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Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures #3
The Japanese Ninja Surprise
Flat Stanley is back and now there's no place on Earth that a flat kid can-t go!This 3rd installment in the FLAT STANLEY'S WORLDWIDE ADVENTURES series takes Stanley to Japan-the land of ninja masters, the bullet train, sushi, and origami-when he sends himself as fan mail to his ninja idol.
112 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2009
84 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Brown
319 books123 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jeff Brown had worked in Hollywood and as an editor and writer in New York before creating Flat Stanley, a hero for the youngest readers whose adventures, with illustrations by Tomi Ungerer, were first published in 1964. Flat Stanley became the star of a series of perpetually popular books. The last, "Stanley, Flat Again!," was published the year he died. All together, Stanley's tales have sold nearly a million copies in the United States alone. The character's life extended further, as schoolchildren mailed cut-outs of him to their friends. In translation, he traveled to France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan and Israel, among other places.
Jeff Brown was born Richard Chester Brown. Originally a child actor, he became Jeff Brown because Actors Equity already had a Richard Brown as a member. A graduate of the Professional Children's School, he provided a child's voice in a radio drama and appeared onstage.
In Hollywood he worked for the producer Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and was a story consultant at Paramount. Preferring to write himself, he sold fiction and articles to national magazines while working at The New Yorker, Life, The Saturday Evening Post, Esquire and finally at Warner Books, where he was a senior editor until 1980. The idea for Stanley came to him one night at bedtime when his sons J. C. and Tony were young and stalling for time. One asked what would happen if the big bulletin board on the wall were to fall on J. C., and Mr. Brown said he would most likely wake up flat. That led to speculation about what such a life might be like. After writing "Flat Stanley, " Mr. Brown went on to "Stanley and the Magic Lamp," "Stanley in Space," "Stanley's Christmas Adventure," "Invisible Stanley" and finally "Stanley, Flat Again!"
The Flat Stanley Project was started in 1995 by Dale Hubert, a third grade schoolteacher in London, Ontario, Canada. It is meant to facilitate letter-writing by schoolchildren to each other as they document where Flat Stanley has gone with them. The Project provides an opportunity for students to make connections with students of other member schools who've signed up with the project. Students begin by reading the book and becoming acquainted with the story. Then they make paper "Flat Stanleys" (or pictures of the Stanley Lambchop character) and keep a journal for a few days, documenting the places and activities in which Flat Stanley is involved. The Flat Stanley and the journal are mailed to other people who are asked to treat the figure as a visiting guest and add to his journal, then return them both after a period of time. In 2005, more than 6,500 classes from 48 countries took part in the Flat Stanley Project.
Jeff Brown had worked in Hollywood and as an editor and writer in New York before creating Flat Stanley, a hero for the youngest readers whose adventures, with illustrations by Tomi Ungerer, were first published in 1964. Flat Stanley became the star of a series of perpetually popular books. The last, "Stanley, Flat Again!," was published the year he died. All together, Stanley's tales have sold nearly a million copies in the United States alone. The character's life extended further, as schoolchildren mailed cut-outs of him to their friends. In translation, he traveled to France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan and Israel, among other places.
Jeff Brown was born Richard Chester Brown. Originally a child actor, he became Jeff Brown because Actors Equity already had a Richard Brown as a member. A graduate of the Professional Children's School, he provided a child's voice in a radio drama and appeared onstage.
In Hollywood he worked for the producer Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and was a story consultant at Paramount. Preferring to write himself, he sold fiction and articles to national magazines while working at The New Yorker, Life, The Saturday Evening Post, Esquire and finally at Warner Books, where he was a senior editor until 1980. The idea for Stanley came to him one night at bedtime when his sons J. C. and Tony were young and stalling for time. One asked what would happen if the big bulletin board on the wall were to fall on J. C., and Mr. Brown said he would most likely wake up flat. That led to speculation about what such a life might be like. After writing "Flat Stanley, " Mr. Brown went on to "Stanley and the Magic Lamp," "Stanley in Space," "Stanley's Christmas Adventure," "Invisible Stanley" and finally "Stanley, Flat Again!"
