Review by School Library Journal Review
K-G 2-Based on Susan Meddaugh's characters and a PBS teleplay by Peter K. Hirsch, this tale reveals the verbose pup's thoughtful side. Her frustrated efforts to please Grandma Lucille result in a crumpled, chewed, drool-decorated hat, and helpful Martha decides to make up the loss with a nice gift for her birthday. Unfortunately, the dog's tastes don't quite match Lucille's. Not a card (mislabeled "Happy 100th Birthday"), a lovely half-eaten apple inhabited by a worm, or a slab of bacon (surely the perfect present) is just right; therefore, Martha vainly attempts to keep flowers fresh in a basket for a party present. Speech bubbles again accentuate Martha's conversational flair, and the large, uncluttered pictures follow the pup's efforts to show how truly considerate she can be. Not forgotten are details of Martha's typical doglike temptations-occasional treats and readiness for a nap. Cartoon art includes paw prints marking off days on the calendar and Martha's personalized signature. Fans of the TV series and the original books will recognize favorite characters in a familiar setting. The book also includes a summary of past history: Martha's first efforts to speak.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services Plano ISD, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Teleplay by Peter K. Hirsch. In this television episode featuring talking dog Martha (star of Meddaugh's books), Martha searches for the perfect birthday present to make amends for ruining Grandma Lucille's hat. But Martha doesn't understand why a slab of bacon or a wormy apple might not be appreciated. In this thinly disguised gift-giving lesson, the cartoon illustrations are less expressive than Meddaugh's original work. Copyright 2010 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
