Publishers Weekly
PW called The World According to Humphrey a "breezy, well-crafted first novel." The hamster hero is back for a third adventure as the class pet in Room 26, Trouble According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney, in which he may have to choose between defending Miranda (after Humphrey is caught on the loose on her watch) and losing his privileges (no one is wise to his cage's broken lock). Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
Gr 2–4
Humphrey is just as lovable and sweet as he was in Friendship According to Humphrey (Putnam, 2005). Still a classroom pet, the hamster learns that his freedom may not be as important as his loyalty to his human friends. The students of Room 26 are assigned jobs as part of a social-studies project. When the hamster gets out of his cage, it is not because the student in charge did not lock the door, but because it does not lock. Humphrey feels guilty for getting his friend in trouble and spends the rest of the book trying to make it right. Along the way, he helps a child learn how to concentrate, reunites two friends, is banned from the classroom, and visits the vet. His escapades teach honesty, responsibility, and the consequences of actions. Essential reading for students who already love Humphrey.
—Delia CarruthersCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
The tiny hamster with a big heart is back. Humphrey is serious about his job as classroom pet for the students of Room 26. He loves his humans and always offers a helping paw when possible. This penchant for good deeds often leads the frisky little philosopher on perilous adventures. In this latest of three lively outings, big troubles descend on Room 26. When Humphrey goes home with a chosen student each weekend, he discovers troubles there too. Because Humphrey knows how to pick the lock on his cage, he is able to reunite estranged friends and help a family down on its luck because of unemployment. Thematically advancing the story, Room 26 is deeply involved in a project of building a community dubbed Humphreyville. The moral conundrum at hand, however, arises when Humphrey finally gets caught outside his cage and one student, Miranda, gets blamed for it. Should Humphrey reveal the truth and lose his freedom or let Miranda take the fall? In his characteristically upbeat way, Humphrey offers wise tidbits on tackling life's inevitable troubles. (Fiction. 7-12)
From the Publisher
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
“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
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
