I never tired of reading the Fox stories with my sons. They're a great laugh, even for parents. So many easy-to-reads are a bit boring, but these are inventive.

My 8 year old son had a great laugh reading this book. In fact he wanted us to get all the other books in the series by James Marshall. Highly recommended.

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!

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.

I am so sorry this book is out of print! I'm glad I still have my old, well-loved and read copy to share with my chidren. It is halarious, and the illustrations are classic.

As a child, I remember reading Harry Allard and James Marshall's "It's So Nice to Have a Wolf Around the House," and feeling a deep sympathy for the main character, Cuthbert Q. Divine. All children can learn from this lovely children's tale that teaches the danger of quick assumptions. Although Cuthbert is a fugitive from the law, it is obvious that this is not the life he wants. Despite all of the stereotypes about wolves, Cuthbert truly loves the Old Man and his pets with no ulterior motive involved--"all he wanted to do was make the old man and his three pets happy." In fact, the Old man and his pets seem happier than ever when Cuthbert is around, as he takes care of all the chores while, at the same time, making the house a funloving place to live in. Cuthbert makes fancy desserts and organizes costume parties. When the Old Man discovers that Cuthbert is actually a wolf disguised as a the German Shepard he hired as his "charming companion", he feels betrayed and frightened. However, upon this confrontation, it is Cuthbert who is "pale and shaking." In fact, when faced with his sordid past, Cuthbert faints. In a sorrow-evoking mini-monologue, Cuthbert reveals that he's always wanted to be good but no one expected him to be, as he was a wolf. This is representative of many children today who feel as if they have a "label." In many schools, there is a "bully" who it seems never does anything kind or good. In so many fairy tales, wolves are depicted as a wholly evil and manipulative species. So, by Cuthbert breaking free of the stereotype his race of creatures elicits, a moral shines through for our children: Always be who you want to be, not who people think you are.

A classic childrens tale redone into a great piece ofliterature for any young child! Great pictures! END

If you love James Marshall's "George and Martha" stories but your child is outgrowing them, you can find similar humor in chapter book style in "Rats on the Roof." The stories are all about animals and their goofy dilemmas. There is a sheep who gets into big trouble by pretending to read when he can't (he thinks a "DANGER - Beware of Wolves" sign reads "welcome to the pretty green park"). And there is an owl who has to defend her tree from a hungry brontosaurus (who said only meat eating dinosaurs are dangerous?)... Marshall's funny illustrations add to the pleasure of the tales. "Rats on the Roof" is clean, lighthearted reading.

As an early elementary school teacher, I read a lot of children's books. Mary Alice is one of my all-time favorites. She is a very efficient telephone operator who tells people the time. "At the tone, the time will be 1 o'clock exactly. Quack". (Did I mention, she's a duck?) Mary Alice catches a cold so Boss Chicken insists that she go home to take care of herself. Her boss tries to assure her the position could easily be filled by someone, but Mary Alice is hurt by the remarks and frets over someone permanently replacing her. Boss Chicken interviews and hires a series of different operators, who, for various reasons, don't fit the bill (no pun intended). The snake hisses and scares the customers, the dog can't tell time, an armandillo has trouble seeing the clock, and the beaver is so eager that she can't wait for people to call her so SHE calls them. In the end, Boss Chicken fully understands the difficulty of the job and appreciates Mary Alice.
The story and the pictures are wonderfully funny. I especially love the picture of Mary Alice wearing her pink bunny slippers.
What makes this story even better is that it lends itself to dramatic storytelling. I use different voices for the various characters in the story.
My kids and I thoroughly enjoy Mary Alice Operator Number 9 and I know you will, too.

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 encantó!