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George and Martha
George and Martha, Tons of Fun
Another quintet of stories about the pleasures and problems of a great "The Sweet Tooth," "The Misunderstanding," "The Hypnotist," "The Special Gift," and "The Photograph."
46 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1980
About the author
James Marshall
153 books147 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 13, 2023
Five stories with happy hippos George and Martha do promise "Tons of Fun."
"The Misunderstanding"illustrates how Martha has the social skills of an immature person. The fact that Martha later forgets about that "miusunderstanding" teaches children nothing of value.
"The Sweet Tooth" has Martha in the role of teacher. A success, by her standards. Personally, I think "cut down on sweets" is a meaningless resolution.
"The Photograph" is definitely a short story. Almost nothing to it, even if you squint pretty hard.
"The Hypnotist" allows Martha and George to keep eating sweets, encouraging each other. As for the author's portrayal of hypnotism, that's both inaccurate and cliche-ridden. Maybe a comfortable mediocrity is the point of these stories? Hard to tell.
"The Special Gift"
By the end of this story, Martha has learned to laugh at herself. And this is supposed to be a "friendship"? To use a technical term, "Yeccch!"
MY CONCLUSION
The editor calls these stories "mini-farces." Thus, begging the question: Are children of picture book age well equipped to value farces?
I don't think so. Seems to me, these stories are mainly for the sake of bored parents who want to chuckle at the immature and highly mediocre "heroes" of these stories.
For their sakes, FIVE STARS.
As for readers who prefer children's books that the children being read to... can understand? Not such a great book.
"The Misunderstanding"illustrates how Martha has the social skills of an immature person. The fact that Martha later forgets about that "miusunderstanding" teaches children nothing of value.
"The Sweet Tooth" has Martha in the role of teacher. A success, by her standards. Personally, I think "cut down on sweets" is a meaningless resolution.
"The Photograph" is definitely a short story. Almost nothing to it, even if you squint pretty hard.
"The Hypnotist" allows Martha and George to keep eating sweets, encouraging each other. As for the author's portrayal of hypnotism, that's both inaccurate and cliche-ridden. Maybe a comfortable mediocrity is the point of these stories? Hard to tell.
"The Special Gift"
By the end of this story, Martha has learned to laugh at herself. And this is supposed to be a "friendship"? To use a technical term, "Yeccch!"
MY CONCLUSION
The editor calls these stories "mini-farces." Thus, begging the question: Are children of picture book age well equipped to value farces?
I don't think so. Seems to me, these stories are mainly for the sake of bored parents who want to chuckle at the immature and highly mediocre "heroes" of these stories.
For their sakes, FIVE STARS.
As for readers who prefer children's books that the children being read to... can understand? Not such a great book.
April 15, 2020
Hippos George and Martha have a sweet friendship. I could relate to some of the emotional dramas, like thinking a friend is mad at you just because they don't answer the phone when you call (and they're busy) or being proud of something but then your friend hurts your feelings by laughing at it.
However, the book had some ideas that seem out of date now and not the way I want to teach my kids about things. For example, there was one chapter about Martha encouraging George not to eat too many sweets because he'd gain too much weight. He didn't take her advice, so she decided to smoke cigars so George could see how frustrating it was to see a friend make bad choices and not listen to advice to stop. While I appreciate that they're looking out for each other and teaching kids the importance of taking care of their bodies, the tone didn't seem right at this point in time.
Each of the five stories is short, but reading it took a while for my preschooler and kindergartener.
I love Miss Nelson is Missing by James Marshall, but this one wasn't as big of a hit for me.
However, the book had some ideas that seem out of date now and not the way I want to teach my kids about things. For example, there was one chapter about Martha encouraging George not to eat too many sweets because he'd gain too much weight. He didn't take her advice, so she decided to smoke cigars so George could see how frustrating it was to see a friend make bad choices and not listen to advice to stop. While I appreciate that they're looking out for each other and teaching kids the importance of taking care of their bodies, the tone didn't seem right at this point in time.
Each of the five stories is short, but reading it took a while for my preschooler and kindergartener.
I love Miss Nelson is Missing by James Marshall, but this one wasn't as big of a hit for me.
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July 22, 2026This is the absolute BEST entry in the wonderful George and Martha series, which my daughter and I love to read together. I have the most beautiful times with my kiddo because of this book in particular. The third story in this book, The Photograph, features Martha getting her picture taken in a photobooth. She is always full of confidence (we love to see it) but her picture is *AWFUL.* Hilariously so. My daughter and I have screamed with laughter at the picture. My daughter set it up like a shrine in her chair so that she could continue to enjoy it.
And this is the best part--Marshall does his wonderful trick of making you think all the stories are unique vignettes...but he actually ties a few of them together. In the final story, Martha loses her birthday gift for George and, in a moment of panic, gives him THE PICTURE as a gift and George too falls down laughing. We laughed all over again.
Such a fun book and such special times with my beautiful child.
And this is the best part--Marshall does his wonderful trick of making you think all the stories are unique vignettes...but he actually ties a few of them together. In the final story, Martha loses her birthday gift for George and, in a moment of panic, gives him THE PICTURE as a gift and George too falls down laughing. We laughed all over again.
Such a fun book and such special times with my beautiful child.
January 1, 2018
How is it possible that with each George and Martha book, their friendship just becomes more and more pure? I mean, as the vignettes continue (over a span of 7 books!), there are certainly more funny and trickster-like scenes which I suppose could be construed as mean-spirited. But honestly? It's reflective of how friendships are sometimes--friends get mad with each other and make up and play pranks on each other and tell each other they look good. And George and Martha continue to represent that type of friendship once again.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
February 18, 2019
Just found this tongue in cheek series about two hippos. It has the cutest short chapters. In one George is having too many sweets and won't give them up, so Martha takes up smoking cigars until he gives in. The photograph chapter is hilarious. It was mentioned that it is on HBO Family. I'll have to look because it was funny.
May 13, 2020
I still say James Marshall is some kind of genius. So much fun in so few words. Squirt enjoys reading anything about Groge and Martha.
August 4, 2020
Favorite story: the sweet tooth
January 18, 2022
The humorous friendship adventures of George and Martha continue...with a focus on miscommunication and arguments, holding one another accountable, as well as silly birthday celebrations.
February 17, 2023
I never think a new collection is going to be as good as the original, and I am always proved wrong. Such a funny read!
January 29, 2025
The sixth 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.
April 29, 2025
my husband thinks they're too short and threw him off while reading. he thinks they're a little lame. my daughter loves them.
December 23, 2025
I disliked stories 2 and 4 but story 3 really got me
February 28, 2024
This book cracks me up in terms of what was considered a children’s book in 1942
January 9, 2013
5 stories about two friends who are hippos.
The Misunderstanding--Martha is offended when George tells her he isn't up to hanging out one day, but she distracts herself with other tasks and soon forgets her anger.
The Sweet Tooth--In order to get George to stop eating sweets, Martha takes up smoking cigars.
The Photograph--Martha takes a silly photo in a photo booth.
The Hypnotist--George tries to hypnotize Martha, but finds that he hasn't succeeded when he sneaks into the kitchen to raid the cookie jar. As a favor, Martha sits on George and eats all the cookies.
The Special Gift--Martha buys George a book for his birthday, but loses it on her way home. She gives him her silly photo instead and he loves it.
This collection of stories was just a little strange for me. I wasn't a fan of Martha's cigar smoking to encourage George to stop his bad habit. I also wanted more of a resolution in the story where Martha's feelings are hurt after George doesn't want to hang out.
The Misunderstanding--Martha is offended when George tells her he isn't up to hanging out one day, but she distracts herself with other tasks and soon forgets her anger.
The Sweet Tooth--In order to get George to stop eating sweets, Martha takes up smoking cigars.
The Photograph--Martha takes a silly photo in a photo booth.
The Hypnotist--George tries to hypnotize Martha, but finds that he hasn't succeeded when he sneaks into the kitchen to raid the cookie jar. As a favor, Martha sits on George and eats all the cookies.
