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It's Only Stanley
Fans of Jon Klassen and Oliver Jeffers will love this mischievously funny read-aloud from award-winning author/illustrator Jon Agee
Mysterious noises keep waking up the Wimbledon family. "That's very odd," says Mr. Wimbledon each time, but when he returns from checking on the sounds, he's always "It's only Stanley; he's fixing the oil tank." "It's only Stanley; he's clearing the bathtub drain."
But what Stanley the dog is actually doing while his oblivious family goes back to bed is deliciously he's turning the house into a rocket ship to zoom himself and his family to another planet for an alien encounter. This is a perfect rhyming read-aloud for fans of irreverent tales like Click Clack Moo and I Want My Hat Back .
Mysterious noises keep waking up the Wimbledon family. "That's very odd," says Mr. Wimbledon each time, but when he returns from checking on the sounds, he's always "It's only Stanley; he's fixing the oil tank." "It's only Stanley; he's clearing the bathtub drain."
But what Stanley the dog is actually doing while his oblivious family goes back to bed is deliciously he's turning the house into a rocket ship to zoom himself and his family to another planet for an alien encounter. This is a perfect rhyming read-aloud for fans of irreverent tales like Click Clack Moo and I Want My Hat Back .
Hardcover
First published March 17, 2015
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597 people want to read
About the author
Jon Agee
53 books162 followersI grew up in Nyack, New York, just up the street from the Hudson River. In our house, there was always an art project going on.
My early drawings were very animated: a lot of stuff zipping around, airplanes, racing cars, football players. No surprise my first published drawing was a pack of rats running along a highway (The Rat Race). I did that for the New York Times Op Ed page when I was still in high school.
I went to college at The Cooper Union School of Art in New York City. I studied painting, sculpture and filmmaking, but what I loved doing most—in my spare time—was drawing cartoons and comic strips.
When I graduated, I hauled my pile of doodles into the offices of a bunch of editors, with the wild notion that somebody might publish them. When that failed, I wrote a story for kids to go with my pictures (If Snow Falls). It was two sentences long (which counts, by the way). Frances Foster, a wonderful editor at Random House, saw something in that book and signed me up.
The next book, Ellsworth, was about a dog who teaches economics at a university. When he gets home, he throws off his clothes and acts like a dog, which is fine, until some fellow teachers discover this and he loses his job. Somebody told me that Ellsworth was a story about "being yourself." I never realized it had a moral.
I moved to another publisher with Ludlow Laughs, the story of a grumpy guy who laughs in his sleep. This book was doing very poorly until the comedienne Phyliss Diller read it on PBS's Reading Rainbow. It stayed in print for over twenty years.
My fourth book, The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau, was a hit. One of the first people to see it and give it the thumb's up—literally, hot off the press—was Maurice Sendak. We bumped into each other at the printers. It was a lucky first meeting, and happily not our last.
That was all a long time ago. Since then I've written many other picture books, illustrated a few by other authors, and created a series of offbeat wordplay books, beginning with the book of palindromes, Go Hang a Salami! I'm a Lasagna Hog!
I visit schools across the country and sometimes around the globe. I live with my wife, Audrey, in San Francisco.
My early drawings were very animated: a lot of stuff zipping around, airplanes, racing cars, football players. No surprise my first published drawing was a pack of rats running along a highway (The Rat Race). I did that for the New York Times Op Ed page when I was still in high school.
I went to college at The Cooper Union School of Art in New York City. I studied painting, sculpture and filmmaking, but what I loved doing most—in my spare time—was drawing cartoons and comic strips.
When I graduated, I hauled my pile of doodles into the offices of a bunch of editors, with the wild notion that somebody might publish them. When that failed, I wrote a story for kids to go with my pictures (If Snow Falls). It was two sentences long (which counts, by the way). Frances Foster, a wonderful editor at Random House, saw something in that book and signed me up.
The next book, Ellsworth, was about a dog who teaches economics at a university. When he gets home, he throws off his clothes and acts like a dog, which is fine, until some fellow teachers discover this and he loses his job. Somebody told me that Ellsworth was a story about "being yourself." I never realized it had a moral.
I moved to another publisher with Ludlow Laughs, the story of a grumpy guy who laughs in his sleep. This book was doing very poorly until the comedienne Phyliss Diller read it on PBS's Reading Rainbow. It stayed in print for over twenty years.
My fourth book, The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau, was a hit. One of the first people to see it and give it the thumb's up—literally, hot off the press—was Maurice Sendak. We bumped into each other at the printers. It was a lucky first meeting, and happily not our last.
