The World According to Humphrey (Humphrey Series #1)

by Betty G. Birney Narrated by Hal Hollings

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

Humphrey is a hamster, so naturally it's in your best interest to see how he sees the world. But when a villain presents itself, Humphrey must learn that life's not all pellets and wheels.

The first book in the series about everyone's favorite classroom pet!

You can learn a lot about life by observing another species. That's what Humphrey was told when he was first brought to Room 26. And boy, is it true! In addition to having FUN-FUN-FUN in class, each weekend this amazing hamster gets to sleep over with a different student, like Lower-Your-Voice-A.J. and Speak-Up-Sayeh. Soon Humphrey learns to read, write, and even shoot rubber bands (only in self-defense, of course). With lots of friends to help, adventures to enjoy, and a cage with a lock-that-doesn't- lock, Humphrey's life is almost perfect. If only the teacher, Mrs. Brisbane, wasn't out to get him!

Boys and girls can't help falling in love with Humphrey! Kids will be eager to get their paws on all 12 books in the series! Be sure to look for Humphrey's Tiny Tales for younger readers.

Editorial Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

Humphrey's world consists of Room 26, an elementary classroom, and the children's homes he visits on weekends. Humphrey is wry-humored and big-hearted . . . for a hamster. He's also smart, having learned to spell in only a week, and has a propensity to repeat exclamations thrice, "Glad-glad-glad!" Everyone adores Humphrey except the teacher, Mrs. Brisbane, who vows to be rid of him. But Humphrey has a greenthumb when it comes to humans, and everyone with whom he has contact benefits from his helping hand. Humphrey assists a shy student in finding her voice, the lonely janitor in finding love, and even Mrs. Brisbane comes to understand that "you can learn a lot about yourself by taking care of another species." The story deftly avoids triteness while still feeling breezy and acknowledging deeply felt troubles, such as Mrs. Brisbane's husband's depression. The pet-care tips punctuating each chapter would benefit any youngster thinking about getting a hamster, but for everyone else, this read is simply good-good-good. (Fiction. 7-11)

From the Publisher

"A likable hamster narrates this novel for newly independent readers….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."—School Library Journal

"The story deftly avoids triteness while still feeling breezy and acknowledging deeply felt troubles, such as Mrs. Brisbane’s husband’s depression. The pet-care tips punctuating each chapter would benefit any youngster thinking about getting a hamster, but for everyone else, this read is simply good-good-good."—Kirkus Reviews

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169210910
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	02/20/2018
Series:	Humphrey Series
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

Read an Excerpt

Chapter 1: The Return of Mrs. Brisbane
(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "The World According to Humphrey"
by .
Copyright © 2005 Betty G. Birney.
Excerpted by permission of Penguin Young Readers Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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