The Special Gift--Martha buys George a book for his birthday, but loses it on her way home. She gives him her silly photo instead and he loves it.
This collection of stories was just a little strange for me. I wasn't a fan of Martha's cigar smoking to encourage George to stop his bad habit. I also wanted more of a resolution in the story where Martha's feelings are hurt after George doesn't want to hang out.
June 23, 2020
Hippopotamuses George and Martha are friends.
This book contains five stories:
* “The Misunderstanding”
* “The Sweet Tooth”
* “The Photograph”
* “The Hypnotist”
* “The Special Gift”
These five stories features events in George’s and Martha’s friendship.
In “The Misunderstanding” George and Martha have a little tiff.
In “The Sweet Tooth,” Martha cures George of eating large amounts of sugar by doing something similarly unhealthy.
In “The Photograph,” Martha takes a photo of herself in a photo booth.
In “The Hypnotist,” George tries to hypnotize Martha, so she won’t stop him from eating sugar.
In “The Special Gift,” Martha buys George a birthday present.
This book contains five stories:
* “The Misunderstanding”
* “The Sweet Tooth”
* “The Photograph”
* “The Hypnotist”
* “The Special Gift”
These five stories features events in George’s and Martha’s friendship.
In “The Misunderstanding” George and Martha have a little tiff.
In “The Sweet Tooth,” Martha cures George of eating large amounts of sugar by doing something similarly unhealthy.
In “The Photograph,” Martha takes a photo of herself in a photo booth.
In “The Hypnotist,” George tries to hypnotize Martha, so she won’t stop him from eating sugar.
In “The Special Gift,” Martha buys George a birthday present.
August 10, 2018
#1 - The Misunderstanding: In order to concentrate on his head stand, George tells Martha he want to be alone. Martha is Offended.
#2 - The Sweet Tooth: George won’t discuss his need to cut back on sweets, so Martha takes up the cigar.
#3 - The Photograph: Martha goes to a photo booth to get her picture taken.
#4 - The Hypnotist: George tries to hypnotize Martha, so he can go on a cookie binge.
#5 - The Special Gift: Martha buys George a book for his birthday, but she loses it on the trip. What will she give to him instead?
#2 - The Sweet Tooth: George won’t discuss his need to cut back on sweets, so Martha takes up the cigar.
#3 - The Photograph: Martha goes to a photo booth to get her picture taken.
#4 - The Hypnotist: George tries to hypnotize Martha, so he can go on a cookie binge.
#5 - The Special Gift: Martha buys George a book for his birthday, but she loses it on the trip. What will she give to him instead?
May 12, 2015
We were thrilled to come across this duo when our daughter was at just the right age to appreciate that humor and honesty fall into balance in a true friendship. James Marshall somehow manages to tap into a realistic range of emotions in a book of very short stories about two good friends. While delighting us with hippo antics, he gently reminds us that none of us is perfect and all of us need friends.
August 28, 2013
Thanks to this book, my kids and I have a new joke: "Let's not discuss it." This is a funny story that teaches about getting along with others and not taking yourself too seriously. And despite my new joke, the story actually does provide lots of good discussion points. I'm excited to see there are more George and Martha books we can read!
June 8, 2012
The George and Martha books are just lovely. They're fun, witty, egalitarian in spirit, both clever and kind, and sweet but not too sweet. Great illustrations, and terrific capturing of the human spirit as drawn as two hippos.
August 28, 2015
And this one didn't do much for me. It was still the same basic stories with George and Martha. And Martha got to change color in this one. It just seemed a bit darker tone. And perhaps reading these stories one after the other it is hard seeing them as separate. Still pretty good though. 3.5 of 5.
January 20, 2009
I'd never read any George and Martha stories before this one. They're great!
September 19, 2011
Great book to read if you want a good laugh. Growing up I always loved to read George and Martha because they always seemed to cheer me up.
June 26, 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
August 18, 2015
Classics. Read them to your kids and enjoy the silliness.
August 21, 2015
the short stories are inconstantly good
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November 23, 2015Jacob has
December 22, 2017
Silly hippos.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews