Surprises according to Humphrey

by Betty G. Birney.

Book Review

School Library Journal :

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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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