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George and Martha
George and Martha Encore: The Second Book About Two Best Friends - Humorous Stories for Kids
This second installment in the beloved series showcases the sweetness of friendship. George and Martha know that its always a good idea to have a true friend in your corner (or at your dance recital)—even if you don't listen to their warning about the sun and end up a bright pink hippo after a day at the beach. A man with a talent for friendship, James Marshall defined its very essence in his stories about the world’s two best friends. Each of these five brief tales is filled with humor, and James Marshall’s drawings are guaranteed to spark feelings of empathy, delight, and self-recognition.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
About the author
James Marshall
152 books145 followersJames Edward Marshall (October 10, 1942 – October 13, 1992), who also wrote as Edward Marshall, was a children's author and illustrator.
His father worked on the railroad, was a band member in the 1930s, and his mother sang in the local church choir. His family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. Marshall said: "Beaumont is deep south and swampy and I hated it. I knew I would die if I stayed there so I diligently studied the viola, and eventually won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston."[1] He entered the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, but injured his hand, ending his music career. He returned to Texas, where he attended San Antonio College, and later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he received degrees in French and history.
It is said that he discovered his vocation on a 1971 summer afternoon, lying on a hammock drawing. His mother was watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and the main characters, George and Martha, ultimately became characters in one of his children's books. Marshall continued as a children's author until his untimely death in 1992 of a brain tumor. In 1998, George and Martha became the basis of an eponymous animated children's television show.
In addition to George and Martha, the lovable hippopotami, James Marshall created dozens of other uniquely appealing characters. He is well-known for his Fox series (which he wrote as "Edward Marshall"), as well as the Miss Nelson books, the Stupids, the Cut-ups, and many more. James Marshall had the uncanny ability to elicit wild delight from readers with relatively little text and simple drawings. With only two minute dots for eyes, his illustrated characters are able to express a wide range of emotion, and produce howls of laughter from both children and adults.
His father worked on the railroad, was a band member in the 1930s, and his mother sang in the local church choir. His family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. Marshall said: "Beaumont is deep south and swampy and I hated it. I knew I would die if I stayed there so I diligently studied the viola, and eventually won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston."[1] He entered the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, but injured his hand, ending his music career. He returned to Texas, where he attended San Antonio College, and later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he received degrees in French and history.
It is said that he discovered his vocation on a 1971 summer afternoon, lying on a hammock drawing. His mother was watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and the main characters, George and Martha, ultimately became characters in one of his children's books. Marshall continued as a children's author until his untimely death in 1992 of a brain tumor. In 1998, George and Martha became the basis of an eponymous animated children's television show.
In addition to George and Martha, the lovable hippopotami, James Marshall created dozens of other uniquely appealing characters. He is well-known for his Fox series (which he wrote as "Edward Marshall"), as well as the Miss Nelson books, the Stupids, the Cut-ups, and many more. James Marshall had the uncanny ability to elicit wild delight from readers with relatively little text and simple drawings. With only two minute dots for eyes, his illustrated characters are able to express a wide range of emotion, and produce howls of laughter from both children and adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 30, 2022
The stories are always short and sweet. And sometimes that’s exactly what you’re looking for when you have just a couple of minutes to sit and read together. *Happy sigh.*
Ages: 3 - 7
Cleanliness: two hippos dance.
Ages: 3 - 7
Cleanliness: two hippos dance.
May 27, 2020
5* art
5* story
Squirt loves George and Martha. He hunts around for the books and asks if he can read them. Doesn't get any better than that. AND - George in a swimsuit or dance leotard? Charming. Debonair. Pretty much irresistible.
5* story
Squirt loves George and Martha. He hunts around for the books and asks if he can read them. Doesn't get any better than that. AND - George in a swimsuit or dance leotard? Charming. Debonair. Pretty much irresistible.
February 10, 2013
Research studies demonstrate that stereotypical images have a negative impact on Native children. Because George is playing Indian in GEORGE AND MARTHA ENCORE, I cannot in good conscience recommend it.
A scan of one page is here:
http://americanindiansinchildrenslite...
A scan of one page is here:
http://americanindiansinchildrenslite...
April 22, 2008
Most characters run the risk of wearing out their welcome if they appear in too many books but George and Martha manage to stay fresh and funny each time.
October 9, 2016
Sequel includes sexism AND cultural appropriation.
October 25, 2021
Hippopotamuses George and Martha are friends.
This book contains five stories:
* "The Dance Recital"
* "The French Lesson"
* "The Disguise"
* "The Beach”
* "The Garden”
Each tale recounts an episode in George's and Martha's friendship.
In “The Dance Recital,” George attends Martha’s dance recital and decides dance is fun.
In “The French Lesson,” Martha teaches George some French.
