Martha, the Talking dog, created by Susan Meddaugh, has a new life in a PBS cartoon series. This is one of several new books adapted from the show and unlike many cartoons, this one says a whole lot about a subject of prejudice. When a neighbor brings home a kitten from the shelter Martha and her buddy Skits reject her because she is different. Without hitting kids over the head this little tale does have a message and one that can't be delivered too soon or too often! We liked the Martha Bakes a Cake story, too but the bilingual text printed under the English text makes for a cluttered page, one that may be difficult for beginning readers to navigate. Too bad since the pace of the story and humor is right on the mark!

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.