Howard Roger Garis
Adventures of the runaway rocking chair
"Adventures of the Runaway Rocking Chair" by Howard R. Garis is a children's story likely written in the early 20th century. The tale follows a magical rocking chair named Racky that decides to run away from Grandma Harden's home in search of adventures, driven by the fear of being broken due to its aging owner’s increasing weight. Along the way, Racky encounters various charming characters, including Thump the dog and a singing girl, as he navigates through whimsical scenarios. The opening of the story introduces Grandma Harden and her grandchildren, Nat and Weezie, as they prepare for school while Thump the dog eagerly waits for playtime. When Grandma announces a surprise cake for later, the children anticipate their return home. Meanwhile, we learn about Racky, the rocking chair, who privately wishes to escape Grandma's weight. As Grandma moves around her kitchen, Racky hatches a plan to slide out of the house and embark on his adventures. With Racky's humorous dialogue and charming thoughts, the beginning sets a lighthearted tone, inviting readers into a delightful world filled with imagination and friendly characters.