Like all best friends, George and Martha do everything togethers book historian Anita Silvey provides an afterword.
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reviews
Dec 04, 2010
Austin
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Funny and charming and each story is quite short. Marshall's stories of two hippo companions must contain the most hilarious use of anticlimax in the history of children's literature.
In one story Martha gets her picture taken in one of those photo booths and when she sees it, she says, "I've never looked prettier." You get to see it too, and so will George (in a later story). It might be the single funniest page in any children's book.
In one story Martha gets her picture taken in one of those photo booths and when she sees it, she says, "I've never looked prettier." You get to see it too, and so will George (in a later story). It might be the single funniest page in any children's book.
Apr 30, 2009
Amy
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I loved George and Martha when I was growing up. These books are about two hippo friends who always find themselves in hilarious and ridiculous conflicts, but yet somehow find a happy solution. You can purchase the series in a compilation or individually. I prefer the compilation, but the individual books are great for kids because they’re easier to handle. This series is perfect for early grade classrooms and emergent readers. The stories are short and composed of simple text. The George and Ma
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Feb 12, 2011
Ben
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god, i loved these books so much when i was little, but then somehow i completely forgot about them, until today i was in the bookstore looking for the bathroom and i stumbled on this in the children's section. i stood there and read the whole thing; i couldn't help it, it was so great, i almost cried. every story is absolutely perfect, full of wisdom and beauty and the strangest understated humor. not a word out of place, not a word too many, and the drawings make the whole thing come alive.
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Jan 04, 2012
Sherry
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George and Martha are friends. And once you get to know them you want to be their friend. My favorite story is about George and Martha and the split pea soup. My sister and I still talk about it.
Through thick and thin G & M remain friends. They make mistakes, have disagreements, and always manage to patch things up. A fun book for teaching life lessons to kids about being a good friend. And good lessons about not being a peeping tom.
Through thick and thin G & M remain friends. They make mistakes, have disagreements, and always manage to patch things up. A fun book for teaching life lessons to kids about being a good friend. And good lessons about not being a peeping tom.
Oct 11, 2011
Caitlyn
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When I was little I used to love reading these books. The characters teach lessons about friendship, honesty, trust and what two good friends go through. They are cute little adventures about two hippos that are funny and charming. I think these are good reads for children because they have good lessons but are set up in a good structure. Not overwhelming the kids with lessons but children are able to pick up on them throughout the story.
Jan 25, 2011
Meredith
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George and Martha are the hippo version of Frog and Toad, or maybe Frog and Toad are the amphibian version of George and Martha. As a child, I made Dad read our paperback copies of these stories until the books fell apart. My favorite stories were the one where George gets a gold tooth and the one where George peeks in Martha's bathroom window, prompting her to upturn the entire bathtub onto his head.
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Jan 17, 2012
Elinore
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To say that this was my favorite story when I was a little kid is an understatement. I read these constantly with my mom. Just seeing the cover brings a smile to my face. Honestly, I do think that it's a perfect book for any kid, especially if they are still rather small, who is a little different.
May 23, 2010
Rahyab
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We love these. Marshall's work communicates hilarity and feelings with spare lines and minimal words. Borrowed from the library three years ago and spent our vacation at OBX reading it on a sunny deck to C (then 5) and N (then 2). Ended up buying a copy and they still love it.
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Oct 12, 2009
Katie
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I totally remember these books now. I didn't recognize them from the title alone. The kids loved them - me not so much. The relationship between the friends is great but the actual stories about the pair don't have much substance. Good for an early reader though.
Aug 10, 2011
Joseph
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I adore this book. Because of George and Martha, I learned lessons that benefit me to this day. For example, if your friend cooks you pea soup, don't pour it into your loafers in an attempt to be polite. Plus, I love George's hat and Martha's bow.
Nov 05, 2009
Dave
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The BEST!
p.s. Do you know what famous George and Martha, Marshall named his hippos after (hint: not George and Martha Washington).
