Book Series · 6 Books

Martha Speaks Books

In order from Martha Speaks to Perfectly Martha.

After alphabet soup gives Martha the dog the power of speech, her nonstop opinions lead to comic misunderstandings, questions about fairness, and adventures with her family and canine friends.

Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated August 12, 2026

Reading order

How to Read the Martha Speaks Books

Susan Meddaugh's six original picture books are shown in publication order. Begin with Martha Speaks to learn why Martha can talk; after that, each adventure works well on its own.

The many readers and chapter books based on the PBS television series are a separate tie-in line. They are not missing volumes from this six-book picture-book sequence.

Sources: HMH catalog of the six classic Martha books, PBS recommended books by Susan Meddaugh.

For parents

What Parents Should Know

Martha is talkative, impulsive, and sometimes indignant, so the humor often opens conversations about listening, prejudice, fairness, and responsible pet care without becoming preachy.

The stories include dogs being excluded, getting lost, misbehaving, or facing a dishonest dog trainer. Suspense and conflict are mild, the art is comic, and Martha and her family reliably set things right.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Sale price

$1699

Book #1 · Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1992

Martha Speaks

By Susan Meddaugh

A dog eats alphabet soup and starts talking, causing chaos.

32 pages· 642 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.5/7 Bookroo

Hardcover

Summary: Helen's dog, Martha, gains the ability to speak after eating alphabet soup. But what seems like a dream quickly turns into a comedic nightmare as Martha's newfound voice leads to unexpected chaos. Can Helen manage the mayhem of a talking dog, or will Martha's chatter turn their world upside down? Discover the hilarious consequences of a canine with a lot to say.

In reading order