Friendship According to Humphrey
Written by Betty Birney
Reviewed by Caitlin B. (age 8)
In Friendship According to Humphrey, by Betty G. Birney, Humphrey the hamster is having trouble making friends with Og, the frog, the classroom pet that just moved into room 26, Mrs. Brisbane’s room. Humphrey is room 26’s classroom hamster. On the first night Og stays in room 26, he splashes Humphrey all over (hamsters are not supposed to get wet)! Humphrey thinks he is being plain rude. The next day, Humphrey goes out of his cage at lunchtime to go on a task: Tabitha. Tabitha was a new, shy, girl. A few minutes later, Og hears footsteps that Humphrey does not. Og says, “Boing! Boing,” warning Humphrey. Humphrey races back to his cage. Og had saved him! Another day goes by, and Og ignores Humphrey again! Humphrey gives Og a piece of his mind, but accidentally ruins their friendship. The next day, it snowed hard. Nobody came to give Humphrey food or water, which he needed. Og did not need food being given to him every day. Humphrey went out of his cage to get some food. Then the bag of food falls on HIM! Read the book to find out what happens to Humphrey.
Friendship According to Humphrey is a great book. Og and Humphrey have a strong bond for each other. Og shows he is worthy more than once and Humphrey hopes for the best for their friendship – even when it isn’t turning out very well. I also liked Humphrey’s opinions on things he’s never seen before. In the story, before school, Humphrey sees cars covered in snow. He thinks they are parked snow balls. I also liked the changes in the beginning, middle, and end. Og and Humphrey dislike each other in the beginning, make-up and break up in the middle, and love each other in the end.
I would recommend this book to second and third graders and people new to their school. In the story, the class is in second or third grade, so it is easy to relate to. It also teaches a good lesson about friendship for people new to the school or for people in second or third grade who don’t have many friends. If you feel this is a good book for you, go get it!