Humphrey the hamster, class pet and protagonist of Birney's enjoyable fiction series, here serves as guide and commentator in this nonfiction title introducing potential pets, from familiar cats, dogs, fish, and rodents to the more exotic snakes and frogs. Birney discusses characteristics, habits, feeding, care, and health. Accompanying animal-themed activities, such as word searches, puzzles, and jokes, keep the approach peppy and interactive, as does Humphrey, who pops up throughout, offering wry asides in word bubbles. The "Humphrey's Amazing Pets" section anecdotally relates humorous or inspirational stories of real-life animals. Though the overall tone is upbeat, serious topics, like dealing with a pet's death, are supportively handled. While the information is not formally attributed and the references to Humphrey stories may not resonate with those unfamiliar with the series, this is a solid introduction that advocates being informed and weighing decisions carefully before making a commitment that has many responsibilities d rewards.