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George and Martha
George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends Collector's Edition (George & Martha Early Reader
Like all best friends, George and Martha do everything together—go to the movies, play at the beach, and just hang around not doing much of anything. George and Martha teach each other (and adoring readers) that even in a close friendship, privacy is important, practical jokes can sometimes backfire, and among other things, pouring split pea soup into your loafers to spare the chef’s feelings is not the best-laid plan. A man with a talent for friendship, James Marshall defined its very essence in his stories about the world’s two best friends. In this volume, all thirty-five episodes are brought together to celebrate friendship and two of the most lovable characters ever created. Each of these brief tales is filled with humor, and James Marshall’s drawings are guaranteed to spark feelings of empathy, delight, and self-recognition.
This collector’s edition includes an introduction by Maurice Sendak as well as appreciations by some of the top authors and illustrators working in children’s publishing today.It is a true testament to James Marshall as an author, as an artist, and as a person that his work and his life inspired such a diverse and immensely talented group. Noted children’s book historian Anita Silvey provides an afterword.
Includes all seven George and Martha books
Contents:
George and Martha --
George and Martha encore --
George and Martha rise and shine --
George and Martha one fine day --
George and Martha tons of fun --
George and Martha back in town --
George and Martha round and round.
This collector’s edition includes an introduction by Maurice Sendak as well as appreciations by some of the top authors and illustrators working in children’s publishing today.It is a true testament to James Marshall as an author, as an artist, and as a person that his work and his life inspired such a diverse and immensely talented group. Noted children’s book historian Anita Silvey provides an afterword.
Includes all seven George and Martha books
Contents:
George and Martha --
George and Martha encore --
George and Martha rise and shine --
George and Martha one fine day --
George and Martha tons of fun --
George and Martha back in town --
George and Martha round and round.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1972
26 people are currently reading
1882 people want to read
About the author
James Marshall
149 books139 followersJames Edward Marshall (October 10, 1942 – October 13, 1992), who also wrote as Edward Marshall, was a children's author and illustrator.
His father worked on the railroad, was a band member in the 1930s, and his mother sang in the local church choir. His family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. Marshall said: "Beaumont is deep south and swampy and I hated it. I knew I would die if I stayed there so I diligently studied the viola, and eventually won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston."[1] He entered the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, but injured his hand, ending his music career. He returned to Texas, where he attended San Antonio College, and later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he received degrees in French and history.
It is said that he discovered his vocation on a 1971 summer afternoon, lying on a hammock drawing. His mother was watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and the main characters, George and Martha, ultimately became characters in one of his children's books. Marshall continued as a children's author until his untimely death in 1992 of a brain tumor. In 1998, George and Martha became the basis of an eponymous animated children's television show.
In addition to George and Martha, the lovable hippopotami, James Marshall created dozens of other uniquely appealing characters. He is well-known for his Fox series (which he wrote as "Edward Marshall"), as well as the Miss Nelson books, the Stupids, the Cut-ups, and many more. James Marshall had the uncanny ability to elicit wild delight from readers with relatively little text and simple drawings. With only two minute dots for eyes, his illustrated characters are able to express a wide range of emotion, and produce howls of laughter from both children and adults.
His father worked on the railroad, was a band member in the 1930s, and his mother sang in the local church choir. His family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. Marshall said: "Beaumont is deep south and swampy and I hated it. I knew I would die if I stayed there so I diligently studied the viola, and eventually won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston."[1] He entered the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, but injured his hand, ending his music career. He returned to Texas, where he attended San Antonio College, and later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he received degrees in French and history.
It is said that he discovered his vocation on a 1971 summer afternoon, lying on a hammock drawing. His mother was watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and the main characters, George and Martha, ultimately became characters in one of his children's books. Marshall continued as a children's author until his untimely death in 1992 of a brain tumor. In 1998, George and Martha became the basis of an eponymous animated children's television show.
In addition to George and Martha, the lovable hippopotami, James Marshall created dozens of other uniquely appealing characters. He is well-known for his Fox series (which he wrote as "Edward Marshall"), as well as the Miss Nelson books, the Stupids, the Cut-ups, and many more. James Marshall had the uncanny ability to elicit wild delight from readers with relatively little text and simple drawings. With only two minute dots for eyes, his illustrated characters are able to express a wide range of emotion, and produce howls of laughter from both children and adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
February 11, 2022
It's a George and Martha Marathon! Every single George and Martha book in one volume with tributes to James Marshall by some great names in the children's publishing world. Maurice Sendak has written the forward and mentions his preference for Martha. Other big names in the book include: Marc Brown, Jack Gantos, Susan Meddaugh, Nicole Rubel, Coleen Salley, Jon Scieszka, David Wiesner and Anita Silvey. What a treat is has been to spend time with George and Martha today. I think my favorite story is the one where George cannot eat one more bite of pea soup so he sneakily pours the remainder from his bowl into his shoes. Of course, Martha catches him and reminds him that friends tell each other the truth. Since George would rather have chocolate chip cookies that is what Martha gives him. A sweet solution and a beautiful friendship.
August 7, 2019
They taught me to never say, "I told you so". Also, don't be vain, dancing is good, and you've got to be able to laugh at yourself. Probably most importantly, to say, "Voulez-vous m'embrasser?" when I want a kiss.
These stories are perfect! And so funny. I've been reading them to my soon-to-be nieces and they love them, too. Yay!
These stories are perfect! And so funny. I've been reading them to my soon-to-be nieces and they love them, too. Yay!
February 13, 2011
god, i loved these books so much when i was little, but then somehow i completely forgot about them, until today i was in the bookstore looking for the bathroom and i stumbled on this in the children's section. i stood there and read the whole thing; i couldn't help it, it was so great, i almost cried. every story is absolutely perfect, full of wisdom and beauty and the strangest understated humor. not a word out of place, not a word too many, and the drawings make the whole thing come alive.
i used to pretend to be george and martha. i'd sit in my room and talk to myself. good times.
i used to pretend to be george and martha. i'd sit in my room and talk to myself. good times.
June 29, 2018
Well, when reading to your 2 and a half year old you don't usually start laughing out loud. This book made me do it not once, but 3 times.
I've read a lot of kids books to my children - we don't have a TV - but George and Martha is one of the best ones. Hands down. It's a cross between Roald Dahl's children's books and David Sedaris' memoirs...
My boys (both 8) favorite story in it is the Mirror one. When asked how many stars to give the book they said 10 when I gave them the choice between 1 and 5.
My favorite's the one where George is gawking at Martha having a bath. I won't give the rest of it away...
Am going to buy everything Marshall has written.
I've read a lot of kids books to my children - we don't have a TV - but George and Martha is one of the best ones. Hands down. It's a cross between Roald Dahl's children's books and David Sedaris' memoirs...
My boys (both 8) favorite story in it is the Mirror one. When asked how many stars to give the book they said 10 when I gave them the choice between 1 and 5.
My favorite's the one where George is gawking at Martha having a bath. I won't give the rest of it away...
Am going to buy everything Marshall has written.
October 26, 2025
Really can't go wrong with this.
April 10, 2019
All thirty-five George and Martha stories are collected into one volume.
The stories are divided into seven sections:
* George and Martha
* George and Martha Encore
* George and Martha Rise and Shine
* George and Martha One Fine Day
* George and Martha Tons of Fun
* George and Martha Back in Town
* George and Martha Round and Round
George and Martha are the hippo version of Frog and Toad, or maybe Frog and Toad are the amphibian version of George and Martha. As a child, I made my father read our paperback copies of these stories until the books fell apart. My favorite stories were the one where George gets a gold tooth and the one where George peeks in Martha's bathroom window, prompting her to upturn the entire bathtub onto his head.
