Stanley at School

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 23, 2015

Review

Stanley the dog is back again in this sixth adventure. He has always wondered about the school as the children walk down the block. After talking with his dog pals at the dog park, the next day they meet in front of the school to see what the kids do all day. When they get in, the smells, "Socks. Hamster poop. Chalk. And something else...LUNCH!" set their tour in motion. After kids come in and give them hugs, the dogs are then chased by a man with a broom. They run through the gym, music room and craft room right into the principal's or "TOP Dog's" office. With a gentle pat on their heads, she steers them to the front door. They report back to the neighborhood dogs that children "Eat and Run" at school. Slavin's cheerful, full-paged illustrations rendered in acrylics on gessoed paper show a variety of expressions, actions and doggie hi-jinx in realistic settings such as a dog park, classroom and school hallway. Children from multiple background and varying abilities are pictured as well as the principal who is an African American female. Useful for story times about school, new places, discussions about treating pets or a round of giggles.

Overall Book Score: excellent