Adventures by Disney, HarperCollins Announce ‘Flat Stanley' Promotion

[Melanears]

Adventures by Disney, HarperCollins Announce ‘The Search for Flat Stanley’s Next BIG Adventure’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 to10-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 Disneyintroduces 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.

About HarperCollins Children’s Books

HarperCollins Children’s Books is one of the leading publishers of children’s books. Respected worldwide for its tradition of publishing quality, award-winning books for young readers, HarperCollins is home to many timeless treasures—Charlotte’s Web, The Chronicles of Narnia, Goodnight Moon, Where the Sidewalk Ends and Where the Wild Things Are; and popular new classics—A Series of Unfortunate Events, Warriors and Fancy Nancy. HarperCollins Children’s Books is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, one of the leading English language publishers in the world and a subsidiary of News Corporation (NYSE: NWS, NWS.A; ASX: NCP, NCPDP). Headquartered in New York, HarperCollins has publishing groups in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australasia. You can visit HarperCollins Children’s Books at www.harpercollinschildrens.com and HarperCollins Publishers at www.harpercollins.com.

About Adventures by Disney

As Disney Cruise Line revolutionized – and in some ways defined – the family cruise vacation, Adventures by Disney is re-creating the way families think about vacationing together. Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and exhilarating guided family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. With Disney-trained Adventure Guides, engaging activities, VIP experiences and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney excites and delights every member of the family. Guests wanting more information about Adventures by Disney can visit www.AdventuresbyDisney.com, call 877/728-7282, or contact their Magical Journeys.