The stories are divided into seven sections:
* George and Martha
* George and Martha Encore
* George and Martha Rise and Shine
* George and Martha One Fine Day
* George and Martha Tons of Fun
* George and Martha Back in Town
* George and Martha Round and Round
George and Martha are the hippo version of Frog and Toad, or maybe Frog and Toad are the amphibian version of George and Martha. As a child, I made my father read our paperback copies of these stories until the books fell apart. My favorite stories were the one where George gets a gold tooth and the one where George peeks in Martha's bathroom window, prompting her to upturn the entire bathtub onto his head.
September 2, 2008
You've gotta have an oddball sense of humor to really enjoy these stories-- they'll have a hilariously bizarre plot, then end abruptly! You find yourself turning the last page of each story back and forth, wondering if you skipped something. I happen to like those sorts of things, so this compilation is a favorite. I especially like the story about narcissistic Martha's mirror...
June 9, 2018
No one, NO ONE, is as wonderful as James Marshall. Profound and funny, sophisticated and simple, his books are inimitable, delightful, evergreen. This collection of all the George and Martha stories is a gem. The essays by friends and admirers are a bonus, especially Maurice Sendak's tribute and Jon Scieszka's witty summary.
August 24, 2018
I read/re-read this wry and exquisitely composed collection in bits every night before bed for the past month and nothing has made me feel better in a long time. The words have the crisp scansion of poetry and the pictures the most loopy and deceptive kind of sprezzatura - I mean, this motherfucker knew how to block a scene! Great art for all people of all ages. Friends = 4ever.
September 10, 2009
What is it about George and Martha? It has a similar charm to Frog & Toad. Just simple, subtle, tongue-in-cheek stories. Awesome.
September 17, 2013
We have the complete collection (all of the George and Martha books in one volume). This one is our favorite. Mostly because my 2 year old reads them to herself which leaves us in hysterical giggles (note, she has a hard time with "s" at the beginning of words...).
"George and Marfa and da pit pea poop. Marfa like to make poop. But George no like poop. He eat da poop. But Marfa brings more poop she make. George hide poop in his shoes. Marfa see him hide da poop. Marfa no make poop anymore. Marfa make cookies! And George eat dem all up! The End!"
"George and Marfa and da pit pea poop. Marfa like to make poop. But George no like poop. He eat da poop. But Marfa brings more poop she make. George hide poop in his shoes. Marfa see him hide da poop. Marfa no make poop anymore. Marfa make cookies! And George eat dem all up! The End!"
February 22, 2024
Very Frog and Toad. Funny, charming, simple stories about two friends. The illustrations are deceptively simple, but so good!
I love how both Lobel and Marshall were gay dudes in the 60s and 70s who funnelled all the beauty of their queer relationships into adorable kids book friendships.
I really liked that this edition had a foreword by Maurice Sendak, and after every "book" within this book, another prominent children's author would write their own foreword too.
I love how both Lobel and Marshall were gay dudes in the 60s and 70s who funnelled all the beauty of their queer relationships into adorable kids book friendships.
I really liked that this edition had a foreword by Maurice Sendak, and after every "book" within this book, another prominent children's author would write their own foreword too.
April 25, 2024
Read these as a kid, still love them!
February 1, 2025
So simple and so on point!
Oh, to have a best friend and know how to cherish it and have it till end must be amazing.
This should be read and talk about early on to every child.
Oh, to have a best friend and know how to cherish it and have it till end must be amazing.
This should be read and talk about early on to every child.
April 30, 2009
I loved George and Martha when I was growing up. These books are about two hippo friends who always find themselves in hilarious and ridiculous conflicts, but yet somehow find a happy solution. You can purchase the series in a compilation or individually. I prefer the compilation, but the individual books are great for kids because they’re easier to handle. This series is perfect for early grade classrooms and emergent readers. The stories are short and composed of simple text. The George and Martha series teaches children about realistic life lessons in a fun and amusing format. This book is great for conveying the importance of friendships, consideration, honesty, etc. to your children.
October 8, 2015
This is friendship.
At first I was a little skeptical. There didn't seem to be much substance in drawing or text. But a closer look showed me a whole lot going on between the lines. And it's funny how a couple strokes of the pen could put a whole world of emotion into the eyes of Martha or the posture of George. Brilliant. Funny and brilliant.
This edition is especially nice because I love all the bits about the life of James Marshall. The memories of other authors / illustrators make me wish that I'd been able to know him as well. Definitely worth looking at. :)
At first I was a little skeptical. There didn't seem to be much substance in drawing or text. But a closer look showed me a whole lot going on between the lines. And it's funny how a couple strokes of the pen could put a whole world of emotion into the eyes of Martha or the posture of George. Brilliant. Funny and brilliant.
This edition is especially nice because I love all the bits about the life of James Marshall. The memories of other authors / illustrators make me wish that I'd been able to know him as well. Definitely worth looking at. :)
August 3, 2007
Fantastic children stories about two best friends. I loved these stories growing up! And if you can find the hardcover version of George and Martha (not the complete stories, but the original book) it smells wonderful! I'm such a book nerd, I love the smells of certain books, and this was maybe the first book whose smell I fell in love with!
September 8, 2007
Fantastic! I think I'm going to buy this book for myself! I always loved George and Martha as a kid. It turns out I still love them as an adult! These books are so smart and funny! If I had children, I would rather have the separate books. The big book is hard to handle when reading to a child on your lap. However, as a wierdo adult, the big book works well!
June 16, 2022
James Marshall is my current obsession and George and Martha slap.
November 18, 2025
The whimsy and subtle hilarity of George and Martha is unmatched
April 14, 2025
My second grader read this anthology to me. I can’t remember the last time I’ve laughed so much about a book. Fans of Elephant and Piggy, Frog and Toad, or Frances will LOVE this. We especially enjoyed the Mark Brown shout out.
October 25, 2007
I never read picture books when I was a kid (it was all newspapers, street signs, and my mom's nursing textbooks for me), so I didn't encounter this series until I had to read it to other people's kids. And it blew my mind: you can tell Marshall is half-talking to us adults with his itchy relationship lessons and trickster dance maneuvers. The most sublime couple ever, these two hippos.
April 4, 2008
The complete collection of the illustrated stories of George and Martha, two hippos who are best friends. These simple and very short stories teach some of the best lessons about friendship. There are also some great one liners: "For Shame" "I told some fibs" "We are friends but there is such a thing as privacy" "Have some consideration!"
November 30, 2010
George and Martha. SO FUNNY. Snort milk through your nose funny. These friends are prettied up or acting daintily around each other. Sometimes they get along and sometimes George does something that makes Martha want to punch him in the nose, like read her journal! A great book to read to your kids!
September 28, 2007
it is amazing what emotions marshall can convey via two short lines as hippo eyes. so funny and never pandering to the grown-ups who read it (ahem). this compilation also features a splendid introduction by maurice sendak.
November 16, 2007
One of the greatest books in my home. A must for all ages!!! Are George and Martha a couple? Or just great friends? It doesn't matter. They find themselves in situations that everyone can relate to.
November 26, 2007
You'd be a damn fool not to love a big fat hippo with an unstoppable sweet-tooth. And besides, the word "hippopotami" is totally rad and translates awesomely into any language (as does "jellyfish" for your information.)
March 1, 2009
I just finished reading this book to my sweetie last night. They've been wonderful bedtime stories -- full of James Marshall's sweet and funny touches... We enjoyed this so much that we're going to read them all again!
November 5, 2009
The BEST!
p.s. Do you know what famous George and Martha, Marshall named his hippos after (hint: not George and Martha Washington).
It was the characters from the play/movie, Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolfe. That's how you know Marshall was awesome.
p.s. Do you know what famous George and Martha, Marshall named his hippos after (hint: not George and Martha Washington).
It was the characters from the play/movie, Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolfe. That's how you know Marshall was awesome.
May 23, 2010
We love these. Marshall's work communicates hilarity and feelings with spare lines and minimal words. Borrowed from the library three years ago and spent our vacation at OBX reading it on a sunny deck to C (then 5) and N (then 2). Ended up buying a copy and they still love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews