Humphrey's treasure hunt trouble by Betty G. Birney, illustrated by Priscilla Burris

This is the sixth and latest installment in Humphrey's Tiny Tales series, a younger version of the popular series "The world according to Humphrey." It features Humphrey the school hamster on little adventures with friends from school. Humphrey is quite eager to participate in everything, but sometimes disappointed that the kids can't understand his squeaks.

On this adventure, Humphrey has an important mission. He and the classroom frog have gone home with Garth (and his little brother Andy). Garth is making a treasure hunt for his classmates and he gives Humphrey the most important job of all - guarding the treasure chest that holds the prize! Humphrey does a good job, not taking even one peek, but in the middle of the night a thief takes the treasure chest! Can Humphrey solve the mystery and find a new treasure, or will the hunt be spoiled?

Burris light illustrations add interest and humor to the story, keeping beginning chapter readers going through the text. There's a larger font and more white space on the pages as well. This is one of the series that I think works well with a younger chapter book audience; even if they're not familiar with the longer Humphrey books, they can pick up the storylines with no problem and a class pet is always a popular character. I would like to compare the books and see how many of them feature diverse kids as opposed to them being the friends of the white kids who are featured, but I haven't had time to check each book.

Verdict: I have fans of both Humphrey series and this is a solid addition. Recommended.

ISBN: 9780399172311; Published 2017 by G. P. Putnam's Sons; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library