Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures #12: Escape to California Read Online Free PDF Page B

Stanley in his present condition. Mount Rushmore’s elevation is 5,725 feet, for one thing. And we’ll be traveling by automobile along the scenic highways at a fairly high velocity.”
    Here Mrs. Lambchop interrupted her husband with a chuckle. “Not too high a velocity, of course,” she said.
    Mr. Lambchop smiled at his wife’s joke. Both she and Mr. Lambchop were always careful to obey local speed limits. “Still,” he said, “we did feel it would be wise to check with you.”
    â€œIt’s a good thing you did. More people should be concerned about the effects of travel on the body. The human being is a very complex organism. Even we doctors, with our extensive knowledge, don’t completely understand it.”
    â€œOh, dear,” Mrs. Lambchop said anxiously. “Will it be all right for Stanley to come with us?”
    â€œOf course!” said Doctor Dan. “I can’t think of any reason why not!”

GO!
    The next day, after a hearty breakfast, the Lambchop family began to pack the car for their big trip. In went the tent, four sleeping bags, and the rest of the camping gear. In went the suitcases, the cameras, and coolers. Arthur came out with his arms full—his authentic cowboy saddle, his authentic cowboy harmonica, and his authentic cowboy lasso.

    â€œOh, dear,” Mrs. Lambchop murmured, surveying the overstuffed car. “There doesn’t seem to be much room for the boys!”
    â€œPlaying cowboys is for little kids,” Stanley said. “Now that I’ve been in the newspaper, I’m too grown-up for that sort of thing. I think Arthur should leave all that stuff behind.”
    Arthur glared at his brother. “Stanley can ride on the roof,” he suggested.
    Mr. Lambchop considered this. “Well, if we lash him down securely . . .”
    â€œI think not,” decided Mrs. Lambchop. “We will be pointing out many sights along the way. I don’t want Stanley to miss them.”
    And so both boys squeezed into the backseat with much grumbling, and the family set out.
    Along the way, the Lambchops did indeed come upon many wondrous sights: inspiring cityscapes, fields of bountiful crops, and numerous glories of nature.
    â€œWe should all be grateful to have good eyesight as we travel through this great land of ours,” Mr. Lambchop noted. The rest of the Lambchops agreed they were very fortunate indeed.
    Every time they crossed into a new state, the family recited its motto and sang its song. They played License Plate Bingo and I Spy, and the hours passed fairly quickly. Nonetheless, everyone was delighted to arrive at the gates of Mount Rushmore State Park. The boys craned their heads out the windows to gaze up at the sixty-foot-tall faces carved in the mountain, while Mr. Lambchop paid the admission fees. And as soon as the car was parked, they sprang out.
    â€œI’m all crumpled!” Stanley groused, trying to smooth himself out.
    â€œWell, I’m practically flattened!” complained Arthur.
    â€œBoys, hurry along,” said Mrs. Lambchop. “We’re just in time to catch the last tour group.”

About the Authors and Illustrator
    JEFF BROWN created the beloved character of Flat Stanley as a bedtime story for his sons. He has written other outrageous books about the Lambchop family, including Flat Stanley, Stanley and the Magic Lamp, Invisible Stanley, Stanley’s Christmas Adventure, Stanley in Space, and Stanley, Flat Again! You can learn more about Jeff Brown and Flat Stanley at www.flatstanleybooks.com.
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    JOSH GREENHUT once mailed Flat Stanley, in costume, to a Halloween party 300 miles away. He is now married to the woman who hosted the party, and they live in Toronto with their two children.
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    MACKY PAMINTUAN is an accomplished illustrator. He lives in the Philippines with his wife, Aymone; their baby girl, Alison; and their pet Westie, Winter.
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