In “The Disguise,” George decides to wear a costume, so Martha won’t recognize him. Caveat: George dresses up as an indigenous person from the North American Interior Plains. This book was originally published in 1973, and this is no longer socially acceptable. So, you may want to skip this story with young readers.
In “The Beach,” George and Martha go to the beach.
In “The Garden,” George buys Martha flowers after her failed attempt to grow some.
This book contains five stories:
* "The Dance Recital"
* "The French Lesson"
* "The Disguise"
* "The Beach”
* "The Garden”
Each tale recounts an episode in George's and Martha's friendship.
In “The Dance Recital,” George attends Martha’s dance recital and decides dance is fun.
In “The French Lesson,” Martha teaches George some French.
In “The Disguise,” George decides to wear a costume, so Martha won’t recognize him. Caveat: George dresses up as an indigenous person from the North American Interior Plains. This book was originally published in 1973, and this is no longer socially acceptable. So, you may want to skip this story with young readers.
In “The Beach,” George and Martha go to the beach.
In “The Garden,” George buys Martha flowers after her failed attempt to grow some.
January 1, 2018
Even better than the last! George and Martha return in this book for another 5 vignettes, following the same style as the prequel. It's just so sweet and wonderful, and I wouldn't trade these vignettes for anything.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
January 29, 2025
The second book about George and Martha, two hippos who are friends. Through five vignettes, this picture book imparts lessons on friendship. A delightful book with a wonderful sense of humor. I would, however, warn readers that in one of the vignettes George dresses up as an Indian, which is a bit cringey and probably wouldn't happen today.
December 23, 2025
Five stars with the caveat that the headdress dress up in story #3 is of its time and needs contextualizing
Pull quote/note
"The next day Martha had a terrible sunburn!
She felt all hot and itchy.
But George never said 'I told you so.'
Because that's not what friends are for." (36) true. But also, hippos' sweat is their sunscreen, so.
Pull quote/note
"The next day Martha had a terrible sunburn!
She felt all hot and itchy.
But George never said 'I told you so.'
Because that's not what friends are for." (36) true. But also, hippos' sweat is their sunscreen, so.
February 22, 2019
Such a cute sense of humor. In one of the short chapters George and Martha go to the beach. Of course George reminds Martha to wear sunscreen but she doesn't and gets a burn. But George never said "told you so" because that is what friends are for.
November 27, 2022
very cute, the relationship between George and Martha reminds me of that between Frog and Toad. Story number 3 - "The Disguise" where George "dresses up as an Indian" was not a cute look but as long as you don't read that one to your kid 🤷🤷
or you could use it as a learning opportunity
or you could use it as a learning opportunity
June 14, 2018
I would skip story #3!
August 11, 2018
Fun, fun, fun! My 3-year-old granddaughter and I laughed and laughed!
December 4, 2021
A book about friendship told in very simple vignettes that are not particularly humorous, just sweet.
May 18, 2022
Enjoyed the little morals.
April 29, 2025
sweet stories. nice, simple art
March 18, 2026
Includes 5 stories: the first is about dancing, the second is about learning French, the third is about dressing up, the fourth they go to the beach, the fifth is about flowers.
May 7, 2015
I thought that this story would be appealing to young readers, but not as much as other books would be. It does not look like a "chapter book" making it more likely to be ignored by transitional readers. There are not many words on each page, pictures are on each page, and a lot of dialogue is used. The book looks as if it would be for beginning readers, but the difficulty of some words, phrases, and the use of dialogue makes it better for older children who are transitioning readers.
The genre of the book is nonfiction and focuses on speaking animals. If I were to ask students about this story after they read it independently, I would ask them to focus on the dialogue. I would ask them to retell each short story (which consists of four) and if they are able to do that I will know they understand dialogue.
This book would be considered more qualitative, because there are less words on each page, but they are more difficult. I also thought that the use of dialogue showed the quality more-so than quantity. Children can focus more on the words than pictures, helping them strengthen their reading abilities.
The genre of the book is nonfiction and focuses on speaking animals. If I were to ask students about this story after they read it independently, I would ask them to focus on the dialogue. I would ask them to retell each short story (which consists of four) and if they are able to do that I will know they understand dialogue.
This book would be considered more qualitative, because there are less words on each page, but they are more difficult. I also thought that the use of dialogue showed the quality more-so than quantity. Children can focus more on the words than pictures, helping them strengthen their reading abilities.
January 8, 2013
Short stories about a pair of friends who are hippos.
The Dance Recital--George thinks dancing is dumb, but changes his mind after attending Martha's dance recital. He's so inspired he begins taking dance classes too and Martha is equally impressed with George's newly developed talent.
The French Lesson--George tricks Martha into asking him for a kiss in French and he sweetly plants one on her cheek.
