Jeff Brown's Flat Stanley: The US Capital Commotion. Josh Greenhut

then, the telephone rang. ‘George,’ called Stanley’s mother a moment later. ‘It’s a journalist from WUSA. They’re asking about our very own flag – Stanley!’

      Stanley felt something rise up from deep inside him. ‘I AM NOT A FLAG!’ he screamed.

      Arthur gaped at Stanley, and suddenly both their parents were standing in the doorway.

      ‘Stanley,’ his mother said slowly. ‘Are you feeling all right?’

      Without answering, Stanley sprinted straight to the living room and slid under the couch, where nobody could bother him.