Martha Calling

Martha Speaks

by Susan Meddaugh

Bright watercolor pictures accompany a silly story about Helen's dog Martha, who suddenly begins to speak after she is fed alphabet soup, but Helen soon starts to have second thoughts about her talking dog. Reprint. NYT. AB.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Humor, Dogs, Fiction, Family

Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Susan Meddaugh was born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey. She graduated from Wheaton College, where she studied French literature and fine arts. After working briefly with an advertising agency in New York, she moved to Boston and worked at a publishing company for ten years, first as a designer, then art editor, and finally as art director. While there, she did the illustrations for Good Stones (Houghton Mifflin) by Anne Epstein, and then decided to strike out on her own as a freelance illustrator and creator of children's books. Since that time, Susan has written and illustrated many popular books for children, including Martha Speaks, which was chosen as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book for 1992. In 1998 she was awarded the New England Book Award, given by the New England Booksellers Association to recognize a body of work. Her work also was acknowledged with a New York Times Best Illustrated Award. She lives in Sherborn, Massachusetts. - from HMHBooks.com

Susan Meddaugh, a New England Book Award Winner, adores Halloween and calls it "THE major Holiday" in her household, in part, she says "because it's the only time in the year when you get to be someone else." - from Candlewick.com

Reviews

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story of what it might be like for a dog who can talk. I enjoyed some of the humor in the book (especially the toupee). A fun read. Would never work for a storytime because of all the speech bubbles. But a great lap-sit. And probably one animal lovers would very much enjoy.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was one scene in this book that made me laugh out loud. Another great entry by Susan Meddaugh in her Martha series. Everyone knows I'm a sucker for dogs, but I'd bet that any kid would like this one, and many adults, too.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank goodness I had the chance to read this highly original, clever book: Fact is, I always used to despise that bland liquid known as "Alphabet Soup."

Maybe you've noticed, Goodreaders. It's neither a broth, a bisque, a bouillon, a goulash, a pot au feu, nor anything else interesting by way of soup... except for a random assortment of overcooked letters.

This lively adventure turns out to be anything but bland. As for the ending (which I won't spoil, no no!), let's just call it exceptionally superb.

FIVE STARS, of course.

[Roxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Goodness,
Yes, it is wild to think a dog like Martha can talk, let alone order room service, but seriously, the iDEA that someone would think she ate Grandma is way too funny...

I bought this for my Little Free Library. I know it will be a hit!

Don't miss your chance to read it...you'll laugh, even if you're an old grouch.

[Hailey Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: modern fantasy
Reading Level: lower elementary

This book is about Martha from Martha Speaks. She goes out in public and has to act like a Grandma. I️t was a fun story and I think young children will love I️t.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. Love. This. Book

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of conversational bubbles

Tons are conversational bubbles, sometimes too small to read. Flatness to it with no leaks or valley. Art was realistically drawn.

[Quezia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaah, eu assistia Martha Fala quando era criança e foi divertido relembrar lendo.

[Child960801 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha the talking dog wins a radio contest with a prize trip to a hotel that doesn't allow dogs.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this Martha the talking dog adventure, Martha is upset because dogs are not allowed in so many places and happy that when she calls on the telephone people don't treat her so mean. One day, Martha calls a radio station to try to win a contest and she does. She wins a getaway at a hotel. Unfortunately, it is a no dogs allowed hotel. Martha's family disguises her and call her "grandma." Martha is caught when the chambermaid goes into their room. Martha is so upset about having had to disguise herself that she goes to the lobby and gets on her soapbox about it. All the guests and the hotel manager agree that dogs are treated badly. Many of the guests go home to retrieve their dogs. The hotel converts into a dog friendly hotel and everyone, especially Martha is happy, who is now the hotel hostess for the summer. This is an AR 3.0 level book.

[Shaundell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha is a unique dog who loves letters and can talk. One day, after hearing a radio contest, calls in with the right answer and her family wins a trip to the Come-On-Inn. However, no dogs are allowed! Martha, in disguise, manages to create quite a scene and then uses her words to smooth things over with the hotel management and guests, and even manages to get hired on as a part-time employee!

The Martha books are adorable and one of our favorite series!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha the talking dog from Martha Speaks is back and talking on the phone to the butcher, the grocer, her friends...just about anyone. My 4-year-old daughter wanted to feed alphabet soup to our dog so she could speak English. Second in a series.

[Ashely · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story of what it might be like for a dog who can talk. I enjoyed some of the humor in the book (especially the toupee). A fun read. Would never work for a storytime because of all the speech bubbles. But a great lap-sit. And probably one animal lovers would very much enjoy.

[Dylan & Belle at LearnPlayFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated and reviewed by Dylan, age 7:

This book is about a dog who eats alphabet soup. Martha talks and she wins a trip but no dogs are allowed. My favorite part was when she said isn't it time for my dinner, right at the beginning. And also when she told everyone she was mad.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not as good as Martha Speaks, it is still a fun book.

[Cana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mommy says: We love Martha!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun Martha story, great theme of acceptance.

[Rima Halig · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book to read if you have some extra time in the classroom. About a dog who loves to talk so much, people dont even know they are talking to a dog when they are on the phone!

[Alexandria K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha is always on the phone for something like a meat delivery, 911, game shows, the president, and the dog pound.

[Melanie]

On the fence with classifying it favorite characters.

[jennyreadit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha's back! Same fun plot of a lovable, talking dog that everyone loves.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay Martha the talking dog book. It is the beginning book to explain how Martha started talking and what she does to help fellow dogs to be included more.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha calling the meat shop.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talking dogs never get old

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Martha!!! Whenever I read Martha, I always want to go buy a dog...oh well. Soon. =)