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According to Humphrey #9
Christmas According to Humphrey
Dear Friends Jingle bells and dancing snowflakes, Christmas was coming and suddenly my life as a classroom hamster became unsqueakably exciting! The music teacher, Miss Lark, spent a lot of time in Room 26, preparing our class for Longfellow School's Winter Wonderland show so there was plenty of FUN-FUN-FUN.
202 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
203 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
Betty G. Birney
135 books182 followersFrom kindergarten through graduation, I attended school in Affton, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. Then I graduated from Webster College (now Webster University) in Webster Groves, Missouri. Of course, I majored in English and kept on writing.
After working in advertising in St. Louis, Missouri and in Chicago, Illinois, I eventually moved to Southern California. First, I worked for Disneyland (fun job!) in the advertising department. The monorail whizzed past my window all day long. Then I worked at the Disney Studio in Burbank, where I had another fun job, writing and producing television and radio commercials and theatrical trailers (previews of coming attractions) for everything from re-releases of "Cinderella" and "Fantasia" to "Tex."
When the Disney Channel was started, I became a writer and story editor for WELCOME TO POOH CORNER. Since then, I've written more than 200 episodes of animated and live-action television programs including MADELINE, DOUG, BOBBY'S WORLD, DUMBO'S CIRCUS, THE PUZZLE PLACE, CAMP CANDY, LITTLE MOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, WHERE'S WALDO, FRAGGLE ROCK and ZOOBILEE ZOO. That's right, I write cartoons! I also wrote a number of award-winning afterschool specials and many interactive CD-ROM programs, including the award-winning "Berenstain Bears on their Own," "Richard Scarry's Busiest Neighborhood Ever," and "The Crayon Factory."
A made-for-television family movie I wrote, MARY CHRISTMAS, starring John Schneider, Cynthia Gibb and Tom Bosley, aired on the PAX network in 2002. It was the highest rated movie in PAX history and has aired each Christmas season since then.
I have been fortunate enough to win a Writer's Guild of America Award and three Humanitas Prizes (as well as two other nominations). In 2002, I won a Daytime Emmy Award for MADELINE, after two previous Emmy nominations. More recently, I received the Christopher Award for FRIENDSHIP ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY, many children's choice awards for THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY and was inducted into the Affton (MO) School District Hall of Fame.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
November 28, 2022
This is Great for younger children, Also great how you learn about stuff as well as the fact that it is a good read
December 31, 2016
I noticed that I still had to read this one, so what did I do? Get the book and read it! It is the perfect read for this season.
Sure, we might not have snow (booooooo), but we do celebrate Christmas, we do look forward to snow, and it is winter (and COLD). And in that way the book is pretty perfect read to read while snuggling under the covers and getting warm and fluffy.
This time Humphrey helps/participates with his class in a Snow-filled wonderland show. Yes, of course he can't really participate, but he squeaks and dancing his butt off, and this does get noticed by people. :P It was quite fun to see him try to help out his friends, try to learn the lyrics.
Of course I am still a bit bothered that Humphrey can do so many things that normal hamsters cannot. Reading? Sure. Writing? Sure. Playing Piano? Oh sure, he can do that. Seeing where he is going? Sure! And so there are more things. Then again, I never saw Humphrey as a real hamster.
Still this does not take away from the entertainment I get from the book + I love hamsters (real or fantasy) so I am totally fine with Humphrey. And it is quite fun that Humphrey can do so many things. That way he can truly help out his friends.
I also still love his adventures when he leaves the cage.
Since this books takes place earlier it took me a bit to get back to the rhythm of the book, for me various events already happened, and various things that Humphrey is wondering about have either started or concluded.
There are various lessons to be learned from this book, in this one it is Holly who has to learn that she can't just make presents for everyone in her class, the teachers, and everyone else she loves. That she shouldn't do it for friends, and that maybe there is a way to make everyone happy with just one thing. I did feel sorry for Holly, she had good intentions, but she just didn't get that she wasn't doing the right thing for her body.
Kyaaa, and cuteness overload for the cover!
Plus now that I have a hamster again (after years of having no hamster) the book is even more fun to read.
