Martha Speaks: Thief of Hearts based on the characters created by Sesuan Meddaugh and adapted by Karen Barrs.

Product Description
Helen and friends decide to make homemade valentines for each other. But when everybody’s art supplies begin disappearing, they start to suspect each other. Can Martha sniff out the culprit of the stolen supplies before their sweet holiday mood goes sour?

I am a big fan of the original Martha books by Susan Meddaugh. When I requested this from the library, I didn’t realize that the books had been turned into a TV show. (First Max & Ruby, then Olivia and now Martha.) I won’t comment on the shows, since I’ve not watched them (though I do feel the urge to grab my bowl of cheerios and plop down in front of the TV on Saturday morning.)

I was pleased to find that Martha looks the same as the original books. Sometimes, once a book character becomes a TV cartoon star they get a little commercialized. As is almost always the case, I do prefer Meddaugh’s originals to this TV tie-in. Meddaugh’s original books are more fleshed out and the story doesn’t feel quite as rushed as this one. However, as a Getting Ready to Read book, Thief of Hearts works fine. Beginning readers will need some assistance, but reading with your child is a great experience! The TV show tie-in might encourage a reluctant reader to check it out.

I hope Meddaugh will write more in the original series of books, but in the mean time I hope to add this to my library’s collection.

Recommended for Kindergarten to 2nd Grade.

Mrs. Archer’s Rating: 4 of 5 ( )