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The World According to Humphrey (Paperback)

by Betty G. Birney (Author) "Today was the worst day of my life..." (more)
Key Phrases: Moonlighters Club, Principal Morales, Longfellow School (more...)
5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)

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The World According to Humphrey + Friendship According to Humphrey + Trouble According to Humphrey
Price For All Three: $17.97

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-A likable hamster narrates this novel for newly independent readers. A warmhearted substitute teacher brings Humphrey to Room 26, explaining, "You can learn a lot about yourself by taking care of another species." Unfortunately, when Mrs. Brisbane returns to school, she is less than enthusiastic about taking on a class pet, and is unaware of the impact that the hamster has on the students, as well as on the families with whom he spends his weekends. Humphrey manages to bring out hidden courage and kindness in those he visits. He helps the members of one family turn off the TV and rediscover the pleasure of one another's company; he encourages a shy girl to speak up; and he even helps the principal gain control over his own less-than-obedient offspring. Humphrey's unique opportunity to observe the students, both at school and at home, develops into a compelling picture of Room 26. The hamster's experiences at Mrs. Brisbane's house round out that portrait. Birney succeeds in developing the animal's character without the narrative becoming too cute or contrived. Humphrey's views underscore the importance of knowing the full story before making judgments, and his presence makes a positive difference in the lives of the people he meets. All in all, a winning book that will appeal to children who like tales about animals, school life, and friendship.-Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist
Gr. 2-5. Humphrey the hamster enjoys being Room 26's classroom pet. He adores Ms. Mac, and every day brings new learning and experiences. Then Ms. Mac unexpectedly leaves; worse, returning teacher Mrs. Brisbane despises small furry creatures--leaving Humphrey both brokenhearted and worried about his future. Going home on weekends with school staff members and students helps, revealing diverse, often surprising stories and situations that allow both Humphrey and his human caretakers to learn from one another. Humphrey, a delightful, irresistible character, is big hearted, observant, and creative, and his experiences, whether escaping a nosy dog or helping an immigrant family speak English, range from comedic to touching. His lively, first-person narrative, filled with witty commentary on human and hamster behavior, makes for an engaging, entertaining read that illustrates "you can learn a lot about yourself by getting to know another species." A wonderful addition to the animal-fiction collection, this story should have wide appeal. Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

  • Reading level: Ages 9-12
  • Paperback: 144 pages
  • Publisher: Puffin (May 5, 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0142403520
  • ISBN-13: 978-0142403525
  • Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #16,161 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in this category: (What's this?)

    #20 in  Books > Children's Books > Animals > Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs & Squirrels > Fiction

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The Hamster by Betsy Sikora Siino
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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

The World According to Humphrey
84% buy the item featured on this page:
The World According to Humphrey 5.0 out of 5 stars (22)
$5.99
Trouble According to Humphrey
4% buy
Trouble According to Humphrey 4.8 out of 5 stars (5)
$5.99
Friendship According to Humphrey
4% buy
Friendship According to Humphrey 5.0 out of 5 stars (6)
$5.99
Surprises According to Humphrey
4% buy
Surprises According to Humphrey 5.0 out of 5 stars (4)
$5.99

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Customer Reviews

22 Reviews
5 star:
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Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars (22 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Chapter Book for K-3, January 10, 2006
By KAM (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
My Kindergarten boy LOVES this book! I read it to him every night, and he was very sad when we finished, because he wanted it to go on and on!!!! Humphrey is a delightful character. The teachers, school children and others in the book such as the pincipal, custodian and teacher's husband all are characters the young reader can appreciate and enjoy. Humphrey learns about each character's problem when he goes home with him or her over a weekeend or holiday, comes up with "a Plan" for each to help with the problem, and teaches each child valuable lessons. Nothing not to like here!!!! Great book to be read to Kindergarteners. Good read-it-yourself chapter book for good readers, 2nd grade probably. 15 chapters. Not an early chapter book.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A new classic, August 2, 2005
This is an utterly charming book right up there with such classics as "Charlotte's Web" and the "Cricket of Times Square" where an animal gently befriends and teaches humans lessons one usually doesn't learn in school. All it takes is a "Plan" and sometimes "Great Effort" as Humphrey would say.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A fun hamster's-eye view of life and school, April 6, 2004
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews
Humphrey the hamster learns a lot about life - by observing the humans who care for him in his classroom. Each weekend he experiences a different student, learns to read, write and becomes nearly human himself in World According To Humphrey -- a fun hamster's-eye view of life and school.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars World According to Humphrey
This is a must have book for any teacher. I have read this book aloud to my kids every year for four years and the kids just love it. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lisa R. Cutler

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny book
Humphrey is a great character who goes on adventures and also imparts life-long lessons to the children and their families. Excellent read!
Published 5 months ago by M.A.

5.0 out of 5 stars perfect for your 4th grader
I've been searching for books to encourage my daughter to read. She's a big animal lover, so I thought that she would certainly be interested in a book with a hamster on the... Read more
Published 9 months ago by F. Wilson

5.0 out of 5 stars PCE Student Review
My favorite book is The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney. The World According to Humphrey is a humor book about an animal who interacts with people... Read more
Published 14 months ago

5.0 out of 5 stars PCE Student Review
The World according to Humphrey is a great book. I like this book because it was an entertaining adventure book. Read more
Published 15 months ago

5.0 out of 5 stars Third-grade daughter loved it
This book was a joy to read. We read it for our mother-daughter book club, and Mom liked it as much as Daughter! Read more
Published 15 months ago by Mom Central

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a GREAT-GREAT-GREAT book for all!
This has become one of my favorite books. I've shared it with my fourth grade students, my mom, friends looking for books to encourage their children to read, and anyone who... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Linda Moss

5.0 out of 5 stars Super book for young readers
I read this book to my 5 and 7 year old boys. This is a good book for this age group. It has appealing characters, a meaningful story and good plot development. Read more
Published 22 months ago by mother of 3 boys

5.0 out of 5 stars Hurray for Humphrey!!!
This book is fun for all ages and I strongly recommend this fabulous book. This book is about a hamster who lives in a classroom and the adventures he goes on. Hurray for Humphrey!
Published on March 10, 2007 by C. Olson

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is great!
I read this book aloud in the classroom and it was fabulous. It was neat to read the story from a hamster's perspective and my class just loved to talk about Humphrey. Read more
Published on March 10, 2007 by sped teacher and mommy-to-be

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