Stanley's Party
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, WICopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.