There was the addition of a new character, and I have to say that I hated her. Sorry if this sounds mean, but the way she said stuff about Humphrey, but also Joey? No, just no. You don't just bluntly tell a kid to not sing because he ruins your song. You don't just get angry at the kids when they want to take Humphrey. I know you are afraid of him, but really. Those poor kids really wanted Humphrey with the show, and a lot could have been prevented if you had just allowed it.
Of course redemption blabla at the end for this character, well meh!
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and flew through it. I got another Humphrey book I want to read, and I will get to reading it soon.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
Sure, we might not have snow (booooooo), but we do celebrate Christmas, we do look forward to snow, and it is winter (and COLD). And in that way the book is pretty perfect read to read while snuggling under the covers and getting warm and fluffy.
This time Humphrey helps/participates with his class in a Snow-filled wonderland show. Yes, of course he can't really participate, but he squeaks and dancing his butt off, and this does get noticed by people. :P It was quite fun to see him try to help out his friends, try to learn the lyrics.
Of course I am still a bit bothered that Humphrey can do so many things that normal hamsters cannot. Reading? Sure. Writing? Sure. Playing Piano? Oh sure, he can do that. Seeing where he is going? Sure! And so there are more things. Then again, I never saw Humphrey as a real hamster.
Still this does not take away from the entertainment I get from the book + I love hamsters (real or fantasy) so I am totally fine with Humphrey. And it is quite fun that Humphrey can do so many things. That way he can truly help out his friends.
I also still love his adventures when he leaves the cage.
Since this books takes place earlier it took me a bit to get back to the rhythm of the book, for me various events already happened, and various things that Humphrey is wondering about have either started or concluded.
There are various lessons to be learned from this book, in this one it is Holly who has to learn that she can't just make presents for everyone in her class, the teachers, and everyone else she loves. That she shouldn't do it for friends, and that maybe there is a way to make everyone happy with just one thing. I did feel sorry for Holly, she had good intentions, but she just didn't get that she wasn't doing the right thing for her body.
Kyaaa, and cuteness overload for the cover!
Plus now that I have a hamster again (after years of having no hamster) the book is even more fun to read.
There was the addition of a new character, and I have to say that I hated her. Sorry if this sounds mean, but the way she said stuff about Humphrey, but also Joey? No, just no. You don't just bluntly tell a kid to not sing because he ruins your song. You don't just get angry at the kids when they want to take Humphrey. I know you are afraid of him, but really. Those poor kids really wanted Humphrey with the show, and a lot could have been prevented if you had just allowed it.
Of course redemption blabla at the end for this character, well meh!
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and flew through it. I got another Humphrey book I want to read, and I will get to reading it soon.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
November 20, 2012
Since this is one of my all time favorite series, it will come as no surprise that I LOVED-LOVED-LOVED this latest installment. This is just a an all around good series. I highly recommend any book in the series for a classroom read aloud. I will be using an excerpt from this installment for my 5th grade indoor snowball fight. (I read an excerpt about snow. Then I have the students take three slips of paper, they wright a descriptive word about snow on each slip of paper. Then they crumple them up into snow balls. For the next five minutes we have an indoor snowball fight. At the end of the fight each student hopefully has 3 snowballs. They use the words on the snowballs to wright a poem about snow on their class blog. They love it.)
Recommended for 3rd grade and up.
AR Book Level: Not an AR book as of November 20, 2012
Mrs. Archer’s rating: 5 of 5!
Recommended for 3rd grade and up.
AR Book Level: Not an AR book as of November 20, 2012
Mrs. Archer’s rating: 5 of 5!
December 16, 2018
Goodreads
Winter according to Humphrey
The story, “Winter According to Humphrey”, written by Betty G. Birney, is about a hamster named Humphrey who is a classroom class pet. The story is taking place during the winter time and the class is busy getting ready for it’s holiday musical program. Humphrey is a really interesting and funny hamster who watches the kids in the class and tries to help them with their problems. The story made me laugh but it also teaches a lesson as Humphrey tries to help the kids. For example, there’s a girl named Holly who wants to make presents for everyone in her class. She becomes sad when she sees that it’s too much work. But Humphrey opens a craft book that shows her a gift she can make for the whole class. Humphrey helps a bunch of kids to learn lessons. I have a dwarf hamster at home, so I really liked this book because it reminded me of her. If you want to find out what happens read the book. It is really good.
Winter according to Humphrey
The story, “Winter According to Humphrey”, written by Betty G. Birney, is about a hamster named Humphrey who is a classroom class pet. The story is taking place during the winter time and the class is busy getting ready for it’s holiday musical program. Humphrey is a really interesting and funny hamster who watches the kids in the class and tries to help them with their problems. The story made me laugh but it also teaches a lesson as Humphrey tries to help the kids. For example, there’s a girl named Holly who wants to make presents for everyone in her class. She becomes sad when she sees that it’s too much work. But Humphrey opens a craft book that shows her a gift she can make for the whole class. Humphrey helps a bunch of kids to learn lessons. I have a dwarf hamster at home, so I really liked this book because it reminded me of her. If you want to find out what happens read the book. It is really good.
October 25, 2017
Was really interesting!
December 27, 2023
Jon gives this 5 stars because Aldo ate Og's frog food (not really, I made that part up as we were reading hah)
Read
March 12, 2024DNF 60%. This wasn't a bad book by any means! My kids have crazy ADHD and this wasn't as engaging for us to read aloud like Harry Potter is. My daughter is going to finish it on her own.
July 17, 2019
I love the part of the funny jokes and Humphrey sneaking out of his cage
September 29, 2018
I have the whole entire series!
December 14, 2022
This was CUTE CUTE CUTE.
July 15, 2024
i think i read this one too almost all of them i was devastated when i found out this hamster died inrl
November 11, 2012
Everyone's favorite classroom pet hamster is back in his 9th book! This time, Humphrey's class is putting on a Winter Wonderland pageant and of course, Humphrey's getting in on all the action. In addition to helping his classroom friends make costumes, practice their lines, and buy gifts (well, as much as any hamster can), Humphrey's learning all about different winter holidays by going home with the kids from Room 26. He's taking notes on different ways to celebrate, ending each chapter with "winter wonderings", and enjoying tons of yummy food. Of course, this book is just as funny as Humphrey's other books, and it ends with a heart-warming special visit from Santa!
September 14, 2023
While re reading this book I learned reading a bok that a kid book or not at your reading level can be fun because it helps me love the series again and it was just fun to read it. I ok loved the last chapter is the best by far
April 11, 2015
This was my first Humphrey book and I really enjoyed it. I started it 3 months after I got it. Even though all the humans hear is Squeak-Squeak-Squeak, Humphrey helps them solve their problems. He's everyone's favorite classroom pet!
June 30, 2015
All the Humphrey books are so good and this one was no exception! Lots of great lessons to be learned and Humphrey always ends up helping his friends out and of course gets into some mischief along the way. Can't wait for the next one!
December 25, 2014
I thought this book is funny.
April 27, 2021
Very good book! So interesting and cute! I loved it and I recommend it for you!
February 23, 2018
If a book this brief takes me as long as this one did to read, I know there's an issue. I mean, honestly, it's fine. This book is fine. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just a "fluff" book, and I'm beginning to realize that despite my best parenting efforts I'm just not cut out for certain kinds of fluff books (typically any intended for a third-grade audience), no matter how much my kids may want me to read them. I was pleased at the author's attempt to create a diverse classroom, but all of the diversity felt so flat that I couldn't tell the children apart--not a very effective attempt from my perspective, unfortunately. I guess I want children's books to encourage more imagination (we've extended our disbelief to cover a reading/writing/talking hamster, but Humphrey can't understand what the frog next door is saying?), or to speak to them on some deeper level (humor or silliness, included). This didn't read "child's perspective" at all for me. Oh, well.
May 16, 2022
I especially liked this one just because it takes place during the holiday season. Really makes me miss being in elementary school and being with my family. As always, such a cute and well written story.
