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George Speaks
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1948
About the author
Dick King-Smith
336 books315 followersDick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 6, 2011
This was my absolute favourite book when I was about 8 years old. The story follows the birth and growth of Laura’s baby brother George, who from appearances couldn’t look more normal for a 4 week old baby but who in reality, was anything but normal!
This discovery came at 4 weeks old when Laura, his older sister, remarks that she thinks he looks like a pig. Of course, Laura was not expecting a reply from her baby brother and was confounded when George retorted ‘Pig yourself!’. Indeed, as it transpires, George had been waiting for an opportunity to speak in private with Laura ever since he was born but despite Laura’s amazement and desire to share the marvellous news, George swears Laura to secrecy as it would be too much for his parents to handle.
As the story progresses we see how the two work together in a number of humorous situations to slowly break their parents into the reality of their super intelligent son who eats solid food at 2 months old, is potty trained and who reads newspapers!
This story culminates with the celebration of George’s first birthday which he has meticulously planned with his now never-surprised parents. Instead of inviting other children, he wants to invite the older family members as they would be more capable of intellectually stimulating conversation. When it came to George’s speech, the relatives laughed at the thought of a 1 year old giving a speech, but they were utterly gobsmacked when on cue George opened his mouth and produced a speech with the vocabulary and good etiquette of a middle-aged man.
The clever and rather humorous twist at the end of the book however bridges the gap between fiction and reality as the reader is forced to question whether George himself wrote the story.
This plot is fascinating for the younger reader, especially for those who have younger siblings and encourages pursuit of a good relationship with those younger siblings. Dick King-Smith’s master plot line never reveals everything about the reason why George is the way he is, or even the full extent of his intelligence which consequently stimulates the reader’s imagination to fill in the blanks.
The writing is in a larger font and is accompanied with small black and white illustrations. Nevertheless, there is still a considerable amount of writing to read including some much more advanced vocabulary and minimal understanding can be drawn from the illustrations. As a result of this I would recommend this fun story for those who have a developed reading fluency, namely 7-10 year olds.
This discovery came at 4 weeks old when Laura, his older sister, remarks that she thinks he looks like a pig. Of course, Laura was not expecting a reply from her baby brother and was confounded when George retorted ‘Pig yourself!’. Indeed, as it transpires, George had been waiting for an opportunity to speak in private with Laura ever since he was born but despite Laura’s amazement and desire to share the marvellous news, George swears Laura to secrecy as it would be too much for his parents to handle.
As the story progresses we see how the two work together in a number of humorous situations to slowly break their parents into the reality of their super intelligent son who eats solid food at 2 months old, is potty trained and who reads newspapers!
This story culminates with the celebration of George’s first birthday which he has meticulously planned with his now never-surprised parents. Instead of inviting other children, he wants to invite the older family members as they would be more capable of intellectually stimulating conversation. When it came to George’s speech, the relatives laughed at the thought of a 1 year old giving a speech, but they were utterly gobsmacked when on cue George opened his mouth and produced a speech with the vocabulary and good etiquette of a middle-aged man.
The clever and rather humorous twist at the end of the book however bridges the gap between fiction and reality as the reader is forced to question whether George himself wrote the story.
This plot is fascinating for the younger reader, especially for those who have younger siblings and encourages pursuit of a good relationship with those younger siblings. Dick King-Smith’s master plot line never reveals everything about the reason why George is the way he is, or even the full extent of his intelligence which consequently stimulates the reader’s imagination to fill in the blanks.
The writing is in a larger font and is accompanied with small black and white illustrations. Nevertheless, there is still a considerable amount of writing to read including some much more advanced vocabulary and minimal understanding can be drawn from the illustrations. As a result of this I would recommend this fun story for those who have a developed reading fluency, namely 7-10 year olds.
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September 3, 2011George Speaks is an excellent book portraying the life of a very special baby who could talk right when he was born. He kept it a secret to all the grownups and only told his eight year old sister Laura who was extremely happy and overjoyed at the fact that her younger baby brother George could talk. She was amazed at his ability to know the English language and also to know all his tables at such a tender age. Laura was scared though that her parents would find out how special George was so she asked George what they could do. He decided to use the parrot technique where George would repeat everything the grownups said. To their mother’s amazement at six weeks George could say “yes mummy”, they rang the doctor out of shock. George got very tired of life as a baby he began making improvements, changing his milk formula to proper baby food and he also began reading books and expanding his knowledge by reading books to Laura. As time moved on George spoke more and more to his parents demanding proper food and teaching them potty train him. Laura had been a great help to him in improving his speech but the book describes how George needed someone more intellectual to talk to so he decided that on his first birthday he would talk and have an adult conversation, from then on George spoke regularly to the shock and dismay of his parents grandparents and many relations. When Laura asked what he wanted to be when he grew up she suggested brain surgeon, judge, an explorer or even a King. George politely responded to her suggestions with no, he wanted to be a writer and so he did. This is an excellent charismatic and alluring book to read, any reader or child would be mesmerised by the plot and storyline of this special baby being able to talk at such an early age. The illustrations are quite charming, black and white and very detailed to help in the readers understanding of the plot. There is also humour in the book when Laura is fretting that her father overheard them talk, George wittily says “well that was a close shave”. This book by Dick King-Smith is an excellent read for any child as it allows them to use their imagination. Enthralling and exciting are only two words that I could use to describe this children’s book.
