And I Mean It, Stanley
I Can Read Level 1 Series
What’s inside...
A little girl builds a 'truly great thing' out of junk and is accompanied by her mysterious friend Stanley, who only appears when the creation is nearly finished. This early reader book is designed for beginning readers with simple concepts, short sentences, and familiar words to promote reading confidence. Full of suspense and surprises, this story by Crosby Bonsall offers a delightfully satisfying conclusion.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy (Unnamed)
Stanley
Discussion points
How do you think the girl felt when Stanley didn't listen to her?
What do you think the secret place looks like? Can you describe it?
Why is it important to mean what we say to our friends?
How do you think the story would change if Stanley was a real person?
What would you do if you had a secret place like the girl in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive facial expressions and voice modulation to reflect the emotions of the characters while reading the story.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences where they wanted to be alone like the girl in the book, to better understand their feelings.
Encourage your child to draw their version of the 'secret place' mentioned in the book, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of the story.
Discuss the importance of communication and expressing feelings clearly, using examples from the book as references.
At the end of the story, brainstorm with your child about other possible endings, enhancing their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: The main character, a young girl, uses her creativity to play pretend games with her dog, Stanley. She asserts her imaginative scenarios with the phrase 'And I mean it, Stanley,' emphasizing her engagement in creative play.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by engaging in imaginative play, which helps develop creativity and problem-solving skills. It encourages them to explore different scenarios and outcomes in a safe environment.
Example Lesson: Setting Boundaries
Explanation: The young girl sets clear boundaries during her imaginative play, indicating when Stanley can and cannot participate. This showcases her understanding of personal limits and respect for space.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of personal boundaries and respecting others' space. It teaches them to communicate their needs and limits clearly in interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of Solitude
Explanation: Despite her fondness for playing with Stanley, the girl also values time alone, symbolized by her retreat to her 'no trespassing' area. This highlights the balance between social interaction and individual space.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it’s healthy to spend time alone, reflecting or enjoying personal activities. It teaches them independence and how to appreciate their own company.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: When Stanley disrupts the girl's alone time, it leads to a series of events that demonstrate the consequences of not respecting others’ boundaries.
Real-World Application: This scenario can help children understand that their actions impact others. It encourages them to think about how they interact with peers and the importance of respecting others' wishes.