Remember my post last April about the kids TV show Martha Speaks? WGBH in Boston had contacted my children’s book publisher back then to order copies of our book for a new program they were testing out in Boston and New York City. Hundreds of paperback copies of Hanni and Beth: Safe & Sound were given to students in city schools, and our book was added to Martha’s list of recommended picture books about dogs.
Well, that pilot program in New York and Boston must have been a hit — WGBH just ordered 180 more copies of Hanni and Beth: Safe & Sound For their sister station, WGBY. WGBY is public television for western New England, located in Springfield, Massachusetts. And this time, they ordered hardcover books!
If you’ve never seen Martha Speaks on TV, you can link here to watch videos to see what Martha’s show is like. I also found a good description of the show in the Club Kids Quarterly newsletter from the PBS station in Springfield, Illinois:
What happens when a dog accidentally eats alphabet soup? She learns to talk! Martha in Martha Speaks is outspoken, confident, smart and has an amazing vocabulary. She loves learning — and using — new words.
The goal of the series is to increase children’s oral vocabulary — the words they use when talking. It is also designed to encourage children to practice using new words on a daily basis.
Produced by the creators of Curious George and Arthur, Martha Speaks is based on the children’s book series by Susan Meddaugh. The series targets children ages 4 to 7.
People tell me Martha looks a little like Hanni –I can’t vouch for that, of course. You’ll have to check out the show on PBS to see for yourself!
That is great for you, and of course, Hanni! So, do you know what happens next — are they still planning on building that website with Safe and Sound activities?
Sandra
That is exciting! I wonder what Hanni would have to say if she accidentily ate alphabet soup!!
WOW – That’s Awesome! We love that show it would be so exciting to see our favorite dog on one of our favorite shows. Can’t wait to see what develops. Go Hanni!
In answer to Sandra’s question, haven’t heard any more news of activity ideas in re: “Hanni and Beth: Safe & Sound.” When I linked to the Martha Speaks web site, though, I noticed that Martha’s list of “books about dogs” on the site comes under the category “Activities and More.” there are links to word games and other activities to do with kids there, too, but they are not particularly connected to our book. I’m guessing that putting “Hanni and Beth: Safe & Sound” on a list of books about dogs, and then putting that list there under the “Activity” category implies that the “activity” is, well. Reading together!
Marilee, I shudder to think of the stories Hanni might tell about me if she ate alphabet soup and could talk! When I asked my husband Mike what he thought Hanni might say if she ate alphabet soup, he answered “Hurry! I gotta go! Take me outside!” Translation: any time Hanni eats people food, she gets sick. I’ll spare you the details.
Wow, Lydia and Audrey – I didn’t know Hanni was your *favorite* dog. That is high praise, since you know a LOT of dogs – Hanni has a lot of competition! Since you guys watch the TV show, maybe you can tell me – does Hanni look anything like Martha?
Very exciting, Beth! Congrats to you and Hanni–we’re so lucky to have you here in Chicago.
Aw, shucks. Thanks!
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