Introduced more than 45 years ago, Flat Stanley has inspired a worldwide phenomenon becoming one of the most adventurous characters in children’s literature.

Becoming a popular tradition, families have taken Flat Stanley on their vacations or have sent him to family and friends in different cities.  While having his picture taken in various locations, Flat Stanley has brought creativity and inspiration to the classrooms, as children would report their adventures to creating entertaining geography lessons.

With that said, Flat Stanley, traveled to the Library of Congress 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.”

With his innate ability to be mailed to different locations throughout the country, Flat Stanley is giving the great opportunity to up and coming writers and artists 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 their very own specially themed Flat Stanley and a 150-word story about his “Next BIG Adventure.”

“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.”

The 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.

For Official Rules, check out www.FlatStanleyBooks.com/AdventuresbyDisney.  This site has been 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.

The Contest runs through November 30, 2009 and no purchase is necessary to enter or win.

Also…Adventures by Disney has announced a fantastic deal – purchase select Adventures by Disney vacations receive a free three-night Disney Cruise.  For more information, visit  www.AdventuresbyDisney.com/freecruise.

Disney Cruise Line has revolutionized the family cruise vacation, Adventures by Disney is re-creating the way families think about vacationing together. With its launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides families with a hassle-free and exhilarating guided 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 travel agent.