The Flat Stanley Project was started in 1995 by Dale Hubert, a third grade schoolteacher in London, Ontario, Canada. It is meant to facilitate letter-writing by schoolchildren to each other as they document where Flat Stanley has gone with them. The Project provides an opportunity for students to make connections with students of other member schools who've signed up with the project. Students begin by reading the book and becoming acquainted with the story. Then they make paper "Flat Stanleys" (or pictures of the Stanley Lambchop character) and keep a journal for a few days, documenting the places and activities in which Flat Stanley is involved. The Flat Stanley and the journal are mailed to other people who are asked to treat the figure as a visiting guest and add to his journal, then return them both after a period of time. In 2005, more than 6,500 classes from 48 countries took part in the Flat Stanley Project.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 28, 2018
Me: 3 stars
Son (age 12): 3 stars
Daughter (age 7): 3 star
This was my daughter's audio pick as we needed a book to listen to in the car now that school has started up again, so this was for the drive in. It was a fun listen, good for getting back into the swing of things with our morning routine.
Son (age 12): 3 stars
Daughter (age 7): 3 star
This was my daughter's audio pick as we needed a book to listen to in the car now that school has started up again, so this was for the drive in. It was a fun listen, good for getting back into the swing of things with our morning routine.
November 11, 2011
I thought this book was a good book to read. I thought of that because when I was reading the book I enjoyed reading and comprehending the book. I also liked this book because It talked about karate and how stanley went on different adventures. I gave this book 5 stars because I really enjoyed reading the book and it inspired me in many ways. For example on how stanley goes on so many adventures.
I also liked this book because like I said how it inspired me in many ways as well as reading more than 1 of these books. I also liked this book because I had some connections. I also liked this book because this book made me just wanna keep on reading it. This is all information on what I thought of the book as well as why I liked the book.
I also liked this book because like I said how it inspired me in many ways as well as reading more than 1 of these books. I also liked this book because I had some connections. I also liked this book because this book made me just wanna keep on reading it. This is all information on what I thought of the book as well as why I liked the book.
May 9, 2014
More in the kooky Flat Stanley adventures. They're all sort of zany and cartoonish, but this one didn't have the same family values as the rest, even though his family did eventually come to get him after he was in Japan a while.
February 21, 2015
Another great Flat Stanley adventure. Again a fun story and a good message. Highly recommended for 7-9 year olds.
December 1, 2020
I think the moral was the most confused in this version and the last Flat Stanley I read had the exact same moral.
Cover
I feel like this title should cover everything that happens but really not much ninja'ing happens.
Interesting nod to the Japanese Flag using a large red sun in the middle of the page like that. For what you would expect from this story the cover fits perfectly.
Interior
Story
The cohesion is better than the layout in Flat Stanley but both of them have the exact same moral. The problem is that it's done horribly here. (Written in After Thoughts)
This story is a bit broken. Starting with being attacked right away for jumping out of the letter until they realize who he is. (Are there more flat people we need to know about?) The biggest thing I wanted to see was Oda ask Stanley why he mailed himself to him. Unfortunately the question doesn't occurred.
Even the time laps in the mail is between four days and a week. Also parent didn't clue in after four days?
If Stanley's laid on the praise more I think the realization at the end would have been even stronger.
I guess as a "ten minute tour" through Japan it does a decent job covering quite a few iconic details even if did hold back from including the nations flag, which is a shame.
Illustrations
The illustrations are great. I look like them. Especially the way Stanly is drawn flat but with dimension.
After Thoughts
There a statement this book could use for example, "Actions mean more than words." This book takes it the completely opposite way and says that words are more important than your actions. Making him into a throwing star, a stand alone kite, and as a spotlight shadow he says his depth doesn't define him?
I guess he learned after yelling at him he isn't a party trick it clued in to him but is shouldn't be until I'm writing this that I clue into this revolution. The way it's written Stanly is the one with self confidence issues not Oda. Wouldn't it have been better Stanley was the one to make this speech when the actor breaks down and confesses his big secret rather than having an off scene realization. The lecture was written better than the original story but it was explained by someone that needed to learn it not someone that knew it.
Stanley had a chance to learn about standing up about being folded without permission but instead just became Oda Nobu's lesson the become what he wants to be. (Kind-a weak)
SPOILERS (If it matters)
The four ninjas. I'm sorry it's hard to take it serious that four five-year-old's covered the entire family then what grabbed him by the arms? and make him walk for hours as a hostage, (provided by his paper trail.) before tying him up in the island. (Hostage picture proves his legs weren't tied when they too him but arms and gag could have been there.
