Surprises According to Humphrey (Humphrey Series #4)

by Betty G. Birney

Overview

The fourth book in the beloved and award-winning school hamster series!

A classroom hamster has to be ready for anything, but suddenly there are LOTS-LOTS-LOTS of big surprises in Humphrey's world. Some are exciting, like a new hamster ball. But some are scary, like a run-in with a cat and a new janitor who might be from another planet. But even with all that's going on, Humphrey finds time to help his classmates with their problems. But will Mrs. Brisbane's unsqueakable surprise be too much for Humphrey to handle?

Look for all twelve of Humphrey's adventures!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780142412961
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	01/08/2009
Series:	Humphrey Series
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	46,593
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	660L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

Betty G. Birney has won many awards for writing for television, including an Emmy, three Humanitas Prizes, and a Writers Guild of America Award, and she won the Christopher Award for Friendship According to Humphrey. In addition to the Humphrey series, she is the author of The Seven Wonders of Sassafrass Springs and The Princess and the Peabody's. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where her parents grew up as neighbors on Humphrey Street. Her website, bettybirney.com, is full of fun Humphrey activities and information.

Editorial Reviews

Humphrey, a delightful, irresistible character, is big hearted, observant, and creative.” —Booklist on The World According to Humphrey
 
“Humphrey is a witty, fun, and lovable character with great kid appeal.” —School Library Journal on Surprises According to Humphrey
 
“This thoughtful yet upbeat tale lends credence to the notion that actions and intentions can be misinterpreted while pointing out the benefits of looking at a situation from another’s point of view. Readers will find that seeing the world from Humphrey’s standpoint is mighty satisfying.” —Kirkus Reviews on Friendship According to Humphrey
 
“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.” —Booklist on Surprises According to Humphrey
 
“Humphrey is just as lovable and sweet as he was in Friendship According to Humphrey. His escapades teach honesty, responsibility, and the consequences of actions.” —School Library Journal on Trouble According to Humphrey


Look for all of the books in the series!
The World According to Humphrey
Friendship According to Humphrey
Trouble According to Humphrey
Surprises According to Humphrey
Adventure According to Humphrey
Summer According to Humphrey
School Days According to Humphrey
Mysteries According to Humphrey
Winter According to Humphrey
Secrets According to Humphrey
Imagination According to Humphrey
Spring According to Humphrey

From the Publisher

Gr 2-4- Classroom pet extraordinaire Humphrey, a golden hamster, returns in his fourth novel. Spring has arrived, and Mrs. Brisbane's students are preparing for some important tests. Humphrey learns with them as they work on math problems and vocabulary words, which he records in his tiny notebook. He also engages in adventures like coming face-to-face with a cat named Sweetums, motivating senior citizens at a rehab center, and wandering the empty halls of school at night. Furthermore, Mrs. Wright, the whistle-blowing, rule-enforcing P.E. teacher, is out to get him, and he worries that Mrs. Brisbane will decide to retire. With his usual flare, Humphrey plots to help his humans overcome their problems. Each chapter ends with a definition from his Dictionary of Wonderful Words . Humphrey is a witty, fun, and lovable character with great kid appeal. This tale can be read independently of the previous novels.-Alison Grant, Ruby S. Thomas Elementary School, Las Vegas, NV

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School Library Journal