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Martha Speaks

(1995, Fiction - Picture Book, Written by Susan Meddaugh, Illustrated by Susan Meddaugh)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    First in talking dog series teaches a few manners.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Teaches both some vocabulary and manners.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Martha Speaks

Parents need to know that this is the first book in the Martha series, and the one on which the PBS TV series is based. Parents who are OK with talking dogs will appreciate the lesson, which is basically one about learning what to say and when to say it -- a fun way for kids to learn vocabulary, and manners.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how Martha got the power to speak, and whether or not such a thing is really possible. Could feeding dogs alphabet soup really change the way they communicate? How do dogs really let you know what they want? Why do dogs seem to understand when we tell them to sit or stay? What do you think your pet would say if he suddenly could use human words?
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