Reviews (44)

Beware - Not for Young Children
This book has been read to my child who is 3 years old.Because of this book my chold has not been able to attend daycare for 2 weeks.This book has made him scared of everything.My son has always been very independent and now he won't do anything without someone there with him.Because of this book it has turned our very relaxed independent child into a very scared and paranoid child.

Substitute's Best Friend
I used this book as a cautionary tale when I worked as a substitute teacher.I read it aloud to every class--including high school students.Sure enough, it helped them behave!
Mom is missing....
A happy story about appreciating what we have!
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Subjects:  1. Behavior    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Humorous Stories    6. School & Education    7. School stories    8. Schools    9. Social Issues - Values    10. Juvenile Fiction / School & Education   

Reviews (5)

A Swamp Teacher comes to Class
Miss Nelson had to get her tonsils out,so her class had a substitute teacher. The class was afraid they would get Miss Swamp as their substitute teacher . The principal was the first substitute . He was very boring,so the class disguised themselves as Miss Nelson. Then the class went to the movies and got candy. Miss Nelson saw the children and called the principal. The principal did not believe her. Miss Nelson really was Miss Swamp,so she dressed up in her Miss Swamp clothes and went to class. She tricked the class and then came back to school as Miss Nelson again.
Miss Nelson is Back
Miss Nelson Is Back is written by James Marshall and Henry Allard, and was made for Miss Audrey Bruce. Miss Nelson is Back
Miss Nelson is Back is written by James Marshall and Harry Allard, and was made for Miss Audrey Bruce.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fiction    5. School & Education    6. School stories    7. Schools    8. Teachers    9. Juvenile Fiction / School & Education   

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    2. Juvenile Nonfiction    3. Language Arts - General   

Editorial Review

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.Read more

Reviews (32)

We love George and Martha!
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.

hysterical, cute and witty collection of stories about two best friends...
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.

One of my favorite childhood books
I don't remember watching the tv series, but I do remember that this was one of my favorite books as a child. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Mammals    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children's stories, American    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Fiction    6. Friendship    7. Hippopotamus    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Short Stories    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Fiction dealing with sexuality & relationships    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (9)

SEVERAL BAD JOKES W/ ILLUSTRATIONS
THIS BOOK JUST SEEMS LIKE A JOKE BOOK & IT'S NOT FUNNY. I WAS EXTREMELY DISSAPOINTED, ESPECIALLY AFTER ALL THE GLOWING REVIEWS. 'THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA' OR 'I AM NOT SLEEPY & WILL NOT GO TO BED' ARE SO MUCH BETTER- TRY ONE OF THEM INSTEAD.

George and Martha
George and Martha is as humorous as Pooh Bear getting stuck in a tree! First, Martha makes split pea soup for George, but George hates split pea soup, so he pours it in his shoes.Second, Martha catches him doing this. She tells him that she doesn't like split pea soup either. She just makes it because she thought George likes it! Third, Martha makes cookies, so everyone is happy! George and Martha is one of my favorite books... and I'm in sixth grade!

God Save George and Martha!
These are great tales of friendship--even for beginners, like my 4 yr old preschool class. They love all the little stories. A few go over their heads, but they get the concept of the humor and companionship represented by these sweet, lovable, sometimes mischevious and selfish hippos. I've tried reading them the other George and Martha books, but this is their favorite. Gosh, thank God for James Marshall and his inventions! Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Mammals    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Children: Preschool    5. Fiction    6. Friendship    7. Hippopotamus    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Early learning / early learning concepts    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship    13. Picture books   

Reviews (4)

Miss Nelson Has a Field Day
I like all James Marshall books and this is one of them

I loved Miss Nelson Has a Field Day!!
I am eleven years old, and I love Miss Nelson Has a Field Day because it was funny and interesting. I liked it when Miss Viola Swamp called one boy, "Smarty".It made me laugh!!I think other kids should read this because it is a really good book. I think it is even better than the first two Miss Nelson books. All kids would love this book!!

