This poetry book contains all limericks. There are 5 chapters, which include 39 limericks. Each limerick contains its own special uniqueness. The characters used in this book are people, animals, and insects. There are a couple old geezers working on their friendship, a Martian named Zed, and young lady named Sue. They are all extremely original, humorous, and imaginative characters.

The limerick titled, "The Hopeful Trout (Poor Fish!)" is found in the second chapter. The chapter is titled, "It Came from Outerspace." It is a very optimistic tale, which leads one to believe that there will always be another chance. However, in its conclusion the reader must decide on whether the trout will make it or not.

This is a great book to read aloud to a group of children, or to just one child at bedtime. It is very playful and easy to follow. Children will be able to identify with the situations in a funny way, and may also learn a lesson or two! Susan Meddaugh is the illustrator(which are quite cute and simple)and the work is done in all black and white.

In this episode, Martha's family brings home a new brother, Skits. At first, Martha is amused by his puppy antics. When Skits bothers her alphabet soup, she lays down the law-#1 She's the alpha, and #2 Don't mess with the alphabet soup. Skits specialized in "anything airborne"-bugs, balls, balloons. When Skits tried his first alphabet soup, it didn't go to his head and come out words like it did for Martha. He was sad because he knew he disappointed the family. But then he bit down on an angry yellowjacket, and in trying to run away from it, he got completely lost. Does he get back home? Who figures out how to find him? If you like a good laugh, and a good dog story, and if you believe there's something special about everyone - read Martha and Skits.

I didn't understand this book for a long time- probably because I got it when my eldest was just a little baby. I appreciated the illustrations, especially the tormented cat, but I just couldn't understand the intrusion that the children felt when this baby visited. My children love babies, but in a few years they will understand the havoc they wreak- maybe they'll even understand the havoc of my house. :-) I love Susan Meddaugh's illustrations, and love them even more now that we've discovered the "Martha" books.