George and Martha

Pretty much a timeless treasure!

Marshall, James.
George and Martha: Full of Surprises.
July 2010.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Guided Reading Level: L
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Compiled of two stories, "The Big Scare" and "The Amusement Park," readers once again delve into the funny world of George and Martha. George decides it's a perfect day to play a trick on Martha and scare the living daylights out of her. Martha vows revenge and pretends to forget... to forget, at least until George has forgotten to be cautious of her efforts to scare him when he least expects it... and once they arrive at the amusement park, when she's nearly certainly George has forgotten to be wary of Martha, she pays him back, scaring him back, by shouting, "Boo!" in the dark, scary, Tunnel of Love.

Marshall, James.
George and Martha: One Fine Day.
July 2010.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Guided Reading Level: L
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Compiled of three stories, "The Tightrope," "The Diary," and "The Icky Story," George and Martha: One Fine Day will certainly appeal to beginning readers due to short, interesting stories and colorful illustrations. Readers once again join George and Martha as they embark on yet another adventure, teaching young readers simple lessons that will guide them in their daily life - offer support to your friends in need, accept that sometimes friends wish to keep certain matters personal, and sometimes, its okay (and even necessary) to teach a lesson, provided you're not physically harming someone!

I was so happy to see the return (and republication) of the George and Martha series! I distinctly remember checking out these titles from my local library as a child myself, with a cover such as the one shown below. I like the books because even though they are short, picture books, they are broken down into "chapters" of sorts - allowing beginning readers the freedom to read just a little without having to comprehend an entire picture-book worth of information all at once.

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Check out this book series from your local library. Use the books as bedtime stories, and read just one small chapter from the books each night. Discuss the lesson that George and Martha intend for readers to take away from the story. Can your child(ren) relate to this? Discuss the importance of the lesson and how it can impact not only your child, but others as well!
  

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

June Reviews - George and Martha

I have two newbie reviews for you today as part of my June Reviews series... George and Martha: Rise and Shine and George and Martha: One More Time were both released on
June 1. However, the series originated back in the 1970's and 1980's, with George and Martha (and I felt that in order to fairly critique the two newest reprints, I should reread the original first, as it's been many years since I've read it) but are being reprinted in a format very similar to the Easy Reader series.

The George and Martha series shows the tender relationship between two hippopotomi. Alongside watching the two friends as they interact socially and share almost every aspect of their life, readers will also be learning important, valuable life-long lessons.

Marshall, James.
George and Martha.
2007 (1972).
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Summary from Barnes and Noble:

Two lovable hippos teach the meaning of friendship in five separate vignettes: "Split Pea Soup," "The Flying Machine," "The Tub," "The Mirror," "The Tooth."

In the originating book of the series, we watch as George and Martha interact with each other in a way very similar to childhood friends. What I really found enjoyable about the book is the short, simple "episodes" that teach the following life-long lessons:

1. Friends should always tell each other the truth.
2. Using words to make your friend feel comfortable with who they are.
3. Even though you are friends, you need to know when to respect each other's privacy.
4. It takes two to be friends, so you need to remember to not always focus on yourself.
5. Always try to find the positive and try to cheer your friend up!
   

Marshall, James.
George and Martha: One More Time.
June 2009.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Guided Reading Level: L

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Great friends aren't hard to find--they're right here! We are delighted to provide another offering of James Marshall's George and Martha in the reader format. Using original art and text from Marshall's storybooks, the tales have been reformatted to the traditional 6 x 9 trim. Marshall's themes are all resonant with a reader age child--navigating the waters of first friendships, honesty versus kindness, curiosity versus privacy.

This book contains the classic "The Scary Movie" and "The Secret Club" stories.

Of course, just like in the original book, George and Martha set out to share some more important lessons with readers... again, this is what appeals to me! I love books that teach valuable life lessons!

1. Remember to comfort your friend when they're scared or nervous... you never know when you may need the favor returned.
2. If your friend excludes you, don't always assume something bad!
   

Marshall, James.
George and Martha: Rise and Shine.
June 2009 (1976).
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Guided Reading Level: L

Summary from Barnes and Noble:

Great friends aren't hard to find--they're right here! We are delighted to provide another offering of James Marshall's George and Martha stories in the reader format. Using original art and text from Marshall's storybooks, the tales have been reformatted to the traditional 6 x 9 trim. Marshall's themes are all resonant with a reader age child--navigating the waters of first friendships, honesty versus kindness, curiosity versus privacy.

This book contains the classic "The Fibber," "The Experiment," and "The Picnic" stories.

I am honestly surprised that I haven't come across the older printings of these books in the past... they really are wonderful and teach such valuable lessons! Definitely worth sharing in an early childhood classroom (and ideal for beginning readers, as well)!

The lessons to be learned?

1. With your friend, you can be honest... there's no need to fib. Your friend will accept you for who you are. You don't need to show off.
   
2. Rather than make fun of your friend for an idea that backfires, offer your support.
3. Sometimes (within reason, of course) you should just go along with what your friend wants to do... chances are you might just enjoy yourself!
   

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.