School Library Journal Review
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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Series new and old compete for readers' attention. Betty G. Birney's charismatic classroom hamster is back in Surprises According to Humphrey, his fourth and possibly last adventure in Room 26. (Putnam, $14.99 192p ages 7-up ISBN 9780-399-24730-9; Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved