Classics for Beginning Readers (5-8)

Like all best friends, George and Martha do everything together—go to the movies, play at the beach, and just hang around not doing much of anything. George and Martha teach each other (and adoring readers) that even in a close friendship, privacy is important, practical jokes can sometimes backfire, and among other things, pouring split pea soup into your loafers to spare the chef's feelings is not the best-laid plan. A man with a talent for friendship, James Marshall defined its very essence in his stories about the world's two best friends. In this volume, all thirty-five episodes are brought together to celebrate friendship and two of the most lovable characters ever created. Each of these brief tales is filled with humor, and James Marshall's drawings are guaranteed to spark feelings of empathy, delight, and self-recognition.

This collector's edition includes an introduction by MauriceSendak as well as appreciations by some of the top authorsand illustrators working in children's publishing today.It is a true testament to James Marshall as an author, as an artist, and as a person that his work and his life inspired such a diverse and immensely talented group. Noted children's book historian Anita Silvey provides an afterword.

In 1958, the story of a little bear found in London's Paddington Station wearing the sign “Please look after this bear” was first published and has been beloved by children around the world ever since. At the time of its publication, one reviewer said, “It should be compulsory reading for all children from six to sixty.” This deluxe anniversary edition includes full-color art throughout by the original artist, Peggy Fortnum.