WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ — One of the most adventurous characters in
children’s literature, Flat Stanley, traveled to the prestigious Library of
Congress today where he, along with the first three books in Flat Stanley’s
Worldwide Adventures series, were inducted into the Library to help Adventures
by Disney and HarperCollins Children’s Books celebrate an exciting new project
called “The Search for Flat Stanley’s Next BIG Adventure.”

Due to his peculiar ability to be mailed to different locations, Stanley is
the most well-traveled character in children’s literature, traveling around
the world thousands of times annually in an educational project that has
become a classic of the American classroom. Now budding writers and artists
are invited to create their own Flat Stanley story in “The Search for Flat
Stanley’s Next BIG Adventure.” In this nationwide contest, children ages 7 to
12 can win an Adventures by Disney vacation by creating a specially themed
Flat Stanley and a 150-word story about his “Next BIG Adventure.”

Entries will be judged in three age groups – one for 7 to 8-year-olds, one for
9 to 10-year-olds and one for 11 to 12-year-olds. One winner will be chosen in
each age group and each of the three winners can choose one of Adventures by
Disney’s 19 worldwide vacations for their prize.

Parents, kids and educators can check out
www.FlatStanleyBooks.com/AdventuresbyDisney for Official Rules and complete
information on the Contest; fun, interactive games; and fascinating
informational resources. The Contest runs through November 30, 2009 and no
purchase is necessary to enter or win.

The Search
At today’s launch, more than 20 local third-graders from Washington, D.C.’s
Sheridan School took part in a special reading with the author of the upcoming
Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures #5: The Amazing Mexican Secret, Josh
Greenhut, who colored in his own Flat Stanley with the students. Stephanie
Sprow, from the U.S. Department of Education and Historian John Y. Cole, from
the Library, also joined representatives from Adventures by Disney and
HarperCollins for the special induction.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of
www.FlatStanleyBooks.com/AdventuresbyDisney, a specially-created Web site
featuring Flat Stanley; backgrounds, clothing, accessories and information
from Adventures by Disney destinations to help kids prepare their Flat Stanley
and stories; complete “Contest Official Rules” and entry information;
interactive, educational games based on Adventures by Disney’s destinations;
and a special section for educators with resources explaining how to
incorporate Flat Stanley’s adventures into their classrooms.

“Flat Stanley has traveled the globe and experienced much of what the world
has to offer. HarperCollins is thrilled to be teaming up with Adventures by
Disney to give Flat Stanley readers a chance to experience that world
themselves,” said Diane Naughton, vice president of marketing, HarperCollins
Children’s Books. “We can’t wait to see the imaginative adventures readers
come up with for Stanley.”

“This promotion encompasses our joint mission – to bring history, culture and
adventure from countries around the world to children, parents and educators
in a creative and engaging way,” said Don Gross, vice president, Adventures by
Disney. “We hope to encourage children and families’ passion for reading,
travel and knowledge of the world.”

Flat Stanley and Adventures by Disney
Flat Stanley was introduced by author Jeff Brown more than 45 years ago and
has inspired a worldwide phenomenon. In what’s become a popular tradition,
parents and kids take Flat Stanley with them on vacation or send him to
friends and family in different cities. Flat Stanley’s picture is taken in
various locations, and the children report back to their classes on Flat
Stanley’s adventures. In Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures, Flat Stanley
continues to inspire creativity in classrooms across America with his
entertaining adventures that are also lessons in geography.

Adventures by Disney introduces families to diverse cultures and exciting
activities with 19 immersive, authentic, fun and educational trips to
destinations throughout the United States and around the world, including
South Africa, China, Australia, Europe and the Americas. Every aspect of each
trip – from excursions to accommodations to dining – is specifically designed
for families traveling together. Immersive activities created just for kids
allow young travelers to learn and have fun in places like museums that aren’t
always as entertaining for the younger set. For example, at the Louvre in
Paris, the Junior Adventurers play an Art Detective game throughout the museum
with their Adventure Guides, while adults take a privately guided tour with an
art historian.