Stanley's Party [Paperback]

Linda Bailey (Author), Bill Slavin (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Series: Stanley

Stanley's people go out a lot. Stanley is a good dog, but one night, while they're away, the temptation becomes too great and he sneaks up onto the couch. What a wonderful experience! Soon he's also blasting the music, dancing around the living room and raiding the fridge. Stanley's never had so much fun! But after a couple of weeks something is missing, and Stanley realizes that partying alone has lost its thrill.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-With chuckles on nearly every page, this humorous story makes an ideal read-aloud. One night when his owners are out, a scruffy brown dog carefully climbs onto the forbidden soft sofa and discovers how comfortable it is. His "people" are rarely home before midnight, so he begins experimenting with other taboo activities: he turns on the stereo, dances up a storm, and raids the refrigerator. Wanting to spread the joy, he invites his canine friends over for some fun. The word spreads and soon Stanley's house is overrun with partying pooches. Unfortunately, his owners come home early and discover the revelry. Having learned their lesson, Stanley's people now take their pet with them whenever they go out for the evening. The breezy text brims with Stanley's inner thoughts and dialogue. Painted in acrylics over gessoed paper, the illustrations have a scratchy, terrier-furlike texture. Observant readers will find plenty to laugh about in the mostly full-page spreads, which are awash with cool, muted tones. Slavin captures the frivolity of Stanley's bash by portraying a pooch wearing a lampshade and a budding romance between a diminutive Yorkie and a brown-and-white bulldog. Dog lovers and party animals alike will howl with delight.
Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. In Hoe Baek Lee's While We Were Out [BKL Ap 15 03], a pet rabbit explores the house while her owners are out. This book has the same premise, but the pet is a dog, and his adventures turn raucous. The first night Stanley's people are gone, he timidly jumps on the couch. When he realizes that his owners haven't noticed, he begins taking larger liberties--playing music, eating leftovers from the fridge. Then, like so many teenagers, Stanley gets a bright idea: he'll have a party! He invites dogs from all over the neighborhood, and they tear the house apart. Then his owners return. The downside of Stanley's merrymaking is having to clean the house; the upside is being taken along whenever his people go out. A clever ending is a twist on the idea of a dog's tale. The artwork, executed in acrylics, is bursting with life, especially the last several scenes in which dogs of every shape and stripe cavort around the house. A well-plotted delight. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1553377680
• ISBN-13: 978-1553377689
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 10 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #783,981 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastc book for kids and grow-ups alike!, April 14, 2003

By 

Priscilla Berry (Reno, NV USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Stanley's Party (Hardcover)

Stanleys party is a wonderfully written and illustrated book. It is suppose to be for kids, but many an adult will break out in smiles and giggles over it.
Stanley the dog, starts by breaking one little rule in life - don't get on the couch - and graduates to shattering all the house rules. In the process he discovers the joys of new experiences, and new skills like dancing, dining, and entertaining new friends - all without the knowlege of his people. Until the day when things get out of hand.....
The book is hysterically funny and guaranteed to bring a smile to almost everyones face - dog owner or not.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Extremely funny, but no lesson, March 15, 2010

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Stanley's Party (Paperback)

Stanley has been a very good dog, but one night, as he waits for his owners to come home, he realizes that without them there, he can sleep on the couch. It works out quite well, and soon he graduates to bigger and better fun. But, when his people come home early one night, the fun comes to an end...sort of.

OK, this is an interesting book. It is well illustrated, and a lot of fun. My five-year-old daughter loved watching Stanley dance the night away. What was the lesson that this book taught? Well, I suppose none, Stanley didn't get into much trouble, and he actually liked his punishment. So, if you want a good lesson in a kids' book, you will probably be disappointed.

But, if you want a good, extremely funny book, one that is sure to please your little reader, then get this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!, July 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Stanley's Party (Hardcover)

This is an absolutely wonderful children's book -- and I don't even have children! I bought one for myself, and another for my brother (who has no children, either).

The illustrations are so charming and funny, and the text is laugh-out-old funny at points.

Kids -- and grownups -- will love this book!