The only thing I would say about this series which is quite obvious probably is that its definitely ment for kids. Haha. I think any adult would enjoy these cute stories because they are enjoyable and fun to read. The thing is they get boring, since the writing is ment for kids it is a lot simpler and there is not a lot to the story. That being said I would just recommend adults who are interested in reading the series to space it out only reading one every so often so you don't get board. Still, as I said I do think they are cute and when you're in need of just relaxing or a break from stress in pain then you should definitely read these book. Makes you feel all warm inside.
I am definitely looking forward to being done with the series though. I am definitely very bored. XD
The only thing I would say about this series which is quite obvious probably is that its definitely ment for kids. Haha. I think any adult would enjoy these cute stories because they are enjoyable and fun to read. The thing is they get boring, since the writing is ment for kids it is a lot simpler and there is not a lot to the story. That being said I would just recommend adults who are interested in reading the series to space it out only reading one every so often so you don't get board. Still, as I said I do think they are cute and when you're in need of just relaxing or a break from stress in pain then you should definitely read these book. Makes you feel all warm inside.
I am definitely looking forward to being done with the series though. I am definitely very bored. XD
September 5, 2023
Humphrey is so excited for the holidays that are super quickly approaching! He has so much fun watching Room 26 get ready for the season by practicing songs for the show that their school is putting on. But when Daniel isn't learning the song on piano when he is supposed to, and Holly isn't getting much sleep, will the show be GOOD-GOOD-GOOD or a FLOP-FLOP-FLOP? I read this book a few weeks ago, and enjoyed it! I have read a few of Betty G. Birney's books, and liked them as well! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
May 1, 2024
The kid said it’s awesome because of Humphrey helping Holly. Themes he picked out kidness, snow (he’s 8 still learning about themes). If he. Oils change anything he would change Ms Lark being scared of animals
The kid won a few of these books many years ago for a reading program at the library. He was too young for them then. I’m glad we picked them up now. They are cute and fun books with good messages about friendship and differences. So far they’ve been fun reads.
The kid won a few of these books many years ago for a reading program at the library. He was too young for them then. I’m glad we picked them up now. They are cute and fun books with good messages about friendship and differences. So far they’ve been fun reads.
January 27, 2023
Another great Humphrey adventure!
Rooms 26s favorite two friends tell us the the silly and wild adventures they experienced in the weeks leading up to the winter break.
Humphrey helps his friends once again in this winter wonderland tale! Songs are sung, dads come home, babies are almost born!!, treats are given, and there might even be an appearance from santa!
Rooms 26s favorite two friends tell us the the silly and wild adventures they experienced in the weeks leading up to the winter break.
Humphrey helps his friends once again in this winter wonderland tale! Songs are sung, dads come home, babies are almost born!!, treats are given, and there might even be an appearance from santa!
March 5, 2018
Per my Second graders: I liked it because it was funny. I liked it because it was cool because Santa came! I liked it because the hamster went to school. I liked it because it was funny when they sang the Christmas songs.
December 22, 2022
I don’t know why people enjoy these books so much. It was my first time reading a Humphrey book (read to my class of 3rd graders) and I don’t think I’ll be reading any more of them. Not all books are for all people, and that’s okay.
May 14, 2023
5/13/23: Christmas in my heart read for May. This is cute and I'm sure that elementary students would like this sweet little hampster. If I can find more for cheap or in a free little library, I will get them to add to the two I have.
May 4, 2024
this book is kinda goated ngl it’s such a vibe and i’ve never wanted to read from a hamsters pov more. it’s so chill and happy and it’s such a vibe to read it during christmas. it made me wanna be a hamster. but humphrey is great love him love to book w book fs fs
October 24, 2024
This is such a great series of chapter books for elementary school children. I've read a few with my younger daughter and we've enjoyed each one. Humphrey is ADORABLE-ADORABLE-ADORABLE! Reading this particular one in the fall put my daughter in the mood for Christmas already - he he.
January 17, 2018
Great book but you need to read some others before reading this one.
March 7, 2018
it was the cutest book I have ever read!!:)
April 29, 2018
Winter According to Humphrey (According to Humphrey, #9) was a funny book for younger readers who enjoy stories about furry critters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews