Surprises According to Humphrey [Hardcover]

Betty G. Birney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 2008 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Humphrey

Being a classroom hamster means having to be ready for anything?but suddenly there are a lot of big surprises in Humphrey?s world. Some are exciting, like seeing the playground during a fire drill and getting to roll around in a hamster ball. But some aren?t so good, like a cat creeping around, a different janitor who might be from another planet, and the most shocking thing of all?the possibility of Mrs. Brisbane retiring.

Even with all that?s going on, Humphrey makes time to help a few classmates with their problems. But could Mrs. Brisbane leaving school be one problem that?s just too big for this little guy to solve?

Friendship According to Humphrey received a Christopher Award, and kids voted The World According to Humphrey the winner of children?s choice awards in six states. Plus, it?s been nominated for ten others.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In this fourth title featuring classroom hamster Humphrey, the surprises abound. Some are fun, such as the entertaining, if occasionally scary, new hamster ball, and some are not: best friends A. J. and Garth are feuding; janitor Aldo may have been replaced by an alien; and the teacher, Ms. Brisbane, may retire. Narrated in Humphrey’s lively voice, the story is characteristically amusing and incorporates kid-relevant issues, such as being the last chosen for sports teams and the importance of respect, support, kindness, and appreciation. New and returning readers will enjoy the caring hamster’s unique perspective on everything from friendship to fire drills. Grades 2-4. --Shelle Rosenfeld

Review

Humphrey is a witty, fun, and lovable character with great kid appeal. -- School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (February 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399247300
• ISBN-13: 978-0399247309
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #549,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Betty G. Birney lives in Los Angeles, California. Her web site is full of fun Humphrey activities and information.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for kids!, August 15, 2008

By 

KMS (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Surprises According to Humphrey (Hardcover)

I am a third grade teacher and once my school librarian handed me the first of the series,I was hooked. I then read it aloud to my class and we went Humphrey crazy (girls and boys)! We checked out Betty's website and entered a contest-we couldn't get enough! My students were ordering their own copies at home and reading them and borrowing them. I have read all of the books thus far in the series and each one is so creatively written it's just amazing. Beware that kids do want a class pet after reading it!!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent series, April 14, 2008

By 

C. Brockway (Miami, Florida United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Surprises According to Humphrey (Hardcover)

These books are just wonderful. A must have for any child that has, or wishes for a hamster... or any animal lover for that matter. A teacher let my son borrow the first in this series and that was it. We have them all. They are so cleverly written and subtly expand on a variety of situations and emotions that kids experience each day. Thanks Betty G. Birney! We love your writing style.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprises According to Humphery is FANTASTIC!!, February 27, 2009

By 

Ami Richmand "Good Reader" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Surprises According to Humphrey (Paperback)

I bought this book and thought it was great! People think it looks babyish but it's really for about everyone who can read. I read this book to my little cousin (5 years old) and she loves it just as much as I do. I also gave it to my mother to read and she said its awesome! All good readers deserve to read a great book like this one. My liberarian at my school reads it during story time. So what are you waiting for? Buy Suprises According to Humphery and all the other humphery books!