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“My library is a true community space for my families. Our kids love that they can meet their friends here, including the friends they’ve made within books. Familiar characters like Stanley, Izzy Gizmo, and Arlo the Lion are like spending time with old friends – we’ve had science experiments with Izzy, and we’ve read bedtime stories to our stuffed Arlo! Books like the Stanley series are so important, because it teaches through gentle repetition and familiarity. Toddlers know Stanley and his friends, and are comfortable seeing them do different jobs around their town, but also in Stanley’s routine: he wakes up, heads off to his new career, comes back home to eat dinner, have a bath, and go to bed. Sitting with your little ones to read books like these time and again encourage kids to learn words and put ideas together, and it provides a safe place – on your lap – for kids to explore different ideas, from working in a library (where kids can also ask librarians about what Stanley does, and what they do!) to working on a fire truck. Kathryn O. Galbraith and Adela Pons’ books about the seasons are also great books to introduce the different changes in weather and times of year to toddlers – they’re some of my most popular board books!”―Rosemary Kiladitis, Queens Library, Corona, New York

“During COVID my library was able to take enough precautions near the tail end to be open while also keeping our staff and patrons safe. One day a girl came in, fully masked, carrying a jam jar, full to the brim with pennies, tied with a little ribbon at the top. Zoe, the kid, had desperately been missing the library those months we’d been closed. So, entirely of her own accord, she began collecting pennies. Pennies from the ground. Pennies from other people. Pennies she could donate once the library was open, just to tell us how special we were. It can be easy for us to forget that for the kids, the library can be a second home. One that they’re willing to help out, no matter what. No matter how many pennies they have to collect on our behalf.”―Betsy Bird, Collection Development Manager, Evanston Public Library

“The Matheson Memorial Library in Elkhorn WI is the heart of our community, providing informational, educational, and recreational services, in a friendly and supportive setting, to all families, children, and caregivers of the Elkhorn community and beyond. We are a family gathering place focused on educating, enriching, and entertaining the families, children, teens, and caregivers of the public.

Some of our favorite stories for toddler storytime include the Stanley picture books and board books. Ms. Pattie, Elkhorn Area School District Parent Educator, says she loves to use them in storytime with toddlers because their bold illustrations, simple language, and gentle humor is enjoyed by all, parents and toddlers alike.

When families with toddlers visit our library, we encourage them to hang out in the play area and build socialization skills, to read together on the cushions to model reading behavior, and pick their own books (the board books are handily located in the play area) to build an interest in reading. Don’t forget to stop and chat with our friendly librarians for book recommendations, to find out about library and community programs, and discover new things the library is offering. One tip to make library visits easier is to plan ahead for distractions at stops. We have these built in at our library – the gerbil tank is by the children’s self-check, the wishing well is within sight of the circulation desk if you need some extra help checking out or placing a hold – but you can also bring in a small toy or set up a library ritual so children know what to expect on each part of their library trip.”―Jennifer Wharton, Youth Services Librarian, Matheson Memorial Library

“Stanley’s Library has just the right book for every reader and this delightful new book in the Stanley series is just right for read alouds with young children!  From the comfy padded cover, to the bright bold illustrations, to the good humor and generous double page spreads, Stanley’s Library works well to show readers the friendliness and versatility of public libraries.  Stanley is also a good spirited librarian.  He works hard, appreciates his job, and at the end of the day even enjoys what the library offers himself!  Be sure to introduce your young child to your public librarian and like Stanley, they will match their interests and inclinations with just the right books! “―Maria Simon, Head of Youth Services, Wood County District Public Library

“Stanley is a librarian favorite at my library. From the first Stanley book, we all knew it was the perfect storytime series. Since then we have eagerly anticipated every new Stanley release to see what our favorite hamster is up to now. Stanley’s Library might be my favorite adventure yet because it is a wonderful love letter to libraries, librarians and the power of connecting over books. William Bee portrays a day in the life of a librarian so beautifully and Stanley’s adventures showcase everything I love about my job: connecting with the community, matching books with readers, hosting programs and events, and helping everyone find the joy of reading.”―Sarah Bean Thompson, Youth Services Manager, the Library Center

Stanley’s Library
by William Bee

It’s going to be another busy day at Stanley’s library! Charlie tidies the bookshelves while Stanley gets his cart ready with books to stock his bookmobile to take to the local park. Myrtle is returning some books about cheese, and Stanley is picking the perfect books for Hattie, Shamus, and Little Woo. Hurry! Stanley has to get back to the library in time to set up for a special event… After another day on the go, Stanley returns home for his comforting nighttime routine of supper, bed, and bath.

