Book Report: ADVENTURE ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY

This book is called ‘ADVENTURE ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY’, written by Betty.G. Birney. Humphrey is a hamster who goes on many different adventures.(You can see the two other reports on my blog). Humphrey is a class pet who is adored by all the kids. Mrs. Brisbane (the teacher of that class) talks about a project in which the students have to create a ship and in the end, there is a race. A trip to the library is needed in order to collect information for building the ships. Humphrey is intrigued by the number of books in the library and starts to sneak into the library late at night. Every night, a video plays when he accidentally taps a button on a remote. Humphrey has many things to worry about everyday such as problems between classmates and family. For example: Kirk and Richie (two classmates) get into a fight in which Kirk gets left out and decides to take revenge. He builds his own ship at home and uses that for the race to show Richie what he is capable of. Later, Humphrey finds a family problem and tries to solve it; Gail and her partner (two other students) have many different ideas. While Gail wants a plain flag on her ship, her partner is against her and Gail’s mum is unfortunately supporting Gail’s partner! When at night Humphrey meets up with his old pal, Aldo the cleaner, Aldo starts acting and speaking like a pirate. Humphrey worries that Aldo might actually turn into one and his spine shivers. On the day of the race, Humphrey tries to stop Kirk from destroying Richie’s boat by going aboard Richie’s boat. But, the damage is done but Humphrey finds a way to save himself. In the end, Gail’s idea is finally used on Gail’s ship. Kirk and Richie apologise for being so competitive and in doing so, get together again. Ahoy! Me hearties. What was that? Then, it hits Humphrey why Aldo was acting like a pirate; to practice for entertaining the parents and children at the race! In the end, all is resolved happily and Humphrey once again, saves the class!

What I like about this book:

• On his way to help and save his friends, Humphrey makes new ones and treasures them. This is one thing that I really like because I feel that a friend is like a precious gem that all of us should treasure. However, not all of us do (including me). He dedicates himself to helping people even when he might get hurt doing so e.g. by going on Richie’s ship when water is bad for his fur.
• All of his friends represent an event in Humphrey’ life or someone who Humphrey has helped. For example, Aldo is someone who Humphrey is very close to and helps him again and again with big decisions and Og the Frog marks the time when Humphrey got over his jealousy and made friends with even the most odd creature.
• All of Humphrey’s books are funny but also have a lesson or meaning to them that all of us should use in life. There are two very good lessons in this book. The first one is not to be over confident and competitive as Kirk and Richie both were when they were building their ship. The second one is to be welcoming and to not be disparaging.
• A feeling of deja vu came over me when I read the part about Aldo acting like a pirate and Humphrey felt scared. Some friends I had have recently changed their ways and are just a bit more mature and have their own ways. I guess it’s all about growing up- I can notice changes in myself too.
• Finally.. Fun time! Read the book and answer these questions:

1.    What is the name of Gail’s partner?

2.   What is the name of the librarian?

3.   Which book does Mrs. Brisbane read to the class?

4.   Who hosts the field trip to the pond?

5.   What is the pond called?

6.   How does Kirk control his submarine?

7.   How does Humphrey save himself?

8.   How many parents become pirates for the field trip? Who are they?

Although the book is really good, I do think a few twists and turns in the story would engage the reader even more and overall, would make the book very interesting.

I WOULD GIVE THIS BOOK A 9 OUT OF 10 RATING!

FIND OUT WHAT I MEAN BY READING ADVENTURE ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY!

YOU CAN BUY IT HERE ON AMAZON FOR $5.99!

YOU CAN BUY IT HERE ON GUARDIAN BOOKSHOP FOR £4.79!