Stanley's Stick is a teaming-up of hefty talents - glorious poet John Hegley and award-winning illustrator Neal Layton. Stanley's stick is not just a stick. With a stick in hand, Stanley's options are endless - he flies to the moon, writes in the sand, goes fishing, plays a whistle and rides a dinosaur - and his imagination takes over and the magic begins. Hegley's lyrical prose captures the free-wheeling expressiveness of childhood, and Layton's deceptively simple illustrations are full of wit and character. Sweet, magical and thoroughly entertaining, this is Hegley and Layton's first collaboration. Everything a picture book should be: funny, engaging, slightly odd and utterly original ... A delight from start to finish― The Irish Times A must read ... delivers a very important message about material things ... this is, simply, a lovely book― School Librarian This book should guarantee imaginative play― The Sunday Times Beautifully written ... Stanley is a child many parents will recognise very well indeed― The Bookbag A book celebrating the power of the imagination. Brilliant illustrations by Neal Layton― Angels & Urchins A simple stick becomes the key to Stanley's imagination as it provides endless opportunities for creativity, in this beautifully crafted story about outdoor play.― Baby Hampshire Beautifully crafted story about outdoor play.― Baby London '...wonderful rhythmic and a delightfully quirky text.'― The Bookseller A book celebrating the power of imagination. Brilliant illustrations by Neal Layton.― Angels & Urchins This book should guarantee hours of imaginative play.― Sunday Times Everything a picture book should be.― Irish Times Simply, a lovely book.― School Librarian This lovely book is simply a 'must have' for all those who want to inspire children's imaginative play... beautifully written.― Early Years Educator John Hegley is a popular English performance poet, comedian, musician and songwriter. He began his performing career at London's Comedy Store in 1980. His television appearances include Wogan and Never Mind the Buzzcocks and he frequently performs live and is a regular at the Edinburgh Festival. Many of Neal Layton's ideas come from his childhood. In the past he has worked on a lettuce farm, in a chocolate factory, a teapot factory, a book shop and has delivered papers. Neal has illustrated more than 40 books to date. Oscar and Arabella which he both wrote and illustrated won him the Smarties prize in 2002. Used Book in Good Condition