A must-read addition to the Stanley series and a brightly colored salute to reading, libraries, and librarians, little Stanley fans won’t want to miss this new adventure with everyone’s favorite community helping hamster. Perfect for read alouds with fans of Maisy, William Bee’s beloved Stanley series is ideal for readers at a transitional age between board books and picture books.

Visit the Stanley Fan Page to explore more Stanley picture and board books, meet the lovable characters, and download activities, recipes, and more! Join the Stanley Fan Club to keep up with the latest news for the hardest working hamster in the book business.

“Delightfully celebrates the art of librarianship.” —Kirkus Reviews

Find Stanley’s Library this August at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble, and be sure to check out the rest of our brand-new picture books and middle grade and YA titles coming to Peachtree this season!

It’s a beautiful day for a trip to the local market! Basket in hand, Stanley visits his friends’ market stalls to buy lunch for himself and a special guest. There is such a wide variety of food to choose from—how will he decide? He buys some bread from Gabriel, cheese from Hattie, fruit from George, and more before heading home to pack up his lunch box. Can you guess who his special picnic guest might be? An early introduction to food group vocabulary and a model of please-and-thank-you manners, Stanley’s Lunch Box is an engaging addition for Stanley’s youngest fans!

Stanley is heading to the park with his toy box and his friends Little Woo and Betty for a fun-filled day of jumping rope, building sandcastles, and flying kites. What else does Stanley have in his toy box? Everyone is so excited to try out all the new toys that they forget to take turns, and after a few bumps and accidents, the three friends learn that not all toys are best played with at the same time. Watch out! The remote control plane is heading straight for the kites! A simple introduction to toy vocabulary and creative play, Stanley’s Toy Box is also a great conversation-starter about sharing and taking turns.

William Bee’s Stanley board books have been called “well designed and colorfully illustrated” and “charming” (Booklist). They emphasize important themes of simple concepts, creativity, STEAM, friendship, community, and collaboration.

Can’t get enough of Stanley and friends? Head over to the Stanley Fan Page to explore more board and picture books, meet the lovable characters, and download the series activity kit for more hands-on fun!

Find Stanley’s Lunch Box and Stanley’s Toy Box this March at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble, and be sure to check out the rest of our brand-new picture books and middle grade and YA titles coming to Peachtree this season!

One of the most endearing qualities of the Stanley series is the comfortable rhythm and repetition that make for perfect read-alouds and books that children return to again and again. To explore the importance of that rhythm and repetition, we asked early education expert Marsha Hawley to share why books like the Stanley picture books are so important for the youngest readers.

Marsha Shigeyo Hawley is the former Director of Implementation and Practice Improvement for the Lead Learn Excel program, a professional learning program that provides training, targeted coaching, and a suite of resources to instructional leaders. Marsha has more than forty years of teaching experience, initially working with infants, toddlers, and children in pre-K through 3^rd grade, then moving on to more than 20 years of higher education focusing on early childhood education. She is also the author of several publications, including curriculum for infant and toddler caregivers.

What Makes a Picture Book Compelling?

Do you ever wonder what makes a book so compelling that a child pulls it off the shelf to have you read it? And why, when you’re finished reading it for the fourth time in an hour, that same child asks you to read it again?

That’s how I felt when I first read William Bee’s Stanley the Farmer. I immediately fell in love with Stanley the hamster, of course, but the words are simple, and the illustrations are perfect for even the youngest of children. They are bright, but do not rely only on primary colors to grab your attention. The content is interesting, filled with real-life connections and experiences, but it also builds curiosity for readers who have never been to a farm, for example. However, what I mostly fell in love with was the rhythm of Stanley the Farmer – and of all the books in the Stanley series.

What Does It Mean for a Book to Have Rhythm?

When we talk about a book’s “rhythm,” we could be talking about sentence structure, the pacing of events, or the tempo of the language. We could also be talking about the regularity of events in a book, the “routine,” if you will.

In each book, Stanley and his neighbors – including a very young shrew-like character named Little Woo – help each other throughout their day. And at the end of that day, Stanley goes home for his comforting nightly routine of supper, bath, and bed. At the end of Stanley the Builder, Stanley’s friend Myrtle expresses her gratitude to Stanley and Charlie for a job well done building her house, then Stanley returns home – “time for supper, time for a bath, and time for bed.”

How Do Books Build More Than Academic and Literacy Skills?

