Perfectly Martha

By Susan Meddaugh
Genre: Picture Book

Common Sense Media says

Funny, entertaining, and explores point of view.

Age

Quality

Violence & scariness0
Not applicable.

Language0
Not applicable.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that in addition to being attractive, funny, and entertaining, the Martha books offer an opportunity for children to explore point of view. Since the title character can speak, she shares her thoughts and observations about both the canine and the human world, often with interesting insight.

What's the story?

Martha, the alphabet soup talking dog, is suspicious of Otis Weaselcraft, owner of the Perfect Pup Institute. His Three-Step Training Program turns fun-loving, flea-scratching dogs into perfectly behaved, robo-dogs and Martha sets out to discover how. Kidnapped by Weaselcraft's assistant, Dr. Pablum, when he overhears her speaking, Martha suddenly finds herself on the inside of the institute.

There she discovers that Weaselcraft is attaching Robo Rover Brain Blocker microchips to the inside of the dogs' collars. Martha bribes Dr. Pablum to plant a microchip on the collar of Otis Weaselcraft and then she puts Weaselcraft through his own series of obedience commands, thus exposing his dastardly scam. With the microchips removed, all of the dogs revert to their adorably pesky selves.

Is it any good?

This is the sixth in Meddaugh's series of Martha books that began with Martha Speaks which was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book in 1992. She has maintained her high standard throughout the series with lively, deadpan hilarious, watercolor illustrations, snappy dialogue, cartoon bubble wisecrack commentary, and clever story lines. This latest adventure is as fresh and entertaining as the first.

Explore, discuss, enjoy

Families can talk about point of view and different perspectives. Do you think a dog might see the world differently than you do? How? If your pets could talk, what do you think they would say to you?

More details

Author:	Susan Meddaugh
Illustrator:	Susan Meddaugh
Book type:	Fiction
Genre:	Picture Book
Publisher:	Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
Publication date:	April 17, 2004
Number of pages:	32
Publisher's recommended age(s):	4 - 7

This review of Perfectly Martha was written by Marigny Dupuy

Most useful reviews by all members

Mary229

Kid, 8 years old

April 9, 2008

OK for kids & up

I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

Prfectly Martha is one of my most favorite books! It ws an outragus book!!! you will laugh out loud if you read this.

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