Hellard - is perfect for teaching kids to stay where they are if they get lost - worked a treat on my daughter who always remembers the story and the lesson learnt!

Very loosely on the theme but all much loved by my son as he was small:
Monkey Do! Allan Ahlberg
Where's my Teddy? Jez Alborough
I don't want to go to bed! (Little Tiger) Julie Sykes

Good luck - I remember that phase well!

A book "Zips Goes Wandering" by Chris Marsh is coming out December 2013, you can get it for your iPad at the iBookstore.

'Little Rabbit Lost' by Harry Horse is wonderful.