Early literacy studies show that books help build more than just academic skills for very young children. They also help model predictability, healthy practices, and social relationships that create a feeling of belonging. Books like those in the Stanley series demonstrate friendship, community, good nourishment, hard work and cooperation along with the joy and rhythm of a normal day.

“Read it to me again” books spark interest in young children by portraying things and experiences that connect to a child’s life and yet are a bit new for them. They help develop curiosity, even with very young children who are not yet able to point or talk. It’s the balance of realities: what a child knows and what a child has not yet experienced.

How Does a Book Become a Good “Read It to Me Again” Book?

Along with sparking a child’s curiosity and interest, a book becomes a “read it to me again” staple depending on who should like the book. Should the child choose the book? Should the adult be the one who selects the book? If you want a book that’s going to be read again and again, the answer is both.

When an adult enjoys the book, and the concepts resonate with them, the act of jointly enjoying the story makes that shared time a more meaningful experience. I feel that way about Stanley. I love these books myself and have recommended them to others to read with children.

In more than 45 years of study and work in the field of early childhood education, I know it takes more than good books to create a good environment for young children and their families. Yet, good “read it to me again” books are powerful to create a joy and rhythm that help make learning happen organically.

More about Marsha Shigeyo Hawley

Marsha Shigeyo Hawley is an advisor to advancing racial equity at the Ounce of Prevention and was the former Director of Implementation and Practice Improvement for the Lead Learn Excel program. Lead Learn Excel is a professional learning program that provides training, targeted coaching, and a suite of resources to instructional leaders to fuel early childhood educators’ learning and continuous improvement.

Marsha has been invested in infant mental health and in infant toddler child care and teen parenting. Her portfolio of professional work includes more than forty years of teaching experience with infants, toddlers, pre-K, K-3, including more than twenty-two years in higher education in early childhood. She is the author of several publications in early childhood education and a curriculum for infant toddler caregivers. She has also won awards for her early education websites that were launched in 1995.

Marsha continues to serve on the leadership team of the Chicago Commission on Urban Opportunities, and the Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development Advisory Council, supporting the creation of the Infant Toddler Credential in Illinois. Marsha also supports the community of learners in infancy by bringing together professionals and practitioners to the Infant Toddler Conference held at Oakton College that started in 1998. 

Stanley’s Fire Engine
by William Bee

It’s another busy day for Stanley and Peggy at the fire station! Fire fighters have to be ready for anything, so they gear up and keep their fire engine in tip-top condition. Oh no, Little Woo’s stuck in a tree! Don’t worry, the fire engine has a tall ladder that reaches as high as the branches. It also has long water hoses, ready to put out fires on this hot, sunny day. When you hear the CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! of the bell, get out of the way! This helpful hamster is on the job!

In this latest addition to the Stanley series, young readers get a fun first glimpse into a firefighter’s routine to learn about preparation and safety. Truck fans will love the gadgets and features of the bright red fire engine, illustrated in William Bee’s signature bold and detailed style. Stanley’s Fire Engine is a joy to read aloud and a perfect salute to our community helpers.

Learn more about fire safety with these helpful tips, and always be prepared like Stanley!

Visit the Stanley Fan Page to explore more Stanley picture and board books, meet the lovable characters, and download activities, recipes, and more! Join the Stanley Fan Club to keep up with the latest news for the hardest working hamster in the book business.

“It’s no wonder that young children, who crave stability in their lives, relate so strongly to the Stanley the Hamster picture-book series. Beyond their interest in Stanley’s daily activities, kids enjoy the well-structured lines and cheerful colors of the art as well as the steady, reassuring tone of the narrative. An enjoyable read-aloud choice, especially leading up to holidays involving fireworks.” —Booklist

“An adorable hamster, a fire engine, and fireworks: high preschooler appeal.” —Kirkus Reviews 

Find Stanley’s Fire Engine this August at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble, and don’t forget to check out the rest of our brand-new Fall 2020 titles as well as our picture books and middle grade titles coming to Peachtree this season in paperback!

Stanley is a community helper that every young reader can emulate and celebrate at home with some fun, simple activities. We hope you explore the whole Stanley series, but we’re highlighting the below titles that show Stanley in roles that are especially vital right now.

Stanley the Farmer

It’s going to be a busy day on Stanley’s farm! From plowing the field, to planting the seeds, to harvesting the wheat, Stanley has a lot to do. Luckily, his friends Shamus and Little Woo lend a helping hand.

Start a conversation about where we get our food, and how farmers around the world are working hard to stock our farmer’s markets and grocery stores. Young readers can also start a garden of their own to learn the process of planting and the patience needed for growing food.

Read an excerpt!

Buy Stanley the Farmer today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Bookshop.org.

Stanley’s Store

Stanley has fresh fruits and veggies to be unloaded, Myrtle needs help at the cheese counter, Shamus and Little Woo’s groceries must be rung up, and—oh no! Charlie just knocked over Stanley’s produce display. Even for an industrious hamster like Stanley, running a store is hard work! Can Stanley help his friends find everything they need?

Stanley’s Store helps young readers to explore grocery store processes, machines, and—most importantly—clerks. These are the people and things that make every trip to the grocery store and every grocery delivery a helpful and safe experience.

Think about how you can thank your local grocery store staff. You can send a card or make a “thank you” sign for grocery store employees and delivery drivers!

Read an excerpt!

Buy Stanley’s Store today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Bookshop.org.

Stanley the Mailman

It’s going to be a busy day for Stanley! He gets up early to sort through the mail in his post office. Then he sets off through town to deliver the letters and packages to all his friends. Myrtle, Little Woo, and Charlie all receive exciting gifts and letters. But will everyone be happy with what’s in Stanley’s mailbag?

Is checking the mail an exciting, fundamental part of your daily routine? These days, many people are shopping online and having essential items delivered right to their doorsteps. Take time to talk about the men and women who are ensuring that everything is delivered safely and in a timely manner.

Is there a way you can celebrate your mailman? How about drawing a “thank you” sign to put up on the front of your house? Better yet, encourage everyone in your neighborhood to put “thank you” signs up on the same day!

Read an excerpt!

Buy Stanley the Mailman today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Bookshop.org.

Stanley’s School

Ding, ding, ding! It’s time for school with Stanley and Hattie, and there are lots of eager students at school today! Stanley reads a story to Little Woo, Sophie, and Benjamin. Outside, everyone has fun in the garden, and Stanley’s lemonade and Hattie’s lovely fruit salad are delicious snacks for lunch right before a nice little nap. Things get a little messy during art time, though . . . uh, oh!

Being away from the structure and fun of school can be hard, but teachers around the world are supporting our communities with much-needed resources. Take some time to celebrate everything teachers are doing and have done for you!

Buy Stanley’s School today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Bookshop.org.

Stanley’s Diner

Eggs and pancakes, coming right up! Stanley is cooking for all the hungry customers who come into his diner, while Hattie takes their orders. Then Stanley serves up a special cake – but whose birthday are they celebrating?

It’s easy to take restaurants for granted until we can’t go and enjoy all their delicious food! Have you ordered take-out or gotten curbside delivery lately? If not, get out and support the restaurants in your local community as they continue to provide much-needed nourishment and comfort. Ask your young reader about their favorite restaurant and get delivery or pick up breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Read an excerpt!

Buy Stanley’s Diner today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Bookshop.org.

Are you a Stanley fan? Check out the rest of the Stanley series, and sign up to receive exclusive Stanley content year-round!

What do you do with a bunch of empty cardboard boxes? Make a castle, of course! Stanley brings his paint box to decorate the castle with Mr. Woo, Sophie, and Benjamin. They have red, blue, yellow, and white paint, but where are the other colors? Don’t worry! Stanley will help them mix the paint to make orange, green, purple, and pink. Stanley’s Paint Box is an early introduction to primary and secondary colors, painting tools, and patterns. Fostering creativity and experimentation, this addition to the Stanley series will inspire little artists to mix and create on their own.

For more hands-on fun, download the Stanley’s Paint Box activity sheet!

Stanley is helping Little Woo repair his tree house. They need to build a ladder, fix the roof, and hang some pictures. But Stanley also has a surprise for his friends—what could it be? Perfect for Stanley’s youngest tool-loving fans, Stanley’s Toolbox provides fun opportunities for little helpers to explore the basic features of a house and discover the names and functions of common tools, like twisting a screwdriver, banging a hammer, and squiggling the glue.

Check out the Stanley’s Toolbox activity sheet, perfect for home and in the classroom!

Can’t get enough of Stanley and friends? Head over to the Stanley Fan Page to explore more Stanley board and picture books, meet the lovable characters, and download activities, recipes, and more!

Find Stanley’s Toolbox and Stanley’s Paint Box this March at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble, and don’t forget to check out the rest of our brand-new Spring 2020 titles as well as our picture books and middle grade titles coming to Peachtree this season in paperback!

