George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends

asked by geri1956 on November 16, 2006 7:37 PM

Like all best friends, George and Martha do everything together--go to the movies, play at the beach, and just hang around not doing much of anything. No matter that they happen to be gigantic hippopotami, they learn the same lessons humans do about the ups and downs of true friendship. George and Martha teach each other (and adoring readers) that even in a close friendship, privacy is important, practical jokes can sometimes backfire, and among other things, pouring split pea soup into your loafers to spare the chef's feelings is not the best laid plan.

What's remarkable about the stories in this wonderful collection is the emotion James Marshall infuses into his understated, charming text and illustrations. Each brief tale is always humorous, never preachy, and his drawings--deceptively simple in appearance--are guaranteed to spark feelings of empathy, delight, and self-recognition. Maurice Sendak, in his foreword to this 25th anniversary compilation edition of all 35 stories, notes, "Those dear, ditzy, down-to-earth hippos bring serious pleasure to everybody, not only to children. They are time-capsule hippos who will always remind us of a paradise in publishing and--both seriously and comically--of the true, durable meaning of friendship under the best and worst conditions." (Ages 4 and up)

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Reviews

George and Martha are hippos who set a great example for children on what it takes to be a good friend. The drawings are darling. The messages are cute. My nephews read them over and over again. I send this book as a gift to friends with children on a regualr basis.

reviewed by bookworks on November 26, 2006 4:29 AM

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This book is wonderful because it contains ALL of the George and Martha stories. The stories are funny and sweet. We've given this book many times as a gift.

reviewed by jazzman on November 28, 2006 3:13 AM

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This pair of large, friendly, well-dressed hippopotemi is a throwback to some of the happiest days of my childhood. Though, these stories are short and to-the-point, they actually carry powerful and compelling messages about friendship and life. This is evident in how these two large creatures treat and interact with one another. Not only are the pictures hysterical, the stories last with you for a lifetime. I am thinking, in particular, about "Split Pea Soup," the story about Martha and her obsession with preparing soup that George just doesn't want to eat anymore. I am sure this is a dilemma that people, young and old, can relate to! I am so glad that they put this collection together, with a forward by Maurice Sendak. I reccomend this to readers, young and old.

reviewed by ctj on November 28, 2006 5:57 AM

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add a new book!