October 24, 2011
This book is about baby George who can talk fluently and intelligently from the moment he is born, although he doesn’t reveal this fact to any but his older sister, Laura. She is very excited to find out she has a baby brother who is much cleverer than her – or in fact most adults. George insists that no adults find out straight away how clever he is as they won’t understand, not like children. George, not wanting to shock his parents starts to drip feed words to his parents to start to show them his intelligence. They are very shocked at first – but get used to the idea of having a child under one who can ask questions, say when he wants to go to the toilet and request certain meals for dinner. The book peaks at Georges 1st birthday when he decides to reveal to his friends and family his true intelligence. All his family are very shocked, his parents are proud – and his sister knew how clever he was all along! This book really captures the imagination of all children who have had a baby brother or sister born into the family, as the special bond between the siblings is apparent through out. I also like how the book makes the parents out to be the ones not able to cope, when the children can as all children will enjoy this concept. The book is also humorous as George, a 1 year old baby is dictating instructions for his own party. The suspense is built through the books as you wait to find out what George will reveal next, and what other people’s reactions will be. The book ends with Laura and George talking about what George could do when he is ‘grown up’, to which George replies, “I’m going to write funny stories for children.” Which obviously, he does!
July 17, 2012
George Speaks by Dick King-Smith is about a baby boy, George, who starts to speak at only 4 weeks old. He does not speak typical baby ‘goo goo’ but in an adult and even pompous manner. Laura, George’s older sister found out he could speak but was to keep it a secret from their mum and dad. Laura help George improve matters of been a baby by helping holding up a book so he can read, helping him use a potty and to get different foods other than milk such as Bacon Casserole and Chicken and Mushrooms. George slowly shows his intelligence to his parents, not wanted to shock them and on his 1st birthday he decides to reveal to his friends and family his true intellect. His parents were proud of him, the rest of his family were bemused and Laura knew all along how clever her little brother was.
The book can really capture the imagination of children especially if they have a baby brother or sister themselves. Even reading now I imagine how I would react if I had a baby sibling who spoke so young. Alongside the story are sketches which are very clear and detailed. They add to the humour of the book, for example, an illustration of his family shocked when he gave his speech on his 1st birthday.
An appropriate age range would be between 7-9 year olds. I would use this book for independent reading or even as a class book at the end of the day. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the humour within it, with George in the end giving all the orders to his parents and saying that children are much more sensible compared to the grown-ups. I remember reading this at school and re-reading it over and over again and even now, with a different perspective I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
The book can really capture the imagination of children especially if they have a baby brother or sister themselves. Even reading now I imagine how I would react if I had a baby sibling who spoke so young. Alongside the story are sketches which are very clear and detailed. They add to the humour of the book, for example, an illustration of his family shocked when he gave his speech on his 1st birthday.
An appropriate age range would be between 7-9 year olds. I would use this book for independent reading or even as a class book at the end of the day. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the humour within it, with George in the end giving all the orders to his parents and saying that children are much more sensible compared to the grown-ups. I remember reading this at school and re-reading it over and over again and even now, with a different perspective I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 27, 2012
This book is about a baby called George who can speak in full sentences-but does not share his secret with anyone but his older sister. George’s sister (Laura) is very excited that she has a baby brother who is very clever. George and Laura go on to try and reveal the secret to their parents. The story ends where George has his first birthday part and instead of inviting other babies he wants the company of adults-where he gives a speech. All the adults were very shocked with George’s vocabulary and speech.
There are lots of speech marks in the story and this book will be good for children to begin to understand the notion of speech marks.
Overall I found the story a little boring and felt the chapters dragged on a little bit. I even found baby George to be rude and arrogant. Younger children will find this story quite interesting-a baby actually being able to speak.
There are lots of speech marks in the story and this book will be good for children to begin to understand the notion of speech marks.
Overall I found the story a little boring and felt the chapters dragged on a little bit. I even found baby George to be rude and arrogant. Younger children will find this story quite interesting-a baby actually being able to speak.
July 21, 2011
This book is about a baby that can speak when it is a couple of weeks old. My kids really liked this book and I was laughing right along with them.
May 11, 2020
Este es un libro infantil, para niños de 7 años en adelante, sin embargo contiene un gran mensaje para niños y adultos, las ilustraciones que acompañan a la historia hacen más amena la lectura para los niños. Es una historia para explicarles a los niños la llegada de un nuevo miembro en la familia y hacer conciencia en el amor entre hermanos.
La historia nos cuenta como Laura descubrió que su hermano Jorge con solo cuatro semanas de nacidos, no era un bebé corriente, el a pesar de su corta edad sabia muchas cosas y podría enseñárselas a Laura. La historia nos muestra el lazo que hay entre hermanos y como a pesar de lo pequeños que puedan ser nuestros hermanos siempre nos enseñan algo. Es una historia muy bonita para compartir con los niños y sobre todo para explicarles el rol entre hermanos, como las diferencias entre cada uno los hace únicos e importantes en la familia y sobre todo que cada uno tiene su momento para brillar y conseguir sus sueños.
