Stanley and his little brother, Alfie, have fun together and tease each other as they ride the school bus. Barbara Swisher Amundson shares a special event in Stanley’s life in Stanley’s Standing Ovation! Their principal reminds all the students that there will be a science fair on Monday and to be sure to turn their projects in. This announcement sets Stanley’s mind in motion, and all he can think about is the project he will make for the fair. Alfie invites Stanley to play with him and do many activities. Stanley refuses because his mind is set on his project. What does Stanley give up to do his best in the science project? What kind of reward does Stanley win for his diligence? Have you ever given up one thing to achieve something else? How does the result of the science fair change Alfie?

Stanley’s Standing Ovation! is a delightful children’s picture book by Barbara Swisher Amundson. Your child will love watching the characters interact and play various games. They also will learn many life lessons, including that sometimes sacrifice is needed to achieve success. Alejandra Barajas’ illustrations add life and color to this story. Many activities are mentioned in this book. Which ones do your child enjoy? As you read this book to and with your child, discuss the importance of having priorities in their life and that hard work pays off. Where can creative ideas come from? Help your child seek knowledge in all areas of life and stay on the lookout for information that will help them succeed. I recommend this book to all children and to parents who want to help their children mature into responsible and productive adults.

Stanley doesn’t want to play with his younger brother, Alfie. It’s not because he doesn’t like him; it’s because everything that Alfie chooses to do reminds Stanley of a time when he hurt himself. But, in Barbara Swisher Amundson’s Stanley’s Standing Ovation!, each of Alfie’s suggestions, from riding their bikes to climbing the rock wall, provide Stanley with some ideas and a whole lot of repeated statements, “I wonder.” You see, their school has a science fair on Monday and Stanley is thinking of building something for the science fair. But will his idea work? And will it attract some positive attention? Come to the science fair and find out.

Barbara Swisher Amundson’s picture book, Stanley’s Standing Ovation!, is a clever story about creative thinking and reworking something negative into a positive idea. The story follows two brothers as they decide what to do over the weekend. They both have a science fair project to complete, but only Stanley appears to be thinking creatively about an idea and making lots of drawings to work out his thoughts. The language is simple so young readers can easily follow along and improve their reading skills. The illustrations by Alejandra Barajas are bright, bold, and colorful and certainly add another dimension to the story. The plot progresses as the two boys ponder one idea after another until finally Monday arrives and with it the science fair. As the brothers work out their differences and individualities, the anticipation and excitement of the science fair builds up in this story and young readers will be eager to see what Stanley has created.