Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown, first published in 1964, is a whimsical tale about Stanley Lambchop, a young boy who lives with his parents and younger brother, Arthur, in a typical American town. One night, a bulletin board falls on Stanley while he sleeps, flattening him to just half an inch thick. At first, Stanley is shocked but soon discovers the advantages of his new shape: he can slide under doors, be mailed in an envelope to visit friends in California, and even help catch art thieves by disguising himself as a painting in a museum. Arthur enjoys flying Stanley like a kite, adding to the fun. However, being flat isn’t always easy—Stanley faces teasing from peers, which makes him feel lonely and eager to return to normal. His family supports him throughout, and eventually, Arthur uses a bicycle pump to inflate Stanley back to his original shape. The Lambchops celebrate with hot chocolate, grateful for Stanley’s return to normalcy. The story, perfect for Grade 5 readers, explores themes of embracing differences, creative problem-solving, and the strength of family bonds, all while delivering humor and imaginative adventures that spark young readers’ creativity and empathy.