The World According to Humphrey

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This book is also educational as it describes social skills, for example taking responsibility and looking after a living being. The pupils in the story are responsible for taking care of the hamster, they clean the cage and feed it. There are also rules which illustrate good manners, for example being polite and listening to instructions. Of course, I don't go out to recess. In fact, I'm glad, since it's a great time to catch up on my sleep. So I was there when Mrs. Brisbane talked to Sayeh. And I was all ready to squeak up on her behalf, if necessary. She's so nice, I wish Mrs. Brisbane would leave her alone. Ms. Mac hardly ever called on Sayeh once she realized how shy she was. But Mrs. Brisbane calls on her all the time. She won't leave her alone. I love that this book is multicultural and inclusive. There are all sorts of ethnic-sounding names - Art Patel, Sayeh Nasiri (whose mother doesn't speak English well), Aldo Amato - and there's even a physically handicapped character. It's just nice to see diversity being matter-of-factly represented. Sue" was apparently Mrs. Brisbane, although I'dnever actually thought of her having a first name before.

The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney | The The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney | The

I was about ready to fling open the door of my cage and escape when the door opened and in walked the principal, Mr. Morales. No. Humphrey's too smart for that," Mr. Morales told her. "But he will run away if you two aren't nice to him."

I waited a few more seconds, then scrambled out ofthe corner and grabbed the closest seed. I could hear loud gasps from the children, but I pretended not to notice. But when it's Sayeh's turn to clean my cage and feedme, she holds me in her hand so gently, I feel like I'm floating on a cloud. "Hello, Humphrey," she whispers. "Your fur is so beautiful." I always feel calmer when Sayeh holds me. I’ll take him," she told Carl. “He's obviously the most intelligent and handsome hamster you have." He put my cage in the middle of the floor. Then he went to the kitchen and got a handful of sunflower seeds. Willy and Brenda helped him make a trail of seeds across the floor leading up to the cage. Everyone giggled, of course. Especially Stop-­Giggling-Gail. Otherwise known as Gail Morgenstern. "Repeat-That-Please-Richie, said the teacher.

The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

Animal books will always be popular. They can be used to show a side of humanity that it will a much harder for a child to understand from human characters. Miranda (Golden-Miranda) - Always knows to Humphrey as Golder-Miranda due to roll call, she is kind and Humphrey thinks she is the perfect person. He goes home with her, and with the help of her mother gives Humphrey's cage a complete cleaning. The only problem is Clem, their dog. He bulls his way into the room when the animals are home alone, and even gets Humphrey's cage door open. Miranda soothes Humphrey, who enjoys the attention. I have to say, Mrs. Brisbane knows how to read a story. Her voice changed and her eyes got wide and I for­got about her gray hair and her dark suit. To squeak the truth, my fur was on end! The story had a funny ending because it turned out the ghost wasn't a ghost at all. It was an owl! I know you're trying to tell me something, Humphrey, but I can't tell what it is. Maybe you're just saying I'm not alone after all, huh?" Yes, but it's a little too much responsibility for me." Mrs. Brisbane sighed. "At least I have a couple days away from him this weekend."

Stop-Giggling-Gail Morgenstern- Gail has trouble with giggling in class, hence her name. She is a good-hearted kid, and she gets in less trouble once Garth's issues are ironed out and he is not so disruptive and giggle inducing. Suddenly, Mr. Morales stood up straight. "I have a better idea," he announced. "I'll take Humphrey home for the weekend. My kids will love him. Then, starting next week, you can have the students take turns." U.K - THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY was named to Richard and Judy's first Children's Book Club. (For U.S. fans, think Oprah.)