If you have a beginning reader who is ready to break into chapter books, then the Humphrey’s Series by Betty G. Birney is a perfect next step. The series is really appropriate for younger, precocious readers who are ready for something beyond picture books and really young readers like 6-8 year olds would really enjoy the antics of Humphrey, the class hamster. The books (at the writing of this, my 8-year-old has read and loved them all) are fun, creative and both age and level appropriate. Humphrey is a lovable character and you might even have your child asking you for a pet hamster, because he is so cute and clever.

In Humphrey’s Mixed-Up Magic Trick the class is given the assignment to write a report on what they want to be when they grow up. Humphrey is left wondering what exactly a hamster can be when he grows up. As the kids in the class come up with some ideas, Humphrey is given the chance to be part of a magic act, which has him thinking that maybe he could be a magician when he grows up. In the end, he learns that he can be something really important and that is helpful–a useful lesson to readers of any age. 

Review of an Advance Reading Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Puffin Books

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None 

Violence/Gore:  None 

Sex/Nudity:  None

Mature Subject Matter:

None

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None