It was the characters from the play/movie, Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolfe. That's how you know Marshall was awesome.
p.s. Do you know what famous George and Martha, Marshall named his hippos after (hint: not George and Martha Washington).
It was the characters from the play/movie, Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolfe. That's how you know Marshall was awesome.
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Sep 28, 2007
Laura
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The title is speaks for itself: George and Martha are two lovable best friends who enjoy a series of mundane yet delightful "adventures" together that teach children the value of friendship without sounding at all didactic.
I think Martha's adventure with the diving board and with George's Mexican jumping bean collection are my favorites. The illustrations are just great, and I prefer the separate, soft cover books to the complete edition because, as a kid, it was always More...
I think Martha's adventure with the diving board and with George's Mexican jumping bean collection are my favorites. The illustrations are just great, and I prefer the separate, soft cover books to the complete edition because, as a kid, it was always More...
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Aug 06, 2011
I love these two characters!
James Marshall is an awesome author. Five stories about two great friends. Read all their stories; each one is a hoot!
James Marshall is an awesome author. Five stories about two great friends. Read all their stories; each one is a hoot!
Aug 17, 2009
Kirshaq
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This is one of Jane's favorite books to read. I love the short stories and the pictures are so simple and classic. Good book to read to someone small and good book for a beginner reader.
Dec 27, 2008
e
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George and Martha.
two hippos.
in a confusing world , they explore etiquette, friendship, pea soup, carnivals,sleepy picnics, journal writing, and gold teeth.
absurdity ensues.
two hippos.
in a confusing world , they explore etiquette, friendship, pea soup, carnivals,sleepy picnics, journal writing, and gold teeth.
absurdity ensues.
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Jan 22, 2012
The Styling Librarian
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What a wonderful collection of stories. I loved reading these to my son and finishing a 3 page story with him surprised until the continuing part of the story came later.
Sep 15, 2009
Liz
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This is a great book about relationships. It has such wonderful humor, especially appreciated from the parent's side. My favorite story is the one about pea soup in the shoes.
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May 02, 2009
Catriona
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I loved these as a child, and all over again since I just bought this book. Read the comments by Maurice Sendak at the beginning - he explains how and why they are so wonderful.
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Aug 14, 2011
Hannah
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I love the gentle friendship of George and Martha. George and Martha are my literary version of Mr. Rogers. Reading their stories calms me and makes me smile.
Jul 19, 2011
Laura
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My 6th grade teacher was obsessed with these books, and I remember turning one into a short film for our elementary schools monthly TV announcements thing
Feb 24, 2011
Meaghan
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Anyone who likes friends, gold teeth, rollerskating, and loafers will love this book. Also people who dislike split pea soup will enjoy it.
Mar 29, 2010
Rachel
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Sweet and so satisfying for the early reader - they can follow the simple plots, which are all about two friends learning how to be better friends.
Sep 10, 2009
April
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What is it about George and Martha? It has a similar charm to Frog & Toad. Just simple, subtle, tongue-in-cheek stories. Awesome.
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Jul 12, 2009
Jessi
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George and Martha (and James Marshall) are completely awesome. I read the whole series many, many, many times.
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Mar 03, 2009
Al
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Man, it doesn't matter how old I get, this book cracks me up... especially when George gets that gold tooth!
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Sep 16, 2011
Gail
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I want to buy this for our collection. I love these simple stories. They encourage discussion.
May 02, 2011
Joslins
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You can't go wrong with George and Martha! And it is great to have all the stories in one book.
Jul 19, 2010
Hugh
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I like when George drew the scary picture of Martha because she looked in the mirror too much!
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Apr 29, 2010
Hillary
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Full of dry humor. Great for older kids who are still learning to read, second and third grade.
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Jul 12, 2010
Connie
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This is a charmingly simple and funny book of short-short stories for little kids. I can't really describe it, but my niece was cracking up over these as she read them!
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