Late one night when all the Wimbledons were sleeping (and when Stanley, the dog, should also have been sleeping), Wendy Wimbledon heard a strange sound. Walter Wimbledon investigated and reported that it was only Stanley, howling at the moon.
Later that same night, Wendy awoke again, hearing an odd clanking sound. Walter looked around the house and reported that it was only Stanley, “fixing” the oil tank.
Even later (at almost half past two), Willie Wimbledon awoke because he could smell something … a “funky smell”. Walter discovered that it was only Stanley, “cooking” something in the kitchen.
And even later that same night (at almost half past three), Wanda Wimbledon awoke, hearing a buzzing noise. Walter reported that it was only Stanley, “fixing” the old TV.
Very, very late that night, Wylie Wimbledon awoke because he could hear a splashing sound. Walter reported that again, it was only Stanley. This time he was “fixing” the bathtub drain.
But had Stanley really been fixing anything at all that night? Perhaps, instead, he was building something …
By now all the Wimbledons were wide awake and they were not happy. “We’ll never get to sleep tonight if Stanley doesn’t quit!”
Walter went to speak to Stanley. Just then, there was a big KAPOW! “It’s only Stanley!” Walter rushed back to report. “We’re going to the---”
There wasn’t time for Walter to finish his sentence before the Wimbledons’ house, with Stanley and all the Wimbledons inside, blasted off into outer space!
So what had Stanley REALLY been up to all night?
Readers will laugh aloud at this hilarious, irreverent tale (told in rhyme and perfect for reading aloud) featuring a very resourceful dog, his family, a spectacular invention and an unanticipated romantic ending!
** Recommended for ages 4 to 7 years.