“The Runaway Ornaments” by Tanner Givnan Captures the Magic, Loss, and Healing Spirit of Christmas

“The Runaway Ornaments” by author and screenwriter Tanner Givnan is a heartwarming middle-grade novel that captures the wonder, grief, and rediscovered joy of Christmas. Through enchanting storytelling and evocative illustrations by Valerie Knight, the book beautifully explores how love and memory can light the way even through life’s darkest winters.

Christmas has always been a season of joy, laughter, and togetherness—but for Dana, this year is different. Still mourning the loss of her beloved Aunt Dee Dee, she finds little reason to celebrate. The ornaments, songs, and traditions that once filled her home with warmth now serve as painful reminders of what she lost. But when a surprising twist of magic turns her world upside down, Dana embarks on an unforgettable adventure that reminds her of what truly makes the holiday season special: love, hope, and the people who never really leave us.

With “The Runaway Ornaments,” Tanner Givnan delivers a heartfelt story that transcends the boundaries of a traditional Christmas tale. It is both a celebration of the season and a deeply emotional reflection on grief and healing. The book invites readers to confront loss not with despair, but with imagination and courage—to rediscover joy and meaning through the very traditions that once brought pain.

Tanner’s writing is cinematic yet tender, combining whimsical adventure with emotional sincerity. His background as a screenwriter and photographer shines through every page, bringing vivid imagery and sensory richness to Dana’s journey. The story’s pacing, tone, and themes make it an ideal read-aloud for families during the holidays. Still, it also stands as a meaningful story for older readers who understand the complexities of love and loss.

Accompanying Givnan’s evocative prose are the illustrations by Valerie Knight, whose art perfectly complements the story’s emotional and magical tones. Knight’s characters leap from the page with life and expression, transforming each scene into an immersive visual experience.

Her artwork adds warmth, color, and heart, helping readers—especially children—connect with Dana’s emotions and the story’s spirit.

More than just a Christmas story, “The Runaway Ornaments” is a meditation on resilience, family, and faith in something greater than ourselves. It reminds readers that even in moments of grief, beauty and meaning can return when we open our hearts to them. The book gently teaches that the bonds we share with loved ones—both past and present—never truly fade.

For Tanner Givnan, the creation of this book continues his mission to craft emotionally resonant stories that blend imaginative storytelling with life’s more profound lessons. Known for his love of children’s literature, Givnan’s previous collaborations with Valerie Knight — “Jill in a Box” and “The Adventures of Stink, Stank, and Stunk”—have delighted readers with their humor, creativity, and heart. “The Runaway Ornaments” represents an evolution in his storytelling, offering a more personal, reflective look at what it means to find light after loss.

“The Runaway Ornaments” is now available in both print and digital formats. Readers looking for an uplifting, visually rich, and emotionally grounded holiday story will find in Givnan’s latest work a tale that lingers long after the last page is turned. It’s a story that families will want to read year after year—a timeless reminder that Christmas magic lives not in the ornaments that decorate the tree, but in the memories and love we carry within us.

About the Author
Tanner Givnan is an accomplished author, photographer, and screenwriter whose screenplays have ranked among the top 5% in national competitions. Passionate about storytelling across mediums, Givnan brings imagination and emotional depth to every work he creates. His collaborations with illustrator Valerie Knight—including Jill in a Box and The Adventures of Stink, Stank, and Stunk—have been celebrated for their heart and visual charm.

With “The Runaway Ornaments,” Givnan offers readers a moving blend of holiday magic and heartfelt realism, reminding us that love and hope can always find their way home.

Contact Information

Jay Williams

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Apex Digital Pro

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