It's Only Stanley
on Goodreads (2,007)
What’s inside...
Fans of Jon Klassen and Oliver Jeffers will love this mischievously funny read-aloud from award-winning author/illustrator Jon Agee. Mysterious noises keep waking up the Wimbledon family. 'That's very odd,' says Mr. Wimbledon each time, but when he returns from checking on the sounds, he's always 'It's only Stanley; he's fixing the oil tank.' 'It's only Stanley; he's clearing the bathtub drain.' But what Stanley the dog is actually doing while his oblivious family goes back to bed is deliciously he's turning the house into a rocket ship to zoom himself and his family to another planet for an alien encounter. This is a perfect rhyming read-aloud for fans of irreverent tales like Click Clack Moo and I Want My Hat Back.
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Stanley
Mr. Wimbledon
Discussion points
Why do you think Stanley was up to so much mischief during the night?
How did the different family members react to the noises Stanley made, and why do you think they reacted that way?
What do you think the family learned about Stanley by the end of the story?
If you were in the story, how would you help solve the mystery of the noises?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use different voices for each character when reading aloud to bring the story to life and keep your child engaged.
Pause after each major event in the story to ask your child how they think the characters feel, promoting empathy and understanding.
At the end of the book, encourage your child to imagine and discuss what other adventures Stanley might get up to next.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by asking if they have ever heard strange noises at night and what they thought they were.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: The protagonist, Stanley the dog, uses his inventive skills to fix various household issues, demonstrating resourcefulness and ingenuity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think creatively and solve problems they encounter, whether it's fixing a toy or finding a way to organize their room.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Stanley keeps working through the night, fixing problems one after another, showing determination and persistence.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of continuing to try despite difficulties, which can be applied to schoolwork, learning new skills, or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Family togetherness
Explanation: The family in the story, although initially disrupted by the noises, ends up coming together in a surprising and heartwarming way.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the importance of spending time together as a family, sharing experiences and supporting each other’s unique interests and talents.