La historia nos cuenta como Laura descubrió que su hermano Jorge con solo cuatro semanas de nacidos, no era un bebé corriente, el a pesar de su corta edad sabia muchas cosas y podría enseñárselas a Laura. La historia nos muestra el lazo que hay entre hermanos y como a pesar de lo pequeños que puedan ser nuestros hermanos siempre nos enseñan algo. Es una historia muy bonita para compartir con los niños y sobre todo para explicarles el rol entre hermanos, como las diferencias entre cada uno los hace únicos e importantes en la familia y sobre todo que cada uno tiene su momento para brillar y conseguir sus sueños.
September 2, 2019
Aww love this story - it was brilliantly funny and entertaining !! What a great concept to grab the attention of children - a baby who can speak who sounds very upper class with it too!! This book reminded me a lot of the movie boss baby! Loved the relationship that the baby and his older sister had! They were a complete team who looked out for each other and supported each other with tasks that they found difficult!! I also loved how the baby grew up to be an author and made children laugh - how sweet!!
September 26, 2019
A lovely story about the relationship between George, a very clever baby, and his sister Layla! This is a relationship that many children can relate to, specifically those that may be adapting to having a new baby in their family. I remember reading this book as a child, and enjoyed this lighthearted book just as much as an adult. This would be a lovely read for KS2 children, as the text is large in size and does include some great illustrations, but there is still quite a bit of text to read.
August 4, 2026
Leí este libro de niña y recuerdo que me encantó 🥺💞
Debía tener unos nueve o diez años y la maestra nos pedía que trajeramos libros para compartir con nuestros compañeros, así encontré esta joyita y por alguna razón saltó a mi memoria hoy y quise ver si estaba en goodreaders.
La historia de un bebé que nace sabiendo hablar y solo comparte esa información con su hermana mayor, que hasta ese momento no lo quería mucho.
No recuerdo mucho más pero lo devoré y lo recomiendo sin dudas para niños.
Debía tener unos nueve o diez años y la maestra nos pedía que trajeramos libros para compartir con nuestros compañeros, así encontré esta joyita y por alguna razón saltó a mi memoria hoy y quise ver si estaba en goodreaders.
La historia de un bebé que nace sabiendo hablar y solo comparte esa información con su hermana mayor, que hasta ese momento no lo quería mucho.
No recuerdo mucho más pero lo devoré y lo recomiendo sin dudas para niños.
September 27, 2017
We read this aloud when the kids were little and it was fun for the whole family. The baby of the family, George, begins speaking in coherent sentences to his older sister just after his birth and swears her to secrecy. Hilarity ensues. My 8 year old just read it by himself and said "that Dick King-Smith sure knows how to write a funny book!"
April 27, 2022
I loved this book and wished I’d known of it to read to my then 5-y-o first-born when his brother was born. How things might have been different if the baby could have interacted with him in such a way! Maybe I would have liked a slightly different ending where it turns out the sister was dreaming all along but she nonetheless gets the hint of future good times to come with her new sibling.
September 15, 2018
This book by Dick King- Smith is fantastic and comical. It reminds me of a current film 'boss baby' and it will make children wonder and imagine if babies really can talk fluently at such a young age.
September 14, 2021
An interesting story about a baby who is advanced for his years, particularly in the area of speech, and about his relationship with his older sister. A book about child development and secrets, especially family secrets.
September 19, 2022
This book was a fun read and kept me engaged through this short book. There were pictures throughout the book which related to the text. The language was easy for children to follow and understand. Would recommend.
August 10, 2017
So funny and clever. Just a short little story of a boy who starts talking at 4 weeks old.
October 16, 2017
Very funny story. My 7yr old son loved it!
September 22, 2018
I reread this when pregnant and it did make me smile. Brilliant idea of a 4 week old baby who starts talking and the effects on the family. This could be from year 3 up.
October 10, 2018
A funny chapter book for young readers - though I much prefer his Martin’s Mice! (Library)
November 14, 2018
This book is about a baby who speaks when he is first born. It was funny.
August 29, 2019
A baby who can start talking at 4 weeks old. At first only the sister knows about it, but George will not let her tell anybody else his secret.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2019
A simply written children’s book, with lots of opportunities to practice phonics. An interesting story line about a very clever baby!
May 25, 2020
This was my favourite book when I was younger and it's still great now!!
September 11, 2020
George speaks is a lighthearted book about a baby who talks. A fun way to think of babies having that language but not being able to express it yet.
June 9, 2021
If George wasn't so rude and arrogant this would be a delightful story, as it was even the child I was listening with commented on George's manners.
August 1, 2021
A great children’s book! This book covers lots of topics (families, secrets, growing up, self expression, talking, siblings).
August 7, 2021
A humorous creative book which would be good for children who are beginning to read slightly longer books independently.
August 19, 2021
A funny read about a ultra intelligent baby that can speak... and teach his older sibling mathematics and history!
September 18, 2021
A nice wee book. Would be a good read aloud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews