Book Review: Flat Stanley
Rating: 
Stanley is an ordinary boy whose life changes when a large bulletin board falls on him during the night, flattening him to a thickness of a half-inch. His new shape enables him to do many fantastic things: travel to California via airmail, slip underneath doors, fly like a kite, and finally pose as a painting to capture a pair of art thieves in the local museum. Throughout the story, Stanley’s brother Arthur struggles with envy. In a touching conclusion, when Stanley begins to be mocked by the other school kids because of his shape, Arthur compassionately helps him find a solution that returns him to his normal shape.
This whimsical story is entirely enjoyable, and what it lacks in depth of plot and character development (no pun intended), it makes up for in imagination. Stanley displays kindness and courage, and the reconciliation of the two brothers is heartwarming. This is a great fun read, and is the first in a series of similar stories. It’s a great choice for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books, and for early readers who are aren’t quite ready for full chapter books.
Categories: 4 Stars, Age 04-08, Classicalhomeschooling.org, First Chapter Books, Transitional Readers
Tags: Adventures, Art, Brothers, Compassion, Courage, Envy, Fantasies, Good Against Evil, Humor, Kindness, Kites, Mail, Museums, Mysteries, Siblings, Standing for Right, Stealing, Thieves
Posted on September 29, 2009
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