Your kids will love the Miss Nelson series!!!!!
Miss Swamp reappears at the Horace B. Smedley SchoolRead more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fiction    5. Football    6. School & Education    7. School stories    8. Schools    9. Teachers    10. Juvenile Fiction / School & Education   

Reviews (9)

Get real, people!
I can't believe the uberPC people posting here. The truth is that there ARE stupid people and people who do stupid things. Get over it.

Lighten Up
This is a GREAT book.Very funny and written to be so.And check out the publication date.I don't think that this book would probably get published in this age of political correctness (not to mention the fact that most school librarians came to their current positions after the book was bought), but there is a reason it is still in print -- kids love it.Now, obviously, there are other books for kids to read -- ones more educational or high toned or whatever.But we can't eat meat and vegetables all the time.Sometimes we want dessert and this book does just that with all its laughs.

The Stupids Step Out
My 7 year old recently brought this book home from his school library.I found it very offensive, because I think it teaches children that it's funny to call others "stupid".I cannot think of a circumstance in which it is appropriate for a child or an adult to use this word towards another person.I was so upset that I wrote a note to the school librarian. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Humorous Stories    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (1)

Allard and Marshall do it again!
Harry Allard and James Marshall once again create a masterpiece, featuring the Stupids.Everything about this is perfect - the plot, the details, the illustrations that add the perfect counterpart to the text.I read thisbook with my family as a child, and we frequently had to stop to catch ourbreath because we were laughing too hard to read.Can't wait to read it tomy children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Humorous Stories    5. Parties    6. Wit and humor    7. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (4)

Just Wonderful!We Love this Version!
You have to love ANY version of this where Grandma and Little Red get EATEN!Younger readers more familiar with the Grandma getting thrown in the closet or under the bed version may be a little shocked, but it's usually short lived.I find that kids appreciate and enjoy the versions that have the "nasty" bits left in much more than the sanitized version.We are treated to an even greater delight with a few sly details in both the art and text that give the characters some personality traits you don't normally see in the standard retelling...in this version Granny loves to read, Red is charmed by the sly and slightly urban wolf, and the wolf is, well, wicked (he says so himself, more than once)!I really love the silly "surprise at the very end...nicely done!!A very nice retelling that is manages to convey a lot in just a few words and everything is enhanced by the simple (but highly effective) illustrations!I'll definitely be adding this one to my permanent collection!I give it a solid A!

Red Riding Hood
This book is a very good re-telling of the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. (Mom tells Red to take a basket of goodies to Grandma, as she isn't feeling well. Also instructs girl not to talk to strangers. Red takes basket of goodies to grandma, meets wolf on the way. Wolf has charming manners, and Red explains where she is going to him. Wolf beats Red to Grandma's house, gobbles up Grandma, and puts on nightcap and glasses. When Red comes to door wolf eats her too. Luckily for them, a hunter comes along and saves them by killing the wolf and cutting him open.) Old school red riding hood!
Hold onto your hats! This version is the one I grew up with!Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - European    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    6. Fairy tales    7. Folklore    8. Germany    9. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Anthologies   

Reviews (10)

Not so Stupid Books for Children
I was introduced to the Stupids when we began reading the series to my young daughter. They're all great, but I think The Stupids Die might have a slight edge, because it's such a deliciously loony premise. James Marshall's cartoony illustrations are the perfect counterpoint to the simple but clever text.
Awesome books
As a child of the 80's, The Stupids were books that my mom always got me from the library because I adored them. I was the most well behaved child so these books have nothing to do with warping a child. Its society today which makes kids talk and act the way they do, not because of books like these.
All About Context
I think the controversy surrounding "The Supids" childrens books all boils down to context.My parents read all of this series of books to my siblings and I as children and we NEVER thought it was acceptable to call each other stupid, nor did we take that away from these stories.I feel that, when read to children in the correct context, these books are fun, silly, and help teach us to be able to laugh at ourselves.I think those that are getting so upset about the word "stupid" in these books are not seeing the big picture. They can be presented in the context of the fun adventures that this family has together, and not their last name. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Humorous Stories    4. Wit and humor    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Fiction    4. Foxes    5. Readers - Beginner    6. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Alligators & Crocodiles   

Reviews (2)

every child should read a least one book about the 3 pigs
My 2.5 year old loves this book.Now he asks everyone what their house is made of.

