Martha Speaks

Somehow, after eating a bowl of alphabet soup, Martha the dog can speak! (There's a very funny illustration of the letters going to her brain instead of her stomach; no further explanation is necessary!). But being able to speak is not the same as knowing when to speak (she interrupts people), how much to say (she talks incessantly), or what to say (she can be a little rude at times).A very funny book, with nice loopy pictures, a subtle lesson in manners, and a happy outcome (except for the would-be burglar). One of a series of "Martha" books, this would make a great gift for young children, and is one of those special finds that adult will enjoy reading as well!

Once again I got this for my nephew. This is a great book with colorful pictures and an amusing storyline. Martha is a dog and one day she eats a bowl of alphabet soup and suddenly finds she can talk. At first her owners are delighted but the novelty soon wears off when Martha talks none-stop, creating many funny situations that leave you giggling as you turn each page. Martha is truthful, never lying, thus causing embarrassment for her owner when she tells someone that her owner said the fruitcake she had made was not fit for a dog, but she (Martha) had enjoyed it. Eventually the family tell Martha to SHUT-UP and she is crushed and after that refuses to talk anymore. This is resolved however when Martha saves the day when the family home is burgled. This book will have you crying with laugher as this little pooch and her family worm their way into your heart. Having read this book to my six-year-old nephew I feel that the reading age for this book should be six to eight as it is filled with conversation that might be too hard for a very young reader. All the same it is a great book for an adult to read to a child, and the colorful pictures are well drawn and pleasing to the eye. A very nice book, that most young children (and adults) will love and want to read again and again.

This book is one that children will love. It is amusing andteaches children a valuable lesson about talking too much, by helpingchildren to realize that some things are not always appropriate to say at certain times. Martha is a character that everyone can fall in love with. This book is humorous, and beautifully illustrated. Even those who are not pet lovers can be lured into this book. This is a book that can brighten anyones day! Everyone should own this book!

I'm 30 years old, and BEG my nieces to let me read this to them over and over! I'm not only a dog lover, but I also appreciate the hysterical humor and illustrations. This book will please kids and adults alike! (Favorite line: "Martha, SHUT UP!" (It's funny when you read it!)

We love this book- what child wouldn't? Martha is a great character; someone I'd love even as a human or an ordinary dog, but as a talking dog, she's great! She has sufficient depth that I'm not left feeling that something important has been left out. The illustrations are wonderful as well- portly Martha ordering lots of meat from the butcher- very nice.