George and Martha
#1 in George and Martha Series
on Goodreads (5,485)
What’s inside...
Iconic best hippo friends George and Martha discover that, among other things, pouring split pea soup into your loafers to spare the chef's feelings is not the best-laid plan in this Level Two I Can Read. With original art and text from Marshall's classic storybooks and themes that will resonate with beginning readers, these deeply humorous, deeply honest stories are sure to inspire a love of books and reading. In each of the short stories in this book, George and Martha model healthy ways to navigate the sometimes complicated waters of friendship. Includes 'Spilt Pea Soup' and 'The Flying Machine,' plus games and activities to strengthen reading skills and comprehension. George and Martha is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.
Discussion points
Why do you think George and Martha are such good friends even though they are very different from each other?
What is your favorite story about George and Martha, and what lesson did you learn from it?
How do George and Martha show they care about each other’s feelings?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like George or Martha did?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as George or Martha in any of their adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voices for George and Martha to make the reading experience more lively and engaging.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story to encourage active thinking and participation.
After reading a story, relate it to your child’s personal experiences to help them connect with the themes on a deeper level.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the book, fostering creative expression and deeper understanding of the story.
Discuss the moral of the stories with your child, emphasizing the importance of values such as friendship, honesty, and consideration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Through the interactions between George and Martha, the book showcases the ups and downs of friendship, emphasizing mutual respect and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture their relationships with their peers, understanding that friendship requires effort and empathy.
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: Several stories in the book highlight moments where George and Martha learn to be honest with each other, even when it might be uncomfortable, like when Martha cooks a meal that George does not enjoy.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be truthful in their daily interactions, which fosters trust and strengthens bonds with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Accepting and celebrating differences
Explanation: George and Martha have different personalities and preferences, but they accept and appreciate each other's quirks and habits.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to embrace diversity among their peers and to appreciate everyone's unique traits and talents.
Example Lesson: Respecting privacy
Explanation: In one of the stories, George learns the importance of respecting Martha's privacy, understanding that personal boundaries are crucial in a healthy friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of respecting others' personal space and privacy, which is vital for building respectful and trusting relationships.