That was all a long time ago. Since then I've written many other picture books, illustrated a few by other authors, and created a series of offbeat wordplay books, beginning with the book of palindromes, Go Hang a Salami! I'm a Lasagna Hog!
I visit schools across the country and sometimes around the globe. I live with my wife, Audrey, in San Francisco.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 397 reviews
January 10, 2020
So loved this wonderful story about a family's beloved pet! And also loved the surprise ending! Highly recommend as a read-aloud, as well as for a literature lesson on inference!
July 20, 2017
It's Only Stanley is a delightfully absurd story written in playful rhyme. Also, great pageturners!
Jon Agee's cartoonish illustrations are full of clues and funny details (poor cat!) that encourage multiple readings:
Jon Agee's cartoonish illustrations are full of clues and funny details (poor cat!) that encourage multiple readings:
June 11, 2015
Enjoy your upside-down crashed house family! I'm late for a hot date!
August 29, 2016
A must for anyone who knows dogs lead secret lives while humans sleep.
March 26, 2016
So much fun and great page turns. The cat is my favorite part. :)
April 21, 2021
Rather embarrassingly, I have only just started to become familiar with Jon Agee's work. Reprinted now by Scallywag Press, Stanley (dog) lives alongside the Wimbledon family and is keeping the family up with his odd antics. The story cumulatively builds up as each family member is disturbed from their sleep by Stanley howling at the moon and making odd banging noises in the basement. Finally, the dog's actions and ambitions are revealed through an event that is simply out of this world.
Written in a simple rhyming pattern, humour is enriched through the befuddled look on the Wimbledon family's faces and by Stanley's stoic nature as he prepares to take the family on a journey like no other. Whilst one might argue that Agee's book is a joke that's run its course after one read, this simply isn't the case. As always, Agee leaves little hints and nods to the adventure throughout the book and repeated readings will still delight and reveal to readers no matter their age.
Written in a simple rhyming pattern, humour is enriched through the befuddled look on the Wimbledon family's faces and by Stanley's stoic nature as he prepares to take the family on a journey like no other. Whilst one might argue that Agee's book is a joke that's run its course after one read, this simply isn't the case. As always, Agee leaves little hints and nods to the adventure throughout the book and repeated readings will still delight and reveal to readers no matter their age.
July 31, 2025
What an ending to stories and steam! This book is super cute and pairs so well with stomp rockets🚀 and making your own astronaut helmet👩🚀 If I could add photos, you best believe I would show my rocket and helmet. Am I proud that a little boy stole my rocket and claimed he made it? Well, yes. Did Bella’s get stolen? No. So clearly this is a great moment to prove my rocket>Bella’s rocket per the metric system of a lying boy. Anyway, sad to no longer look forward to these weekly events but I now look at hosting in an entirely different light and want to greet my friends with an awesome welcome song I learned.
April 20, 2015
I like the premise of a dog mysteriously tinkering with things around the house. I did not like the bizarre ending -- extremely unsatisfying and it ruined the book for me. The illustrations were okay, but I wish the lines has been a smidge thinner and that maybe one or two more colors were in the palette.
March 23, 2015
See, this is the thing. I always say I can't stand rhyming books, but then something like this comes along and it's delightful. It's because I don't like BAD rhyming children's books, which most of them are.
November 3, 2019
4.5ish stars.
Great rhymes, fun story, lots of opportunity for informal instruction, wonderfully simple illustrations. Kids love it.
Illustrations: 4.5
Story: 4.5
Great rhymes, fun story, lots of opportunity for informal instruction, wonderfully simple illustrations. Kids love it.
Illustrations: 4.5
Story: 4.5
March 22, 2022
What a wonderful, waggish wead. I mean read!
One by one, members of the Wimbledon family are being woken up by spooky howls, clank-clank-clanking, funky smells, and buzzing noises. But no worries. It’s only Stanley. Each and every time! Stanley is the culprit. He’s the family dog, source of all the sleepless-ness, and maybe much, much more. What, oh-what is Stanley doing making so much noise? Come see for yourself because…
I’m not telling! :)
I will say I love this book. I’ve read it again and again and it’s made me happy each and every time. The fun, rhyming text is perfect to read out loud. It’s silly and sweet and oh-so perfect. I loved every “W”, stripe, “BLUBB”, and facial expression. Especially the cat’s face! Haha…Poor Max.
Highly recommended read. There’s smiles and surprises aplenty!
June 30, 2021
Weird and wonderful!
