Martha Speaks

Martha the dog eats alphabet spaghetti and starts to talk - offering her every thought to her delighted, then exasperated, family. It's a funny journey into a dog's mind and how she sees the world. Martha isn't much good at empathising herself, but we empathise with her especially when family members shout at her to shut up (it's a shocking moment, and we feel how Martha's spirit is crushed). Martha is eventually redeemed by foiling a burglar trying to rob the house while the family are out - not a very sensitive storyline to introduce to young children, so this detracts from the rest of the book's charm. But the intrigue of what the family pet might have to say about their life with you will be enough to have your kids sneaking alphabet spaghetti to the cat or dog for years. Suited for 4-7 year olds.