Stanley’s Train
Written and illustrated by William Bee

All aboard! It’s another busy day for Stanley and his friends, so hop on Stanley’s train and follow everybody’s favorite hamster through William Bee’s latest picture book adventure.

Stanley’s passengers have a beach ball, a toy boat, and an inner tube, so it’s up to you to figure out where his train could be headed!

With bright illustrations, adorable characters, and a padded-cover format, William Bee’s Stanley series is perfect for on-the-lap reading and readers transitioning from board books to picture books. Stanley’s Train chugs into the station this August!

“While the text is brief and straightforward, the story charms with its childlike details… The distinctive illustrations make excellent use of the broad white backgrounds, strong black lines, and flat colors. A lovable choice for young railway fans.” —Booklist

“Stanley and his fellow rodents are adorable…little listeners are sure to come back to Stanley over and over, as he explores jobs and uses equipment sure to pique their interest.” —Kirkus Reviews

Check out the Stanley Fan Page to receive exclusive content year-round! Get the inside scoop on all things Stanley with information on each book in the series and activity sheets to continue the fun, and sign up for the newsletter to keep up with the latest news for the hardest working hamster in the book business.

Be on the lookout the rest of our new Fall 2019 titles and those coming to Peachtree in paperback.

For: The Youngest Reader

Stanley’s Colors
Written and illustrated by William Bee

Stanley and Little Woo are learning about colors and vehicles. There’s a red car, a yellow motorbike, and even a pink balloon!

This fun board book is filled with bright, bold illustrations and features adorable characters. For Baby’s first book about colors, Stanley’s Colors offers the perfect introduction, while also proving a great opportunity to learn about shapes and modes of transportation. Read an excerpt here.

Winter Babies
Written by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrated by Adela Pons

Spirited rhyming text and colorful graphic art reveal an energetic cast of babies having an action-packed day of play in the park on a cheerful winter day.

Featuring diverse characters and highlighting early concepts like shapes and repetition, this fun board book encourages an appreciation of nature and outdoor imaginative play.

Little Whale
Written and illustrated by Jo Weaver

Little Whale and Gray Whale swim under midnight skies and through coral reefs as they migrate to the cool, rich waters of the North to feed until, at last, they are home.

Introducing the annual migration of gray whales through gentle text and stunning monochromatic illustrations, this beautiful picture book reveals the wonder of nature, the excitement of discovery, and the strength of parental love. Read an excerpt here.

Where is Baby?
Written by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrated by John Butler

Adorable illustrations and a soothing text depict the many ways animal babies hide.

From baby rabbits leopards to baby ostriches and even a human baby, little readers will love learning about new animals and seeing where they hide. The gentle text is a reassuring message about parent’s love with the adorable backdrop of John Butler’s illustrations.

Find these titles and more at your local indie bookstore or Barnes & Noble. Still looking for more great ideas? Our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide has even more gift recommendations for your little readers this holiday season!

Everyone’s favorite hardworking hamster is back, and this time he’s a teacher! Stanley’s School sees the return of the beloved cast of familiar characters (along with some new friends) for William Bee’s seventh title in the fun-filled picture book series.

Readers will love the vibrant colors, dynamic illustrations, and engaging story as Stanley and the class explore everyday activities at school. Stanley and Hattie have a busy day planned for Little Woo, Sophie, and Benjamin as they enjoy story time, painting, and playing pretend. Young readers will likely recognize some of their own favorite preschool classroom activities. From the moment Hattie rings the morning bell until the students head home on the blue school bus, Stanley’s School highlights the true excitement and fun of learning. Fans of Stanley will also be familiar with his regular nighttime routine of supper, bath, and bed, and get to continue saying “Goodnight” to their favorite hamster.

“Order, balance, and contentment seem fundamental to the charm of the amiable series for young children…. A pleasing addition to this popular series.” —Booklist

“Stanley the hamster welcomes a cast of preschool rodents to his school as they enjoy a day of fun and learning together…. Bee isn’t afraid to break gender stereotypes… Fans of the gentle hamster will want to know: What occupation will Stanley tackle next?” —Kirkus Reviews

But the fun isn’t over with Stanley! Head on over to the Stanley Fan Page, where you can find information about the picture book and board book series as well as author-illustrator William Bee, and also download fun activity sheets.

And don’t forget to sign up for the Stanley e-newsletter, where you will receive exclusive Stanley content for Stanley’s School and upcoming announcements before anyone else!