Martha Speaks

Reach for this book when your child is feeling the weight of being misunderstood or when you want to explore the hilarious 'what ifs' of pet ownership. It is an excellent choice for a child who is expanding their vocabulary or struggling with the social consequences of oversharing. Martha Speaks follows a family dog who gains the ability to talk after eating alphabet soup. The letters go to her brain instead of her stomach, leading to a whirlwind of chatter that is both delightful and eventually quite exhausting for her family. The story balances humor with a thoughtful look at boundaries and the desire for belonging. While the premise is whimsical, it addresses the very real embarrassment children feel when they (or their loved ones) say the wrong thing at the wrong time. This book is perfect for kids aged 4 to 8, offering a bridge between simple picture books and more complex narrative humor. Parents will appreciate the clever wordplay and the heartwarming reminder that even when our loved ones drive us crazy, we wouldn't want them any other way.