The Disguise--George hopes to fool Martha by dressing up as an Indian chief, but she recognizes him anyway by his "bright smiling eyes."
The Beach--Even though George warns her, Martha ends up with a sunburn after a trip to the beach.
The Garden--When she is disappointed about her garden full of weeds, George buys a bunch of tulips to plant in Martha's garden to cheer her up.
This collection of stories has some pretty tender friendship vignettes. The simple drawings colored in a palette of green, red, yellow, black, and gray mirror text. My favorite picture is when poor Martha comes home with a sunburn; she's bubble gum pink!
Fun reads for beginning readers.
The Dance Recital--George thinks dancing is dumb, but changes his mind after attending Martha's dance recital. He's so inspired he begins taking dance classes too and Martha is equally impressed with George's newly developed talent.
The French Lesson--George tricks Martha into asking him for a kiss in French and he sweetly plants one on her cheek.
The Disguise--George hopes to fool Martha by dressing up as an Indian chief, but she recognizes him anyway by his "bright smiling eyes."
The Beach--Even though George warns her, Martha ends up with a sunburn after a trip to the beach.
The Garden--When she is disappointed about her garden full of weeds, George buys a bunch of tulips to plant in Martha's garden to cheer her up.
This collection of stories has some pretty tender friendship vignettes. The simple drawings colored in a palette of green, red, yellow, black, and gray mirror text. My favorite picture is when poor Martha comes home with a sunburn; she's bubble gum pink!
Fun reads for beginning readers.
December 6, 2014
More stories about two great chums- hippopotamuses Martha and George. Story number one: dance recital. Martha and George are having a disagreement. George thinks dancing isn't fun but Martha has a big recital coming up.. Will she get George to go?
This collection of stories by James Marshall about the beloved Martha and George will never go out of style. They are stories about friendship and making compromises and supporting each other, all in a comedy fashion of course. The whimsical hippopotamuses and colorful backdrops/settings for each story enhance the picture of action for young readers. Each illustration adds to the humor!
This collection of stories by James Marshall about the beloved Martha and George will never go out of style. They are stories about friendship and making compromises and supporting each other, all in a comedy fashion of course. The whimsical hippopotamuses and colorful backdrops/settings for each story enhance the picture of action for young readers. Each illustration adds to the humor!
October 24, 2016
I enjoyed reading George and Martha Encore. It's been years and years since I've read it, and it was just as enjoyable today as it was then. Within this little book there are five short stories: "The Dance Recital", "The French Lesson", "The Disguise", "The Beach", and "The Garden". Good, simple, easy to read short stories. I received this book on February 1, 1990, more than likely from my mom and dad, since the inside inscription is written in my mother's handwriting. I do recommend reading George and Martha Encore.
September 12, 2014
Readers and families should know that the second story, "The Disguise" has one of the characters in a Native American head dress, as though it is a costume without significant cultural significance. I cannot recommend it for this reason.
The characters seem sweet and the stories move along very quickly, so we skipped this story and read the others.
The characters seem sweet and the stories move along very quickly, so we skipped this story and read the others.
September 23, 2014
This book is one of many books by James Marshall. These are easy children's books that would be aimed at the youngest children's grade level. They are not for children that are of a higher grade level because they are to help beginning readers excel in their reading.
August 28, 2015
A lot like the first book - I was glad to see George got to keep his gold tooth. A simple set of children's stories with okay art and text. Though really I don't see anything all that special. Except for the introduction in the edition I was reading - which clearly shows the author's impact.
January 12, 2016
George and Martha were childhood favorites of mine, and now I get to read them to my kids. Short vignettes about friendship, often silly, make for a quick, enjoyable read.
James Marshall's illustrations are like looking at pictures of my own childhood.
James Marshall's illustrations are like looking at pictures of my own childhood.
January 18, 2022
The hilarious adventures of best friends George and Martha continue! This time, five more vignettes with dancing, speaking French, visiting the beach, and gardening.
Skip Story Number 3, since it includes stereotypical portrayals of American Indians.
Skip Story Number 3, since it includes stereotypical portrayals of American Indians.
January 20, 2009
I love George and Martha. This isn't my favorite of their stories, but you just can't go wrong with George and Martha!
March 13, 2012
guided reading level text L.
Good short stories about friends.
Good short stories about friends.
April 30, 2014
good for early elementary grades, examines the dynamics of friendships and shows the ups and downs of friendships and conflict resolution
July 7, 2014
Notes:
frog-and-toad-style stories but very unique
best for age 6+ not pre-K
friendship messages and humor without moralizing
love the simple illustrations and text
frog-and-toad-style stories but very unique
best for age 6+ not pre-K
friendship messages and humor without moralizing
love the simple illustrations and text
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews