Amazon.com

Like all best friends, George and Martha do everything together--go to the movies, play at the beach, and just hang around not doing much of anything. No matter that they happen to be gigantic hippopotami, they learn the same lessons humans do about the ups and downs of true friendship. George and Martha teach each other (and adoring readers) that even in a close friendship, privacy is important, practical jokes can sometimes backfire, and among other things, pouring split pea soup into your loafers to spare the chef's feelings is not the best laid plan.

What's remarkable about the stories in this wonderful collection is the emotion James Marshall infuses into his understated, charming text and illustrations. Each brief tale is always humorous, never preachy, and his drawings--deceptively simple in appearance--are guaranteed to spark feelings of empathy, delight, and self-recognition. Maurice Sendak, in his foreword to this 25th anniversary compilation edition of all 35 stories, notes, "Those dear, ditzy, down-to-earth hippos bring serious pleasure to everybody, not only to children. They are time-capsule hippos who will always remind us of a paradise in publishing and--both seriously and comically--of the true, durable meaning of friendship under the best and worst conditions." (Ages 4 and up) ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Life Lessons
We started watching the George and Martha TV series while living in Australia. I don't know who is more enamoured with the series - my daughters, or myself. These stories, different from the tv show as far as I can tell, all teach a lesson in friendship. It's a fun way to let those lessons about being a good friend sink in with your child. George and Martha are hilarious, and we love following their adventures. It is a book that even an adult without children might enjoy reading. A real page turner and a well made, quality book!

The Best Book on Friendship Ever Written
Have you or anyone you know ever been troubled by the complexities of friendship? This endearing collection of vignettes in the lives of two very dear friends, models how to get through the peaks and troughs of human relations. I have had two best friends for over thirty years and I know friendships take a lot of work. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote wonderfully about friendship but James Marshall wrote these profoundly simple, almost poetic stories about two hippos who err, forgive, sacrifice, love, and put up with each other in a most charming and edifying fashion that everyone can understand. George and Martha books are adored by children and adults; they are well illustrated, in simple language and highly allegorical. I have given them as greeting cards to celebrate, apologize, teach, support, and grovel. I bought this full collection as a birthday present for a teenager who loved the stories as a child, and deeply appreciates the lessons as an emerging adult. (Frankly, I wanted to keep it for myself -- but that would have been too selfish, so I bought another.) Enjoy this book and benefits of dear friends.

Gently Playful Humor -- Great for beginning readers
Add my enthusiatic review to the many others for the George and Martha series. James Marshall has combined a simple text with delightful pictures to create short tales that are gently playful and sensitive. First rate material for beginning readers that will also give adults a few warm chuckles.

In one word...adorable
When I bought this book I couldn't imagine it would turn out to be one of my favorites! Everything in it is simply delightful: the drawings, the situations, the hippos (how lovely they are!)...but what catches me up more is the lack of judgement the author does, as we notice reading...it's a simple but highly intelligent book. I always read some of the stories when I need some cheering up. And I'm an adult. I recommend to anyone who has the sensitivity to understand the tenderness of the stories.

My Daughter Loves It
My daughter loved this book when she was 4 and still likes it years later. The stories are very funny and tell very important and subtle lessons without being condescending. It's really a great book for kids. ... Read more

Book Description

Two lovable hippos teach the meaning of friendship in five separate vignettes: "Split Pea Soup," "The Flying Machine," "The Tub," "The Mirror," "The Tooth." ... Read more

Reviews (7)

God Save George and Martha!
These are great tales of friendship--even for beginners, like my 4 yr old preschool class. They love all the little stories. A few go over their heads, but they get the concept of the humor and companionship represented by these sweet, lovable, sometimes mischevious and selfish hippos. I've tried reading them the other George and Martha books, but this is their favorite. Gosh, thank God for James Marshall and his inventions!
(We have an old copy---the kids love the "pink cookies" Martha offers George instead of pea soup!)
Sampling:
George doesnt want to eat Marthas pea soup, so he pours it in his shoes
George knocks out his favorite tooth. Which is your favorite tooth?
George gets tired of Martha looking at herself in the mirror all the time; she even wakes up in the middle of the nite to do it. So he pastes a silly picture of her on her mirror....
There are George and Martha stuffed animals out there, too.
Any relation to George and Martha Washington?

Interesting in a very very very very good way
This is a terrific book for anybody, even though its marketed as a young children's book. I love this book, (and I'm 12) and my parents and older sister, (who pretends not to) do too. This book chronicles the stories of two best friends, who just so happen to be hippos. They relate moral messages, but in a far from preachy way. The illustrations are colorful and the two hippos are shown as cute and cuddly. (awwww.... they sell these really cute George and Martha dolls somewhere) In short this is a great book for anybody. So read it!

Hippos Show the Way
This is just one in a fabulous series of books featuring George and Martha, the hippo equivalent of Nick and Nora Charles. Their light banter and misunderstandings set the stage for imaginative, humorous resolutions. The hippos' warmth and obviously mutual friendship is evident throughout. There are five stories in its 47 pages, with big simple pictures adorning every other page. A great book for early and late toddlers up to around age five or so.

"It's important to sample new products" (Martha)
George and Martha, two hippos who are best friends have amazing adventures in this easy to read, fun to experience set of short tales.

I think, no, I'm sure that my wife likes this book more than our children do, and our children love it. There are now several quotes from this book that have become common place at our home.

One is, "It's important to sample new products."

Try this book, you'll enjoy it thoroughly. The art work appears simple, but it's appropriately wonderful to the tone and stories of these two good friends.

5 stars, no question about it.

All-time favorite!
This book and an all-time favorite of mine and my kids love it as well. It contains simple, sweet stories of two best friends. Each story has a message and the illustrations are adorable! I had no idea this book was still in print, and it is a great one! ... Read more

Book Description

Five new episodes in the friendship of two hippos: "The Tight Rope," "The Diary," "The Icky Story," "The Big Scare," "The Amusement Park." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

FANTASTIC
I loved this sweet book. It reminded me of myself and my own family. It made me and my children laugh out loud! Enjoy! ... Read more

Book Description

More stories about the two great chums: "The Dance Recital," "The French Lesson," "The Disguise," "The Beach," "The Garden." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Kindness and Love a Model of Friends for all ages..
I first read this small unassuming book with my small children.. , and as they became adults, I realized that the lessons learned would come back to them and to my life over and over again... I never miss the opportuntiy to reach someone who needs to learn about true frindship.. by giving them this book.. no mater waht their age..

BUY IT! ... Read more

Book Description

Five vignettes continue the adventures of George and Martha, the two lovable hippos and their strong friendship. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

George and Martha Round and Round
The characters of this book were well developted. You could tell what George and Martha were like. The book shows how important a friend really is. Even thouhg you may get into fights, it's best to forgive. The book shows this idea through a couple of different situations.

George and Martha score 5 stars again!
This sequel to the popular book, "George and Martha"tells even more shared adventures of this dynamic duo. The storiesare easy to read, easy to enjoy.

This additional set of short animated stories about two good friends shouldn't be missed.

Will George make it into the air by balloon?

Another 5 stars for these two good friends! ... Read more

Book Description

Another quintet of stories about the pleasures and problems of a great friendship: "The Sweet Tooth," "The Misunderstanding," "The Hypnotist," "The Special Gift," and "The Photograph." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

George and Martha really Are two good friends!
What can one say about George. Sensative and impish. Martha is just too cool for words. She can give heavy guilt without saying a word. ... Read more

Book Description

George and Martha will entertain readers of all ages in these funny, warm, and wonderful stories. The two lovable hippos teach the meaning of friendship in five separate vignettes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Funny and lovely
This is a perfect book for children! The characters are very funny and lovely. Also, this wonderful book talk about the best feelings and the value of friendship. ?A mis nietos les encant?! ... Read more