Fun with Flat Stanley

Above: Brendan's New Hampshire cousin John Murphy having snack at Hogarth with Brendan's Flat Stanley. Scan down below Brendan's letter for more pictures and information about Stanley's visit.

My third grade class has just finished reading a story called Flat Stanley, written by Jeff Brown. In this story a little boy, whose name is Stanley, becomes flat when a bulletin board falls on him. One of the events in this story is when Stanley is sent through the mail to visit friends in California.

To help my class out with letter writing and geography lessons, I am sending you my very own Flat Stanley. Stanley would like to spend a week with you. Perhaps you can take him to work or school with you. He would also love to see some of the interesting sites in your city.

As you can see, Stanley is dressed for Florida's weather. Would you please redress Stanley so that he will be dressed for your climate? After Stanley has spent the week with you, I would love to have you send me a letter letting me know what you and Stanley did. Please send Stanley back to me along with the letter.

I have also sent you a little souvenir from Florida, just to let you know how much I appreciate the time you have spent with Stanley. Perhaps you can send a little souvenir from your city so that Stanley can share it with my class.

April 3, 2008 -- Stanley's New Hampshire adventure began right out of the envelope! Here's Stanley with all the Hogarth kids.

Stanley enjoyed having snack with Chessa and John, then asked to borrow my computer to check his email.

The children are delighted at the prospect of having Stanley visit with us. We talked about the differences in weather between Florida and New Hampshire, and decided Stanley definitely does need new clothes, as Brendan suggested. If any of you parents wants to make paper clothes for Stanley at home with your little ones, feel free. I'll send home a template of our Stanley on Monday for you to use in your Flat Stanley Project Runway challenge! I'll be taking pictures of any and all outfits that you come up with for Stanley.

Stanley is spending a quiet weekend with me, resting up from his journey and gearing up for a fun-filled week at Hogarth. Here he is, relaxing with Mary Murphy.

April 9, 2008 -- Stanley has been so busy, his flat, little head has been positively spinning. He attended a meeting of the Write Sisters and helped us plan our workshop for the upcoming New England Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' conference. We figured with his 40+ years in the book business, he brought a lot of industry knowledge to the table.

Stanley attended a concert by the United States Air Force Band and The Singing Sergeants.

He visited Brendan's cousin Stephanie at her home on Darragh Pond in Litchfield. He was a little disappointed that the ice was too thin for even a little, flat paperboy to skate upon.

He was SO happy to have the winter wardrobe made for him by the Hogarth kids and their parents. He put on his warm winter jacket, pants, boots and mittens and played in the snow until his paper teeth were chattering with the cold.

Check out Stanley's cold-weather wardrobe. He's ready for anything New England is prepared to throw at him, including baseballs in Fenway Park. Stanley's going to need a much bigger envelope for the trip back to Florida!

April 20, 2008 -- It sure has been fun! Flat Stanley's bags are packed, and he's ready for his trip home. Mrs. Lamparelli will take him to the post office tomorrow morning and make sure he's safely on his way. Stanley won't be traveling alone, however. He's bringing several new New Hampshire pals with him, made by a few Hogarth kids who know the value of a good friend.

Not only is he bringing back a new wardrobe and some fine new flat friends, he's bringing lots of wonderful memories. (He told me room weaving was the best!)

Although he has had a wonderful time, Stanley is anxious to get back to his pal Brendan. Who can blame him, what with a guy as great as Brendan and all that fabulous Florida weather waiting for him? Bon voyage, Flat Stanley!

May 3, 2008 -- Stanley is safely back in Florida! My cousin emailed me the following update:

Thank you so much for helping Brendan with his Flat Stanley project. When we received your e-mail, Brendan was really excited. We enjoyed seeing Stanley in your classroom with all of the boys and girls. Brendan loved the picture of Stanley and the dog. That was great! I sent your e-mail address to Mrs. Casey. She went on the web site, and all Brendan's classmates saw how much fun Stanley had on his little vacation to New Hampshire. He looked like he was having a blast having snack, sitting at the computer, and hanging out with your class.

Brendan came home from school today and said that Flat Stanley was back. When the teacher opened the package, the whole class went WOW!! Brendan said you did the project with your class and sent back some brothers and sisters with a bunch of clothes. He loved the Red Sox outfit! (All of my kids are Red Sox and Patriots fans.) Brendan said there were some cards in the bag, too. I cannot wait to see Stanley.

Thanks again for all that you did for Brendan!