The fictitious Stanley became flat when a steamroller flattened him accidentally. But being flat gives him the flexibility of sliding beneath doors and fitting easily into mailing envelopes. So he gets around the country by mail.

Maddy mailed Stanley to me so I could introduce him to Lake Tahoe. I did, took some pictures, and mailed Stanley back to her with his letter to her and the pictures.
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Dear Maddy,

Thank you for sending me to Lake Tahoe to see your Uncle Mark. He lives in a cabin, right on the shore. He took me all around to see the wonders. This place is almost make-believe.

The first day we drove into the mountains above the lake to a place called Brockway Summit. There is a still a lot of snow there. I have never been so high! I went sliding on the snow and had a lot of fun. I did not need a jacket because the bright sun was warm. The sun seemed so close.

Then your Uncle Mark and I hiked on the Tahoe Rim Trail; it goes all the way around the lake. He said it is 165 miles in total. I would like to make the whole trip some day. Maybe you can come with me.

Then we went to Carnelian Bay, which is named after the red and yellow stones lying on the beaches there. I am bringing you one. They are very pretty. Some people make jewelry with them.

The next day we had Mexican food at Sancho's restaurant. I had never tried the food before, and I am glad I did. You told me it's important to try new foods, as I grow older.


We ended up on the edge of Lake Tahoe in Kings Beach in a park. It was beautiful, but the water is very cold.

I will be happy to see you in a few days, and I really want to visit Lake Tahoe again.

Your friend,
Flat Stanley