Martha worries that her recent bouts of bad luck might be contagious! Uh-oh. Martha walked under a ladder—and then she broke a mirror—so now she thinks she’s jinxed! Helen tries to explain that all the accidents are just coincidence. But when a nearby toddler stumbles and a waiter takes a clumsy spill, Martha worries that her bad luck might be rubbing off on everybody else. Will Martha be spreading bad luck for seven whole years? Includes a "Test Your Knowledge" activity on common superstitions. Susan Meddaugh studied art and illustration and has worked as a designer, art director, and freelance illustrator. She now lives in Sherborn, Massachusetts with her son and?three shelter dogs. She has created and?illustrated many books for children.?In 1998 she was awarded the New England Book Award, given by the New England Booksellers Association to recognize a body of work. Martha was a real dog who lived with Susan and her family. One day, when Susan's son Niko (who was 7 at the time) was eating alphabet soup, he wondered what would happen if they fed the soup to Martha. Would she talk? This was the seed for the first Martha Speaks book. Since then five more pictures book about ...