Perfectly Martha (Martha Speaks)
#4 of 4 in Martha Speaks Readers Series
on Goodreads (132)
What’s inside...
When Otis Weaselgraft opens his Perfect Pup Institute, promising to train even the most drooling, barking, scratching, squirrel-chasing dog to be perfectly obedient in three easy steps, Martha smells a rat. There's something very strange about the Perfect Pup graduates, and Martha is determined to find out what it is!
Character compass
Martha
Helen
Dr. Bleek
Discussion points
Why do you think Martha wanted to help the other dogs avoid the dog trainer?
What would you do if you saw someone being misunderstood, like the dogs were by the dog trainer?
How did Martha's ability to speak change the way others saw her?
What qualities make Martha a good friend?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and it made you feel good?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by summarizing the book together, ensuring your child grasps the story's main events.
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the characters' actions, fostering critical thinking.
Relate the book's themes to your child's personal experiences, which enhances empathy and understanding.
Praise your child's contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Ask follow-up questions to extend the conversation and delve deeper into the story’s lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: In 'Perfectly Martha,' Martha the talking dog uncovers a plot by another dog to make all dogs behave perfectly, which leads to the realization that differences make individuals special.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of embracing and celebrating each person’s unique traits, understanding that diversity strengthens relationships and communities.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: Martha identifies and solves a problem in her community, showcasing her decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to analyze situations they face and make thoughtful decisions based on their observations and knowledge.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Martha works together with other dogs to stop the antagonist from changing their behavior, demonstrating the power of working collectively towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this in group activities at school or in play, learning that teamwork often leads to achieving goals that one can't accomplish alone.
Example Lesson: Value of genuine behavior
Explanation: The story teaches that pretending to be something you are not cannot lead to true happiness or success.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of authenticity and encourage them to be true to themselves in their daily interactions.