As fabulous as the others
I just couldn't bear to let a middle school kid give this book an "average customer review" of one star.This book is aside-splitter.Absolutely hysterical.My children were rolling on thefloor.Also get Marshall's "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" and"Red Riding Hood" for a set of some of the best retellings ever. Marshall's wry sense of humor makes him a favorite in our home school. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Folklore    5. General    6. Pigs    7. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations   

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Juvenile Nonfiction    3. Language Arts - General   

Reviews (2)

Martha & George: Literary Classics
Cute without being lightweight, educational with being overly didactic--James Marshall pulls it off perfectly in his George & Martha series.Buy a copy (or five!) now; you won't regret it!
George and Martha really Are two good friends!
What can one say about George. Sensative and impish. Martha is just toocool for words. She can give heavy guilt without saying a word. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Mammals    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. Friendship    6. Hippopotamus    7. Humorous Stories    8. Social Issues - Friendship    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (2)

Hilarious!
Parents and kids alike will enjoy these very funny stories for beginning readers. My kindergartener and I laughed so hard, especially during the sheep story. Highly recommended.

Delightful animal stories for school-age readers.
If you love James Marshall's "George and Martha" stories but your child is outgrowing them, you can find similar humor in chapter book style in "Rats on the Roof."The stories are all about animals and their goofy dilemmas.There is a sheep who gets into big trouble by pretending to read when he can't (he thinks a "DANGER - Beware of Wolves" sign reads "welcome to the pretty green park").And there is an owl who has to defend her tree from a hungry brontosaurus (who said only meat eating dinosaurs are dangerous?)...Marshall's funny illustrations add to the pleasure of the tales."Rats on the Roof" is clean, lighthearted reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    4. Children's stories, American    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Readers - Beginner    10. Short Stories    11. Animal stories    12. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories    13. Rabbits & rodents   

Reviews (3)

A book to last a lifetime!!!!!!
I can remember my mom reading me this book over 25 years ago..... I memeorized it before I could even read!When I did learn to read itI never put it down. I nowhavetheopportunity to read my original book to my 7 month old son.I still love reading it and having it read to me. Asa childthis book taught me valuable lessons andcharactersI would never forget.my favorite line at theend is ," So I see , said George".A book thathas stayed in my mind mind forover 25yearsthatsan inspirationalbook.It doesnt have to many pagesfor youngsters andit iseasy to read forchildren learning how. I gave this book 5 stars becauseIf i couldkeep thisbook since I was tinythen it must be something special..... a booklikethisreminds me of my childhood that'swhy its so importanttoreadto children... loving lasting memories of their parent sharing time with them toread . A WONDERFUL PURCHASE foranyfamily!

A sly and touching book about friendship
This book, subtitled, "Five Stories About Two Best Friends," follows George and Martha, two hippopotami, through stories called "The Tightrope," "The Diary," "The Icky Story," "The Big Scare," and "The Amusement Park."The stories follow a day in the life of George and Martha and remind us how powerful friendship is and that being a good friend takes effort.Specifically, George and Martha learn the importance of unconditional support, respect for privacy, and consideration of others' feelings and also discover that practical jokes have consequences.While each story can be read separately, the final stories blend together with a surprise ending.Each story is told in five pages or less and the text is very easy for beginning readers, with common words, short sentences, fewer than ten lines per page, and large serif type.More advanced readers will continue to remain challenged by some longer words.Although the stories are brief and the language simple, Marshall uses the rhythm and phrasing of the text to create a strong emotional response and sophisticated humor.With understated narration punctuated by short (often terse) snippets of dialog, the stories are meant to be read slowly and savored, with pauses for giggles and snickering.The overall effect is dramatic, with suspenseful moments at the end of most pages.Each page of text is accompanied by an illustration and each story, as well as the book as a whole, is introduced by an illustrated, hand-lettered title page.The illustrations are cartoonish black-line drawings filled in with pink, yellow, green, and orange, with George and Martha in appropriately weighty masses of gray.The texture of the brush strokes and pencil lines is visible, emphasizing the hand-craftedness of the drawings.Both children and adults will enjoy the sly tone and touching themes of the stories.

FANTASTIC
I loved this sweet book.It reminded me of myself and my own family.It made me and my children laugh out loud!Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Mammals    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. Friendship    6. Hippopotamus    7. Humorous Stories    8. Social Issues - Friendship    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship    10. Picture books   

Reviews (7)

The Great James Marshall Has it Just RIght
The only qualities shared by James Marshall's Goldilocks and that other famous eating-stting-and-sleeping girl are their hair color and a very low tolerance for porridges, chairs, and beds that aren't just right. This Goldilocks is...well...a brat, "one of those naughty little girls who do exactly what they please.
Once there was a nice little girl nam--Oh wait a minute!
Whoever knew a day would come when Goldilocks', sweet little Goldilocks' squeaky clean image would be finally tarnished.I mean this chick stole and tresspassed and no one ever said a word.But in this James Marshall retelling, Goldilocks is potrayed as, well-a brat.When a new lady moves into town, she comments to a man about how sweet the little girl looks.He replies with, "That's what YOU think."
Goldilocks...
THe story of glodilocks is more than just story that will put your child to sleep.If one reads deeper into the story they can find morals instilled.These fairytales are a great way to teach young children many lessons.Depending on the version read one may be able to extract many different views.Not only does it depnd on the authors views but also the background of the reader(you) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bears    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - European    5. Folklore    6. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Editorial Review

"See the piggy, / See the puddle, / See the muddy little puddle. / See the piggy in the middle / Of the muddy little puddle. / See her dawdle, see her diddle / In the muddy, muddy middle. / See her waddle, plump and little, / In the very merry middle." So begins Charlotte Pomerantz's irresistibly catchy verse story Read more

Reviews (18)

Teacher's Grade: A+
This is one of the best picture books I've ever read aloud.The combination of Charlotte Pomerantz's whimsical verse, and James Marshall's watercolor illustrations work very well together, creating a book that is captivating, humorous, and pure delight from start to finish.
Wonderfully engaging for the smallest ones
My 2.5 year old twins love the book and the 5 year old still does (I began reading it to her when she was 3).Very well written and clever.A fun book to read over and over again (although you must do the voices)

The second time around
My oldest daughter is 18 now and this was her absolute favorite book as a little girl. If she was having a bad day I could start reading this story and she would be all giggles and grins. We lost our original copy years ago and I am ordering this book for my younger children, ages 5 and 9.My teenager wants to be the first one to read it to them because the book was so special to her! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Pigs    2. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Babies & Toddlers    5. Fiction    6. Mud    7. Pigs    8. Stories in rhyme    9. Baby books    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Pigs   

Reviews (1)

Class is in session!
As usual with the books of James Marshall, the combinations of the words and the silly pictures make this a very funny book.Fox lose his big part in the class play, is afraid to go down a slide for a fire drill, and is left in charge of the class by Miss Moon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Foxes    2. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Fiction    6. Foxes    7. Readers - Beginner    8. School & Education    9. School stories    10. Schools    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Alligators & Crocodiles   

Reviews (1)

Classic James Marshall
If you have a child between 3 and 8, you should buy this book.The late, great James Marshall (Edward was a pseudonym) had the rare ability to tell a story using easy-to-read words, but still with genuinely surprising and humorous twists.This book's ending is a brilliant twist, which I will not spoil here.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Fiction    4. Foxes    5. Humorous stories    6. Readers - Beginner    7. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Alligators & Crocodiles