From the Publisher
"The bright cartoon-style art is incredibly clever, both in execution and in the way Meddaugh uses balloons to convey textual asides. A droll doggie delight that isn't just for the picture-book crowd." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
Publishers Weekly
- Publisher's Weekly
The second book about Martha the talking dog is "unsurprising but amusing," said PW. "Kids are sure to be drawn in once again by Meddaugh's witty and unaffected cartooning." Ages 4-8. (Oct.)
Children's Literature
- Susie Wilde
Those who fell in love with Susan Meddaugh's Martha, the talking hound in Martha Speaks will welcome the sequel, Martha Calling with open hearts. Talented Martha, who catches a Frisbee and talks with the same amount of ease, wins a phone contest that earns her family a wonderful weekend at a resort that doesn't allow dogs. Meddaugh's spirited writing is infectious, even her characters respond with playful good-humor and creatively handle the silly situations that arise. Hidden within this hilarious tale are messages about prejudice and family love so strong that it changes rules.
Children's Literature
- Jan Lieberman
In this sequel to Martha Speaks, Martha, the talking dog, enters contests and wins a weekend for 4 at the Come-On-Inn. Big Problem! No Dogs Allowed! Disguised as 'grandma,' confined to a wheelchair, Martha orders room service. Chicken and steak bones soon litter the room. The maid, seeing the bones, suspects that the sleeping dog has eaten 'grandma.' A hilarious ending with Martha having the last word!
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3-Martha, the loquacious pup introduced in Martha Speaks (Houghton, 1992), keeps up her nonstop chatter- this time on the telephone. When she answers a radio call-in contest question and wins a weekend for four at the Come-On-Inn, she's delighted-until she finds out that dogs are not allowed. Dressed as a grandmother and plunked in a wheelchair, she and her family set off for their holiday, and mayhem ensues as Martha, ever angry at the inn's exclusionary policy, cannot remain calm. The unadorned text takes second place to the hilarious dialogue balloons, and to the action-packed cartoons that show the family outing and an angry pooch that just can't seem to stay in character as an elderly woman. All ends well, though, as Martha eloquently presents her position, mustering up the support of the other guests. Bled spreads in popsicle colors, with crazy patterns and zany antics, add the perfect touch to this selection that calls up laughs galore.-Trev Jones, School Library Journal
