Totally Tardy Marty

by Erica S. Perl

Totally Tardy Marty just can’t seem to get to school on time. Not when there are so many better things to do in the mornings, like invent Toast-on-a-Rope, fight a giant squid in the laundry, or follow some ants up a tree. And so he’s tardy, every day, much to the smug delight of Never-Late Kate, who thinks she’s sooo great. But then one day, Kate helps Marty out of a jam (or rather, a tree), and the two end up playing together, have a surprisingly good time, and are both late. An unlikely friendship is born, through which Marty learns a trick or two for punctuality, and Kate discovers the virtues of stopping to smell the roses.

From Chicken Butt! author Erica Perl and celebrated illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka comes this playful story of opposites who don’t just attract, but also learn a lot from their complementing personalities.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Humor, Storytime, Fiction, School

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 7, 2015

About the author

Erica S. Perl is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 popular and critically acclaimed books for young readers. She won the National Jewish Book Award and a Sydney Taylor Silver Medal for her middle grade novel, ALL THREE STOOGES. She is also the author of many well-loved picture books, including THE NINTH NIGHT OF HANUKKAH and GOATILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS, as well as several book serieses (including the TRUTH OR LIE nonfiction series). She is the co-author, with Dolly Parton, of the BILLY THE KID picture book series. She is also the co-author, with R.J. Palacio, of WHITE BIRD: A NOVEL. A crowd-pleasing presenter, Erica is available for school visits, bookstore, and library events. Follow her @ericaperl on social media and visit her website to connect with her.

Reviews

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to Julianna last week. I vaguely remember it lol. It was okay..she says she like it. Gives it 5 stars.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Great book of tips for kids going back to school!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I could be the protagonist, Totally Tardy Marty. (haha) I get knee deep in whatever I am doing and I have a hard time transitioning to the next thing. I also like to finish what I have started (and clean up afterwards) so these proclivities can really set me up for failure! I loved that Never Late K ate actually strikes up a friendship with Totally Tardy Marty. And who knows what Never Late N ate's future might hold? A very terrific page in this book is the final one which lists 5 tips that can help with tardiness. Overall, I liked the use of the word "tardy". This is from a French word from the mid 16th century! (Also, I have been falsely accused that I arrive late so as to "make a grand entrance" and "shine a light on myself." Nothing could be further from the truth. I find it painful to walk in late to something that has already begun but I am always grateful that I was not in a car accident racing there, sigh.) *I just have too much life to live and be involved with!

[Carson Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a book about a kid that is always late to school and makes friends with the girl who is always on time. really funny book, would make a good back to school read aloud and has a lot of interaction potential.

[Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to K2 children to transition into a lesson on clocks and telling time. Sweet and fun, but might be a little long for lessons.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might need to add a new shelf (instead of too didactic it would be not didactic enough) - just slightly kidding. I liked this and think it might make a good beginning of the school year read aloud. It might be fun to talk about this topic and I do very much like the friendship that develops. Fun, but I can see where some parents (or assistant principals) might not like it.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marty is frequently late to school because he gets distracted with his ideas and observances. Luckily, he makes a friend who shares his interests, but who also helps him adjust his habits so he can make it to school on time.

A solid list of punctuality tips follows the story.

Nice refrains and pacing make for a good PreK-2 read aloud.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marty is always late for school, he is easily distracted by the wonders around him. Kate is never late, much to Marty's chagrin. Until one day, when the mismatched pair get to know each other. Cute book- I loved Marty's "toast on a rope"!

[Ryan M. Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute, especially the illustrations. I'm like Marty - often tardy!

[Lynne Vanderveen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read for a one-on-one especially as Marty tries to be on time, but just can't seem to make. He dreads running into Never Late Kate (or is she?)

[Heather Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

megan winter reading 2016, children's book, picture book, time management, distractions, mornings, school, on time, prek, kindergarten, first grade

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was super cute!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never-Late Kate helps out Totally Tardy Marty with his punctuality issues. Cheerful, silly fun.