December 28, 2018
The Wimbledons are sleeping (or at least attempting to!) when strange noises wake them. The father goes to investigate and finds their dog Stanley howling at the moon. Then another strange noise wakes them...but it's only Stanley, fixing the oil tank. These interruptions to their sleep continue to happen...and with each interruption, an additional Wimbledon climbs into the parents' bed. Finally, the last interruption is one that will surprise and delight readers!
October 29, 2018
The Wimbeldon family find that sleep is a precious commodity indeed in this humorous picture-book, as their dog Stanley continually wakes them from their slumber one night. From howling at the moon - "I don't recognize the tune" says Walter the father - to fixing the drain, Stanley seems to be getting up to quite a bit. By the time the Wimbledons realize that their rest has been interrupted too many times for them to get back to sleep, Stanley, whose actions are anything but random, has launched them on an extraordinary journey. But why does he want to go to the moon...?
A sweet little fantasy, one featuring an amusing story told in rhyme and droll artwork that captures both the Wimbledons' bewilderment and Stanley's determination, It's Only Stanley would make an excellent read-aloud selection at bedtime. I particularly liked Max the cat's involvement, detailed mostly in the illustrations, as he finds himself drenched during Stanley's "drain cleaning," and his tail singed from Stanley's "TV repair." The conclusion of the story, in which Stanley finally reaches his objective, is as satisfying as it is amusing. Recommended to young children who enjoy stories with a bit of surreal humor in them.
A sweet little fantasy, one featuring an amusing story told in rhyme and droll artwork that captures both the Wimbledons' bewilderment and Stanley's determination, It's Only Stanley would make an excellent read-aloud selection at bedtime. I particularly liked Max the cat's involvement, detailed mostly in the illustrations, as he finds himself drenched during Stanley's "drain cleaning," and his tail singed from Stanley's "TV repair." The conclusion of the story, in which Stanley finally reaches his objective, is as satisfying as it is amusing. Recommended to young children who enjoy stories with a bit of surreal humor in them.
February 12, 2015
Reviewed from an uncorrected proof.
HILARIOUS. Stanley the dog keeps waking up the Wimbledon family throughout the night, until they realize he's doing more than odd chores around the house. It rhymes, it scans, the illustrations are hilarious (kids will love tracking the exploits of the dog, noticing tiny details like the poor cat Max's continuing injuries, and the surprise ending). It's brilliant. I love it. Order it immediately.
HILARIOUS. Stanley the dog keeps waking up the Wimbledon family throughout the night, until they realize he's doing more than odd chores around the house. It rhymes, it scans, the illustrations are hilarious (kids will love tracking the exploits of the dog, noticing tiny details like the poor cat Max's continuing injuries, and the surprise ending). It's brilliant. I love it. Order it immediately.
April 24, 2015
I love this book! The book is written all in verse. The cute rhyming really keeps the book flowing. Just about every other page, poor Stanley has woken up his family while he has been trying to "fix" things around the house. The father keeps getting up but finding that it is only Stanley. That is, until the final KAPOW that wakes them all. The ending is the most adorable of any of the children's books I've read thus far. I would definitely recommend this for children K-2.
July 8, 2015
A delightful read about a family who gets woken up every hour by strange sounds. "It's only Stanley" says dad, even though he's making stew, fixing the TV, and repairing the oil tank. The cat suffers, the family suffers, and Stanley is the most helpful dog, with his own goals at the end of the book. Truly adorable. The verse-style story would make for a great read-aloud for preschool-aged children. Reminiscent of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" in the imagery and sing-songey style.
November 16, 2015
I thought this book was laugh out loud funny! The family doesn't seem concerned at all the things the dog is doing, only concerned about losing sleep. Until they realize he has turned their house into a rocket ship to the moon. However, one has to wonder how the family and dogs survived without spacesuits on the moon.
October 7, 2015
Here is a dog that's not to be trusted. I figured that out early on. The family should have as well....
Cute story, very humorous. I liked the complexity of the pictures as Stanley adjusts the family's household to his own needs. :)
Cute story, very humorous. I liked the complexity of the pictures as Stanley adjusts the family's household to his own needs. :)
Read
February 1, 2015Stanley is on a mission!! The latest by Jon Agee has all the humor you expect plus a surprise ending.
August 14, 2015
My 11 year old niece "saved" my rating of this one, which just goes to show that sometimes you need to try it out with a reader.
May 28, 2018
I liked how they had a [spoiler alert] rocket ship house, but I didn't know HOW they had a rocket ship house. The dog was howling at the moon because he had a friend that was up there.
June 28, 2018
Fun and creative book with great illustrations. Alena and I really enjoyed it.
September 13, 2024
THIS IS THE ONLY LOVE STORY YOU NEED TO READ. Would pair well with Goodnight Moon and a French 75!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2020
Great artwork with an analogue feel and a story with with a twist ending. Very charming.
October 21, 2025
Funny, sweet book. Lots of repetition.
June 6, 2024
Romping rhymes!
May 28, 2024
I found the book from our classmate Gloria (Thanks Gloria) and read it as an e-book from Chicago Public Library.
Jon Agee are both the author and Illustrator
The books is offered in multiple languages, English and Chinese,
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book
Washington Post Best Children's Books of 2015
Boston Globe Best Books of 2015
Booklist Editors' Choice 2015
A Horn Book Fanfare Book
Huffington Post Best Picture Books of 2015 (Winner: Funniest)
This funny Fantasy Picturbook elicits so many "What IFs" for children of all ages. The poor Wimbeldon family just can't catch a break from their mysterious dog Stanley. Every family member is woken up during the night wondering what Stanley the dog was beating or banging on that was keeping everyone awake. From Stanley in the basement on top of the furnace, to making fish stew all the way to sending the family to the moon.
As a teacher the book is a good choice because it uses rhyming words and at the end, it promotes a conversation that allows the students to try and figure out "What is Stanley up to next?" I would recommend this book for students in pre-k-2nd grade.
Jon Agee are both the author and Illustrator
The books is offered in multiple languages, English and Chinese,
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book
Washington Post Best Children's Books of 2015
Boston Globe Best Books of 2015
Booklist Editors' Choice 2015
A Horn Book Fanfare Book
Huffington Post Best Picture Books of 2015 (Winner: Funniest)
This funny Fantasy Picturbook elicits so many "What IFs" for children of all ages. The poor Wimbeldon family just can't catch a break from their mysterious dog Stanley. Every family member is woken up during the night wondering what Stanley the dog was beating or banging on that was keeping everyone awake. From Stanley in the basement on top of the furnace, to making fish stew all the way to sending the family to the moon.
As a teacher the book is a good choice because it uses rhyming words and at the end, it promotes a conversation that allows the students to try and figure out "What is Stanley up to next?" I would recommend this book for students in pre-k-2nd grade.
December 6, 2015
Something odd is happening tonight in the Wimbledon house. There are mysterious noises. The first noise is Stanley the dog howling at the moon. But then new noises start. The clanking noise is Stanley fixing the oil tank in the basement. A little later, the funky smell that makes the cat ill turns out to be Stanley cooking catfish stew in the kitchen. The buzzing noise is Stanley fixing the family's old TV in the living room. Splashing noises are Stanley fixing the plumbing. Each noise wakes up the human family and the father has to head out to see what is happening. But just as everyone is starting to get very cranky from loss of sleep, something happens that shows exactly what Stanley has actually been up to all night.
Agee is a master at creating understated books that have a distinctive feel about them. Here he takes a strong matter-of-fact tone and uses it to add to the silliness of the entire book. Told in natural-feeling rhyme, the book has a buoyant tone that makes it great fun to share aloud. Throughout the book the father heads out each time without much emotion and returns to report that it is just Stanley and what the dog is up to. The oblivious family heads back to bed only to be awoken again and again. This builds wonderful tension until it's released with a literal bang.
Agee's art is done in his unique style with flat color and thick black lines. Throughout, readers will be able to watch for clues as to what Stanley is actually up to and readers who are paying close attention will figure it out before the family does. Even those children who don't piece together the clues will want to re-read the story to notice them. Also keep an eye on the cat who seems to always get into the worst of it as the story progresses.
Not a bedtime story despite being set at night, this picture book is strikingly funny and has a grand warped feeling throughout. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Agee is a master at creating understated books that have a distinctive feel about them. Here he takes a strong matter-of-fact tone and uses it to add to the silliness of the entire book. Told in natural-feeling rhyme, the book has a buoyant tone that makes it great fun to share aloud. Throughout the book the father heads out each time without much emotion and returns to report that it is just Stanley and what the dog is up to. The oblivious family heads back to bed only to be awoken again and again. This builds wonderful tension until it's released with a literal bang.
Agee's art is done in his unique style with flat color and thick black lines. Throughout, readers will be able to watch for clues as to what Stanley is actually up to and readers who are paying close attention will figure it out before the family does. Even those children who don't piece together the clues will want to re-read the story to notice them. Also keep an eye on the cat who seems to always get into the worst of it as the story progresses.
Not a bedtime story despite being set at night, this picture book is strikingly funny and has a grand warped feeling throughout. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 397 reviews