A new year begins!

I received a letter at the end of last month from a 2nd grade boy who attends the school where my sister works. The child’s letter was obviously part of a class project — but it was carefully written with one of my favorite and well traveled book characters neatly folded up in the letter.

You may know this book character; he’s got a website (opens in a new window) devoted to school projects and more. His name is Flat Stanley. (opens in a new window) (The website, by the way, was created by a teacher from Ontario some 10 or more years ago.)

Anyway, even though Jeff Smith’s first book about the boy, who became flat from an unusual accident, came out long ago, his adventures continue. In fact, a new series about Stanley Lambchop and his family as they continue their travels is coming out this Spring.

I’ve recently read an advance copy of Flat Stanley’s first Worldwide Adventure, The Mount Rushmore Calamity (opens in a new window) (HarperCollins) in which Stanley and the family travel to see the Black Hills of South Dakota, save a face, and soak up some of the local culture.

I’m not always a proponent of continuing a character after its creator is gone, but author Sara Pennypacker (opens in a new window) who has taken over Jeff Brown’s creation, maintains the tone and pace of his original work.

And so, teachers and Stanley aficionados will have another series that will likely inspire more letters and more pictures of Stanley around the country and around the world.

It’s a nice way to start the New Year, isn’t it? A bit of travel, a bit of fun, and a good letter or so to share.