Stanley's Beauty Contest
Stanley Series
What’s inside...
Stanley's people are so preoccupied with primping him for the dog show in the park that they forgot his breakfast, making him very grumpy. At the park, he meets his old friends Nutsy, Alice, and Gassy Jack. Together, they eye the grand prize of the biggest, most delicious-smelling dog cookie. Enticed by its bubbling cheese, sizzling bacon, and apple pie aromas, Stanley is determined to win despite not being the fastest, most talented, or most beautiful dog. His rumbling tummy leads him into an adventure, resulting in the best dogpile ever as they show humans that fun is what truly matters.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about how Stanley prepared for the beauty contest? What would you have done differently?
How did the other dogs in the contest react to Stanley's participation? What does this teach us about sportsmanship and competition?
Why do you think Stanley decided to join the beauty contest? What can we learn about trying new things from his experience?
How did the judges react to Stanley and why? What does this tell us about expectations and surprises?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to consider the characters' motivations and reactions. This helps to deepen their understanding of the story and its characters.
Discuss the concept of inner beauty versus outer beauty. Highlight how Stanley's story emphasizes the importance of qualities like courage and adventurousness.
Use the book's illustrations to engage younger children, asking them to describe what they see and how it relates to the story’s theme.
Connect the story to your child's personal experiences, such as times they tried something new or participated in a competition. This personal connection can make the discussion more relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: In the story, Stanley learns to appreciate his own unique qualities despite not fitting the conventional standards of 'beauty' in the contest.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded to value themselves as they are and to recognize that true beauty comes from within.
Example Lesson: Compassion
Explanation: Stanley's experiences in the beauty contest teach children about empathy and understanding towards others who might feel left out or different.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be kind and supportive of their peers, regardless of outward appearances.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite not initially succeeding in the beauty contest, Stanley continues to participate and finds joy in the process.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to persist in their endeavors and to find value in participating, regardless of the outcome.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Stanley's friends support him throughout the contest, showing how authentic friendship can provide encouragement and boost self-esteem.
Real-World Application: Children will see the importance of supportive friendships in overcoming challenges and building confidence.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking about societal standards
Explanation: The book subtly challenges the concept of traditional beauty contests and what it means to be 'beautiful.',
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think critically about societal norms and standards, fostering independent thinking and personal judgment.