Flat Stanley

Growing up in Niagara Falls, NY, my parents owned a summer cottage on Lake Erie 45 minutes over the border in Ontario. There were tons of things to do outside on beautiful summer weekends. Lawn jarts (illegal in the U.S.), volleyball, horse shoes etc...but sometimes it rained. And when it did, we'd be stuck inside with only puzzles and books to occupy our time. I was too nervous to read Jaws, what with the water only a football field away, so instead I became obsessed with Flat Stanley. Flat Stanley is an odd children's book about a boy who has a poster fall and flatten him. From there he goes on a series of adventures. The book was an integral part of my childhood.

Imagine my surprise when I started seeing little cardboard Flat Stanley's popping up all over the internet and the world. The book must resonate with others as well, because the Flat Stanley Project is in full swing.

http://www.flatstanleyproject.com/

There, you can find cutouts of the scamp along with the likes of Barack Obama, Clay Aiken and even the Blue Man Group. It's a fun grassroots thing built out of a simple children's book. Next time you take a vacation, make sure to pack a Flat Stanley with you.