Why Not: A Blog: children's books

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

A Visit With Flat Stanley

I recently received an unusual manila envelope from my granddaughter Madison Manning in the mail. It seemed she and her teacher wanted me to participate in “The Flat Stanley Project.” From the very outset I saw this as an opportunity to assist and encourage “Maddie.” I jumped on it almost immediately. I solicited the help of my co-workers and friends (who were more than happy to assist) and we were off and running.

You may have already been exposed to Flat Stanley. He was created by children’s author Jeff brown in the 1960’s. The otherwise normal Stanley Lambchop survived being; well, flattened by a steamroller and going on to numerous adventures. In his diminished form Stanley was able to slide under doors, hide almost anywhere and travel around the world in envelopes. This led Canadian school teacher; Dale Hubert to envision “The Flat Stanley Project.” His intention was to foster an interest in letter writing early on for young kids.

It has become a local and international phenomenon. Envelopes like the one I received are sent with a Stanley cutout created by the individual child and mailed with an explanatory letter. The letter includes the telling of the brief story of who Stanley is and requests that the receiver takes pictures of their time and adventures with the character. Along with the pictures, postcards and other small items a descriptive letter and the Stanley cutout are requested in return from the recipient.

All in all; with a little help from my friends, our time with “The Flat Stanley Project” went better than well; great in fact! It was an interesting, fun and a broadening experience for those who shared. We’ll cherish it and I’m certain my little “Maddie” did too!

Hello to you Maddie; Mrs. Ellis, the rest of your first grade class and Maddie’s Many Friends!!!

Flat Stanley (or Flat Stan as I like to call him) arrived last Thursday evening by mail in an envelope. Let me tell you he was glad to get out and stretch a little. We became immediate friends and he was ready for a ton of all new adventures. We started with a trip the next morning to Moog Components Group to show Stanly where I work and to introduce him to some of my co-workers and friends. They were as thrilled to meet Stanly as he was to meet them. We had a lot of fun! I work as an electrical test technician. We make components for airplanes, satellites, CAT scan machines, drones and a lot more. Stan seemed to be impressed.

I work as an artist too. I create paintings, sculptures and photographs. Flat Stan said he always felt like he was a work of art and wanted me to draw his portrait. I told him I would be happy to! I’m including the finished drawing in the package. How do you guys like it? Stan asked if he could pose with some of my other art work. I thought that was a good idea and let him sit with some of the paintings and sculptures I’ve made. Can you find him in the photo?

Maddie; he likes to do the things that you like! He climbed trees, picked flowers and sat on the front porch with the flag. He really enjoyed playing in the toy box with all the toys too. Your favorites became his favorites! We talked about a lot of things including the Presidential election. I think he is leaning towards Hillary Clinton.

After a few days and nights Stan told me he was ready to get back to Maryland. Here he is; hopefully safe and sound. Let me know how he is doing. Tell him I miss him already! He’s a Great Guy!