Martha Speaks: So You Want to Be a Dog?
Written by Raye Lankford and Peter K. Hirsch
Illustrations based on characters by Susan Meddaugh
Many second graders have wondered what it would be like to be an animal. In Martha Speaks: So You Want to Be a Dog?, readers follow along with children who experience a doggy transformation. The book is presented through two separate stories, tied together with a brief introduction and conclusion.
In the first story, neat and helpful Carolina can’t seem to empathize with Martha, the talking dog who likes to sniff garbage, loves to roll in the mud, and can’t stand to be on a leash. Then Carolina is unexpectedly turned into a collie. After being taken to the pound, she gains a new point of view. In the second story, T.D. is unhappy with his life. In the past week, he lost his homework, had someone sit on his lunch and gotten assigned a science project as punishment. T.D. challenges Martha by stating that a dog’s life is easier than a boy’s, and he ends up conducting a doggy experiment. After spending a day as a dog, blocked out of the library, unable to draw, and generally being bored, T.D. concludes that a dog’s life is not perfect either.
Colorful illustrations based on the characters from the PBS “Martha Speaks” television show are placed on every page and may support comprehension. Children on a second grade reading level will appreciate this imaginative take on a dog’s life. They will enjoy the humor in Carolina’s experience and will relate to T.D.’s everyday challenges. These relatable characters and situations will carry second grade readers into the story and help them improve their reading skills. Teachers will appreciate the ties to curriculum. The second story introduces the scientific process, using vocabulary such as hypothesis, conclusion, and experiment.
The back matter includes a glossary which, in addition to including scientific terms, will help readers determine the difference between “empathy” and “sympathy.” Also included are a simple origami activity and five easy steps for a kid-friendly experiment. Websites, (www.marthathetalkingdog.com) and (www.pbskids.org/martha) offer additional activities, games, videos and stories.
TITLE: Martha Speaks: So You Want to Be a Dog?- AUTHOR: Raye Lankford and Peter K. Hirsch
- ILLUSTRATOR: Based on characters by Susan Meddaugh
- PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- REVIEWER: Heather L. Montgomery
- EDITION: Paperback: 96 p.
- ISBN: 978-0547970189
- GENRE: Chapter book
- LEXILE: 430
