Martha Calling (Martha Speaks Series)

by Susan Meddaugh

Overview

Martha is a dog—a dog who can talk! In this story, Martha speaks up against the injustice of "No dogs allowed" signs and reminds humans that animals are part of the family.

Martha loves talking on the telephone. When she calls into a radio contest and wins a weekend getaway at the Come-On Inn, her family is ecstatic—until they realize dogs aren't allowed. Though they sneak her in, irrepressible Martha is not interested in staying hidden in the room. She thinks dogs should be able to have fun on vacation too. And when Martha speaks, people listen!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780395827413
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/26/1996
Series:	Martha Speaks Series
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	824,644
Product dimensions:	8.06(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.12(d)
Lexile:	540L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Susan Meddaugh worked at a publishing company for ten years, first as a designer, then art editor, and finally as art director before striking out on her own as a freelance illustrator and creator of children's books. 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. Her Martha Speaks book series was adapted into an award-winning PBS Kids TV show. She lives in Sherborn, Massachusetts.

Editorial Reviews

"The bright cartoon-style art is incredibly clever, both in execution and in the way Meddaugh uses balloons to convey textual asides. A droll doggie delight that isn't just for the picture-book crowd." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review —

From the Publisher

The second book about Martha the talking dog is "unsurprising but amusing," said PW. "Kids are sure to be drawn in once again by Meddaugh's witty and unaffected cartooning." Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

K-Gr 3-Martha, the loquacious pup introduced in Martha Speaks (Houghton, 1992), keeps up her nonstop chatter- this time on the telephone. When she answers a radio call-in contest question and wins a weekend for four at the Come-On-Inn, she's delighted-until she finds out that dogs are not allowed. Dressed as a grandmother and plunked in a wheelchair, she and her family set off for their holiday, and mayhem ensues as Martha, ever angry at the inn's exclusionary policy, cannot remain calm. The unadorned text takes second place to the hilarious dialogue balloons, and to the action-packed cartoons that show the family outing and an angry pooch that just can't seem to stay in character as an elderly woman. All ends well, though, as Martha eloquently presents her position, mustering up the support of the other guests. Bled spreads in popsicle colors, with crazy patterns and zany antics, add the perfect touch to this selection that calls up laughs galore.-Trev Jones, School Library Journal

School Library Journal