The Runaway
A. J. MacGregor, W. Perring
Sold by Timeless Books, Luton, BEDFO, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since 10 March 2026
Used - Hardcover
Condition: Used - Very good
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketSold by Timeless Books, Luton, BEDFO, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since 10 March 2026
Condition: Used - Very good
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketThe Runaway - A Ladybird Book (Series 401) - Vintage Children's Rhyming Story
Author: A. J. MacGregor (story and illustrations)
Verses by: W. Perring
Publisher: Ladybird Books Ltd., Loughborough, Leicestershire, England
Series: Ladybird Series 401 (Animal Rhymes / Rhyming Stories)
Format: Hardcover, pictorial boards, no dust jacket (as issued)
Page count: ~52 pages (unpaginated)
Size: Approx. 17.8 x 11.8 cm
Date: Later reprint, circa 1975?1980 (original first published 1948)
ISBN/Reference: 0 7214 0300 X (printed on back)
Condition: Very Good
A charming vintage Ladybird book from the beloved Series 401 collection of rhyming animal stories. The Runaway tells the delightful tale of Sandy, a pet rabbit who grows tired of life in his hutch and dreams of freedom. He runs away to join Bobbity, a wild rabbit, and his woodland friends for a wonderful picnic party filled with adventure, a mischievous fox, and a happy resolution.
Story and Illustrations by A. J. MacGregor; Verses by W. Perring.
Angusine Jeanne MacGregor (often credited as A. J. MacGregor, 1881?1961? ? active mid-20th century) was a prolific British illustrator and author known for her warm, expressive watercolour illustrations of animals and children. She created many of the original Ladybird Series 401 titles in the late 1940s, bringing to life endearing characters with soft, detailed artwork full of charm and gentle humour. Her style perfectly captured the innocence of post-war children's literature. MacGregor's contributions to Ladybird helped define the publisher's early success in producing affordable, high-quality picture books.
W. Perring provided the catchy, rhythmic verses that accompany the illustrations, making the story engaging for young readers learning to enjoy poetry and rhyme.
This edition features full-colour illustrations throughout alongside delightful blue line drawings on the endpapers. The front cover shows young Michael (Sandy?s owner) feeding his pet rabbit outside the hutch. The back cover lists other titles in Series 401 and notes the 50p price.
Condition
Boards are bright and clean with light edge rubbing and minor corner bumping consistent with age and gentle use.
Spine is tight and intact with no splits.
Pages are clean and bright; no tears, no writing, no inscriptions.
Minor natural ageing to paper (light toning).
A couple of small handling marks and faint creases. Overall a very attractive copy that displays well.
These later Series 401 reprints are increasingly sought after by collectors of vintage Ladybird books, children's literature enthusiasts, and those building sets of the animal rhyme series (Bunnikin?s Picnic Party, Ginger?s Adventures, Smoke and Fluff, etc.). Perfect for bedtime reading, nostalgia, or as a gift for a new parent or grandchild.
Seller Inventory # ABE-1782767823860
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