Trouble According to Humphrey (20 page)
Read Trouble According to Humphrey Online
Authors: Betty G. Birney
“Well done, Oggy!” I complimented him. Of course tomorrow, Mrs. Brisbane would find the top off his tank and wonder about it, but somehow I wasn’t worried.
Once I was back in the safety of my cage, I felt unsqueakably happy.
“You know what, Og? We turned out to have the BEST-BEST-BEST jobs of all! The classroom pets of Room Twenty-six!”
“BOING-BOING-BOING-BOING!” Og agreed.
I’m absolutely positive that he was saying, “Yes!”
FAMILIES PROCLAIM HUMPHREYVILLE
TO BE THE PERFECT COMMUNITY!
Students say they’ll always think of
Humphreyville as their hometown.
The Humphreyville Herald
Staying Out (and Getting Out)
of Trouble!
1.
If you make a mistake and get in trouble, it’s always a good idea to admit you’re wrong and say you’re sorry.
2.
Sometimes you get in trouble for something you didn’t do. Try and stay calm, but squeak up for yourself and explain what really happened. (This doesn’t always work, but you can TRY-TRY-TRY.)
3.
If you get in trouble and lie about it, you’ll only get in more trouble, so always squeak the truth!
4.
When a good friend (like Miranda) gets in trouble, sometimes you feel as bad as your friend does. That’s what friends are for.
5.
When a good friend (like Art or Seth) gets in trouble, a good friend (like Paul or me) can sometimes lend an ear—or a paw—and help out.
6.
When a friend (like Og) warns you that you’re about to get in trouble—listen!
7.
If people do something mean, like get you in trouble or even get you banished from your classroom, remember: They may have an even
bigger
problem than you do.
8.
If you think you have troubles, think of someone worse off than you are, like my friend Winky, the reject hamster (whose troubles are happily now over).
9.
A famous writer named Sophocles once said, “Trouble brings trouble upon trouble.” I’m having trouble figuring that one out!
10.
Another famous writer named George Herbert said: “He that seeks trouble never misses.” Now,
that
I understand! So don’t go looking for trouble—please!
And remember: Everyone gets in trouble at some time, even classroom hamsters and teachers. So if trouble comes your way, don’t worry. You’re in good company!
Dear Reader,
Humphrey? In trouble?
It’s hard to imagine, because Humphrey always tries to do the right thing. But let’s face it, even the best of us occasionally gets into hot water … and a helpful classroom hamster is no exception.
When I was planning this book, I had several fun ideas in mind: building a little town in Room 26, Humphrey taking an exciting trip on a train, and Humphrey going to the veterinarian’s office for the first time.
But for a long time, I’d been wanting to write about a kid who is falsely accused of doing something wrong. This is not a new theme. There are innocent people in prison at this very moment. My husband was actually falsely accused of a crime when he was a child. He was cleared, but it was a scary experience. Luckily, Miranda’s problem is not that serious, but still it’s a terrible feeling to know that you’re innocent but are not believed.
As I wrote the book, I had my own trouble: trying to decide how Humphrey would clear Miranda’s name. I had lists of possibilities; and for a long time, I resisted what was clearly the only choice: He had to do the right thing, no matter what the consequences. That’s just the kind of hamster he is.
The Payne family has a different kind of trouble in the book, because Mr. Payne is out of work. This isn’t an unusual situation, either. In fact, when I was writing the book, I knew a number of good, hardworking people who were unemployed. I’m happy to say that all of those people are working today—even without Humphrey’s help. Happy endings don’t only come in books.
Let’s hope Humphrey can stay out of trouble … at least until the next book, which is sure to be full of surprises!
TRULY-TRULY-TRULY your friend,
Betty G. Birney
Dr. Melissa Drew is a GREAT-GREAT-GREAT veterinarian who knows lots about taking care of hamsters. See if you’d make a good hamster vet, too, by answering these True-False questions.
1.
If your hamster bites you, you should punish it.
2.
Hamsters are vegetarians and don’t like meat.
3.
Hamsters don’t like to be petted.
4.
Hamsters don’t really like to be around other hamsters.
5.
It’s important to bathe your hamster frequently.
6.
The best way to pick up a hamster is by the back of its neck.
7.
A hamster lies on its back when it wants you to pet it.
8.
Hamster cages should not be put in direct sunlight.
9.
You should cut your hamster’s food into tiny pieces.
10.
Hamsters groom themselves to keep their fur in good shape.
11.
Hamsters like to eat mealworms.
12.
There is nothing hamsters can’t eat.
Turn to
page 181
for Humphrey’s answers to this quiz!
• Hold the hamster in one hand and place your other hand above it to create a comfy pocket. This makes hamsters feel secure.
• Make sure your grip isn’t so strong that you squeeze the hamster. But your grip should be firm enough that the hamster feels secure.
• When you pick up a hamster, do it over a table or soft surface. If you drop it, the hamster will be safe. Many hamsters have been seriously harmed by being dropped to the floor. You don’t want this to happen.
Across
1. Custodian
5. Garth
6. Hamster
8. Teacher
Down
2. School
3. Frog
4. Giggles
6. Raise-Your-Hand
7. Golden
9. Sit-Still
Turn to
page 182
for the answer key!