Also after the big secret reveal why the miscommunication with his body guards and shrugging it away like it's no bid deal? He knows if something happens he's trusting a ten year old with his life. It's a goofy really over the top ending.
Cover
I feel like this title should cover everything that happens but really not much ninja'ing happens.
Interesting nod to the Japanese Flag using a large red sun in the middle of the page like that. For what you would expect from this story the cover fits perfectly.
Interior
Story
The cohesion is better than the layout in Flat Stanley but both of them have the exact same moral. The problem is that it's done horribly here. (Written in After Thoughts)
This story is a bit broken. Starting with being attacked right away for jumping out of the letter until they realize who he is. (Are there more flat people we need to know about?) The biggest thing I wanted to see was Oda ask Stanley why he mailed himself to him. Unfortunately the question doesn't occurred.
Even the time laps in the mail is between four days and a week. Also parent didn't clue in after four days?
If Stanley's laid on the praise more I think the realization at the end would have been even stronger.
I guess as a "ten minute tour" through Japan it does a decent job covering quite a few iconic details even if did hold back from including the nations flag, which is a shame.
Illustrations
The illustrations are great. I look like them. Especially the way Stanly is drawn flat but with dimension.
After Thoughts
There a statement this book could use for example, "Actions mean more than words." This book takes it the completely opposite way and says that words are more important than your actions. Making him into a throwing star, a stand alone kite, and as a spotlight shadow he says his depth doesn't define him?
I guess he learned after yelling at him he isn't a party trick it clued in to him but is shouldn't be until I'm writing this that I clue into this revolution. The way it's written Stanly is the one with self confidence issues not Oda. Wouldn't it have been better Stanley was the one to make this speech when the actor breaks down and confesses his big secret rather than having an off scene realization. The lecture was written better than the original story but it was explained by someone that needed to learn it not someone that knew it.
Stanley had a chance to learn about standing up about being folded without permission but instead just became Oda Nobu's lesson the become what he wants to be. (Kind-a weak)
SPOILERS (If it matters)
The four ninjas. I'm sorry it's hard to take it serious that four five-year-old's covered the entire family then what grabbed him by the arms? and make him walk for hours as a hostage, (provided by his paper trail.) before tying him up in the island. (Hostage picture proves his legs weren't tied when they too him but arms and gag could have been there.
Also after the big secret reveal why the miscommunication with his body guards and shrugging it away like it's no bid deal? He knows if something happens he's trusting a ten year old with his life. It's a goofy really over the top ending.
November 18, 2016
One of my goals this school year is to read a wide range of genres with my students. I have not only challenged my class to read different genres of books independently, but I have also challenged myself to be more intentional with the books I am choosing to read to my students. One of the genres that my students seem to gravitate towards when selecting “fun” books is adventure.
However, I recently realized that I rarely read texts from this genre with my students or on my own. In order to find an adventure book that is of high interest to third graders, I sought out help from several of my students. They shared their love for the Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures series. They recommended that I start by reading The Japanese Ninja Surprise which they claimed is one of their favorites. Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures: The Japanese Ninja Surprise is a book that would be of high interest for most third through fifth graders. It is a book that could be used as a read aloud for younger students that are not reading books on this difficulty level yet.
I plan to read this to my class for our next read aloud. During the read aloud, I plan to focus my questions on building student’s understanding of the literary elements (plot, characters,setting).
After reading this book as a class, I also plan to have my students write their own creative narratives to tell about their own ninja adventure. In addition, I think the Flat Stanley project is a great way to build students’ knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book! The author, Jeff Brown, did an excellent job of making the reader feel like they are on the adventure with Stanley. I especially liked that it educates the reader on the Japanese culture. After reading several different books from this genre, this is by far my favorite that I’ve found! I am excited to read another book from this series.
However, I recently realized that I rarely read texts from this genre with my students or on my own. In order to find an adventure book that is of high interest to third graders, I sought out help from several of my students. They shared their love for the Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures series. They recommended that I start by reading The Japanese Ninja Surprise which they claimed is one of their favorites. Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures: The Japanese Ninja Surprise is a book that would be of high interest for most third through fifth graders. It is a book that could be used as a read aloud for younger students that are not reading books on this difficulty level yet.
I plan to read this to my class for our next read aloud. During the read aloud, I plan to focus my questions on building student’s understanding of the literary elements (plot, characters,setting).
After reading this book as a class, I also plan to have my students write their own creative narratives to tell about their own ninja adventure. In addition, I think the Flat Stanley project is a great way to build students’ knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book! The author, Jeff Brown, did an excellent job of making the reader feel like they are on the adventure with Stanley. I especially liked that it educates the reader on the Japanese culture. After reading several different books from this genre, this is by far my favorite that I’ve found! I am excited to read another book from this series.
May 5, 2024
Today I finished reading flat Stanley's worldwide adventures book 3, the Japanese ninja surprise by Sarah Pennypacker. I read it in one day. So this big book is about Stanley going to Japan and visiting Oda Nobu who lives in Japan. Since Stanley is flat he can travel in mail so when Stanley got to Japan when the package that he was in got open he was surrounded by ninjas, but the thing was that he was still dressed in his ninja uniform he wasn't supposed to be dressed in his ninja uniform. He was supposed to be dressed in normal clothes, not just like a ninja clothes so when it was getting closer to the end of the book Oda Nobu got kidnapped so Stanley and Arthur had to save him, he folded Stanley into a paper star and then when they go up to the door, Stanley used his hand to knock the door as hard as he could, and the door opened slowly and then girls were standing right in front so since Stanley was shaped like a star Artur threw Stanley right at Oda Nobu's forehead. Oda Nobu got out of his time being kidnapped and then when Oda Nobu was un-kidnapped, he went to Tokyo with Stanley's family, and he was their main guide for one day, the Lambchops had to go home so they took the flight from the airport and when they got home, they had so much fun.
December 31, 2024
"Flat Ninja!"
This Flat Stanley book, while remaining true to the character we have gotten to know in previous stories has a different feel.
The adventure here is more subtle in some respects, even as we enjoy some of the tried and true elements of the series: Flat Stanley and Arthur having some fun sibling moments, Flat Stanley traveling by postal mail, and meeting someone new.
As with his adventure in Egypt, Flat Stanley is learning about trusting others, and the complexities of friendships. But more than that, his new friend helps him explore WHO he is (Stanley Lambchop) vs. what he is (flat), and in the process how to remain true to himself, honest with himself, and both authentic and genuine instead of trying to be what he thinks others expect.
This Flat Stanley book, while remaining true to the character we have gotten to know in previous stories has a different feel.
The adventure here is more subtle in some respects, even as we enjoy some of the tried and true elements of the series: Flat Stanley and Arthur having some fun sibling moments, Flat Stanley traveling by postal mail, and meeting someone new.
As with his adventure in Egypt, Flat Stanley is learning about trusting others, and the complexities of friendships. But more than that, his new friend helps him explore WHO he is (Stanley Lambchop) vs. what he is (flat), and in the process how to remain true to himself, honest with himself, and both authentic and genuine instead of trying to be what he thinks others expect.
June 29, 2021
My 8 yr old daughter says...
"Really interesting. I loved reading it, from Stanley pretending to be a ninja in his bedroom to meeting a famous Ninja actor. To met the actor, Stanley and his brother do something that they should've asked their parents for permission to do!!! Hope you enjoy reading it."
"Really interesting. I loved reading it, from Stanley pretending to be a ninja in his bedroom to meeting a famous Ninja actor. To met the actor, Stanley and his brother do something that they should've asked their parents for permission to do!!! Hope you enjoy reading it."
April 4, 2019
You just have to love Stanley and his wild adventures. I liked the storyline and how Stanley learns that what you see in the movies isn't always real. But people are. And I like the you are not what you do thinking as well. Good morals for kids.
October 9, 2017
Lessons in loyalty, revealing the foibles of idols, cleverness, Japanese culture but definitely NOT a lesson in obedience to parents!
November 8, 2017
a favorite of my 7 year old
April 15, 2018
never been super impressed with the series... but sometimes I just need a quick, thematic audio book that will be family friendly.
December 30, 2018
Adorable and hilarious!
June 20, 2019
Okay book...light on plot,but easy to read.
October 4, 2019
I read this my 7 year old And he laughed out loud! Fun read
July 29, 2020
This was our first Flat Stanley book and my son’s first chapter book to enjoy with me. The story kept both of my boys (4 and 6 years old) engaged and wanting to read more of the book!
August 9, 2020
My kids love these books!
Read
August 2, 2022Lexile®: 670L, 7211W, 80%, 6y4m
December 24, 2022
Good quick read for kids.
July 31, 2024
B. fiction, grades 2-3; series, Stanley travels to Japan; from stash; keep to give away
January 3, 2025
i think this book is meant for kids
Read
August 3, 2025Owen “I just really love ninjas and ninja moves”.
March 2, 2017
Best book EVER!
I chose this rating because the book was the most awesome and amazing book EVER WRITTEN!I would love to let my friends read this book.
I chose this rating because the book was the most awesome and amazing book EVER WRITTEN!I would love to let my friends read this book.
September 21, 2016
For an entry level children's book into another culture it was not as terribly stereotyped as I thought it would be. Parts were even kind of fun. My son is loving the series, so I have to enjoy what's there.
March 24, 2014
Stanley Lambchop wakes up one morning to discover that a bulletin board had fallen on him during the night. Stanley is left unharmed,but as flat as the proverbial pancake!! Stanley's family are used to his unusual shape, but poor Stanley isn't always so happy about it, even though his shape can prove quite useful at times !! In this book, Stanley and his brother Arthur are quite taken with a ninja TV star, Oda Nobu. Instead of writing a letter requesting a signed autograph, Stanley decides to mail himself instead. Soon Stanley is having an adventure in Japan with his hero. He discovers, however, that his hero is not all he seems. This book is excellent for upper KS1 or KS2 for exploring the Japanese culture. I used it with my guided reading group who really enjoyed researching the culture, especially the "shinkansen",Japan's high speed bullet train. However,it was quite a struggle to interest the girls in thiss book; the samurai warrior/karate theme seemed to go down much better with the boys!
December 5, 2016
1) No awards
2) Grade 1-2
3) Stanley Lambchop, the flat boy, is off on a new adventure, this time to Japan! He goes to see his favorite Japanese actor Oda Nobu, but when he gets there he is surprised to see that Oda is not the great fighter he portrays in the movies. Stanley must show Oda the way of the warrior, and protect him from ninjas, before his family becomes too worried about him.
4) This book continues the series very well. It has a good combination of education facts about Japan and fictional events. The pictures are well illustrated, and do not take up too much space from the text.
5) This book can be used as a way to teach about a new country. Although Flat Stanley is fictional, the facts talked about in the book are not. Another use may be to inspire writing by having the children write their own letters to Oda Nobu or their favorite movie actor or actress.
2) Grade 1-2
3) Stanley Lambchop, the flat boy, is off on a new adventure, this time to Japan! He goes to see his favorite Japanese actor Oda Nobu, but when he gets there he is surprised to see that Oda is not the great fighter he portrays in the movies. Stanley must show Oda the way of the warrior, and protect him from ninjas, before his family becomes too worried about him.
4) This book continues the series very well. It has a good combination of education facts about Japan and fictional events. The pictures are well illustrated, and do not take up too much space from the text.
5) This book can be used as a way to teach about a new country. Although Flat Stanley is fictional, the facts talked about in the book are not. Another use may be to inspire writing by having the children write their own letters to Oda Nobu or their favorite movie actor or actress.
May 30, 2017
The Japanese ninja surprise talk about is that stanly really likes ninjas so he goes to japan for a movie an he is actor and he is having so much fun. So he goes out to talk with his director and they were talking about the movie. I would recommend this book to like funny that's why i liked the ending part is funny is funny when oda nobu gets kidnapped by girl fans. This is such a silly book i give it 5 stars that is how funny and unexpected.
January 16, 2010
This book is surprisingly good! My 7yo loved it because--well, Ninjas and Flat Stanley being mailed, I mean really, how can you go wrong?
I liked the lesson that someone is not always what they seem--the big karate movie star actually knows no karate! And then, at the end, he begins taking karate.
A good one.
I liked the lesson that someone is not always what they seem--the big karate movie star actually knows no karate! And then, at the end, he begins taking karate.
A good one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews