Customer Reviews

Martha Walks the Dog

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Take one dog with attitude, add one can of alphabet soup, and you've got Martha, who not only talks, but isn't afraid to speak her mind. In this book, her fourth adventure so far, Martha learns the power that other people's (or animal's) words have on our self-image.

Every day, Martha walks herself around the neighborhood, and every day things are pretty much the same -- until Bad Dog Bob moves in. Bob spends his days lurking under the porch steps, then charging at anything that moves into his line of sight. Only two things keep him from ripping his neighbors to shreds -- his chain, which only reaches so far, and his owner, who always screams, "BAD DOG, BOB! BAD DOG! "

Then someone else moves into the neighborhood. This animal can talk, too, but Martha soon realizes her new neighbor is only parroting her words back to her. She teaches the bird to say "Good dog! What a dog!" and "You must have fleas!"

When Martha decides one day to tell Bad Dog Bob what she really thinks of him, she's not counting on his chain being broken. Just when Martha is sure Bob is going to have her for a doggie treat, a voice from above says, "Good dog!" Suddenly, Bob smiles. Quick-thinking Martha teaches her parrot friend more words of praise, and Bad Dog Bob turns into Tail-wagging Bob.

My kids love the Martha books because they are so funny. I love them because they are great jumping off places for discussions of serious topics. This book led to a discussion of just what it means to call someone "Stupid Head." I can't say we've totally eliminated that insult or others like it from our house, but we're working on it.

I am sad to see the hardcover no longer available. I just gave my copy as a present to a student. I read this book to grades K-4 as part of "social skills" teaching. This book is a fun way to explore the power of words and tone of voice. A dog that is called "bad boy, Bob" acts like a bad dog. Once he hears "good dog", "handsome dog" and other compliments, he feels much happier. It is fun to read, the illustrations are wonderful, and kids love it.

A fun book about the power of words.

This is a beautiful book and a wonderful story. It has a message about the power of words to make people (or dogs) feel good about themselves.

We can all learn to speak a little nicer and be open to change others through kindness, by reading this to kids of all ages. My three year old loves this book.

My granddaughter has enjoyed watching Martha on the Internet, so when I saw that the Martha Walks the Dog available through Amazon, I decided to buy it for her. Upon arrival, I was alarmed to see the drawings in the book. One of the dogs looks mighty ferocious!! My granddaughter didn't need to see that. Not a book to cuddle up with.

I bought this book for my little cousin and he loves Martha Speaks. It's just fun and adorable!

My 4 year old loves the Martha books, and TV show. They are very cute books.

These book series are wholesome, educational and preciously written and depicted with preciously fun drawings. I highly recommend them to anyone with children!

We love the Martha books and the new show on pbs. My 9 yr. old reluctant reader picked up the book right away and read it. She enjoyed it and so did I.