Imagination According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney Page B

notebook and read my story by the light of the streetlamp outside the window.
    I was a little nervous about reading it. What if I didn’t like it ? Would I have to start all over again ?
    Luckily, the story sounded pretty good to me.
    So I opened my lock-that-doesn’t-lock and hurried over to Og’s tank. “Would you like to hear my story ? ” I asked.
    â€œBOING-BOING!” Og definitely sounded interested.
    And so I began to read.
    I’ll never forget the day I became the first hamster airline pilot ever! I started my own company, called Flying Hamster Airlines, so I could fly my human friends anywhere they wanted to go.
    First, I took Do-It-Now-Daniel to the home of his favorite author, D. D. Denby. I wished I could stay and get some writing tips, but it was time to take Felipe to the theme park. Then I flew my friend Helpful-Holly to Phoebe’s house. Holly helps so many people, I was happy to help her, too.
    Next, my zippy plane took Joey to the town where his dad lives. He was glad to get to spend extra time with his dad. But instead of staying in town, Joey and his dad decided to fly along with me.
    We whizzed over to Europe so Simon could eat Italian food. I even had a tiny bit of real Italian pizza. Yum! Then I stopped in Paris to take Kelsey to see a ballet. The dancers were so graceful, they practically flew through the air, just like my plane!
    I would have stayed in Paris, but I had to fly to Africa. First, I took Rosie to see the pyramids in Egypt. The Sphinx was larger and fiercer than I’d imagined. Then I took Joey and his dad to another part of Africa, where we saw large and colorful creatures. The trumpeting of the elephants and the roars of the lions were sounds I’ll never forget. The zebras looked like someone had taken a brush to paint them black and white. I loved the giraffes and their long necks. They were so tall, I could hardly see their heads.
    Next, I flew Sophie to the Island of the Parrots. It was a noisy place, but Sophie loved talking to the birds and they loved her! I wish she could understand my squeaks the way she understands the parrots.
    I dropped Cassie off on a quiet beach where she could watch the waves breaking all day long.
    I saved the best part of the trip for last. I flew Mrs. Brisbane and her husband to Tokyo. When they surprised their son, Jason, the look on Mrs. Brisbane’s face made me HAPPY-HAPPY-HAPPY.
    I have lots more plans for Flying Hamster Airlines. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll fly you to a special place, too!
    Og was silent after I finished.
    Then he leaped up in his cage and said, “BOING-BOING-BOING-BOING,” before diving into the water side of his tank.
    I think he really liked it!
    And I really liked reading it to him, because stories are meant to be shared.
    â€œI think maybe Gigi would like it, too,” I said. “But she might be asleep by now.”
    Og splashed loudly.
    â€œIt
could
be a bedtime story,” I said.
    Clenching the notebook between my teeth, I slid down the table leg and headed toward Room 12.
    Gigi wasn’t sound asleep yet. When I asked if she’d like to hear my story, she squealed with happiness.
    She squealed even more when I finished. “How did you learn to read and write ? ” she asked.
    â€œI paid attention in class,” I said. “You should try it, too.”
    â€œI will!” Gigi said.
    Then, as I headed back to Room 26, something amazing happened.
    My imagination went to work and I thought of a brand-new idea! I couldn’t wait to write it in my notebook.
    And that’s the BEST-BEST-BEST feeling in the world!
    MY WRITER’S RAMBLINGS When I began my story,
I felt a little fright.
But now that I have finished,
I really love to write!

Humphrey’s Top Ten
Tips for Writers

    1. Keep a writer’s notebook to jot down your ideas or you might forget them! You don’t have to keep yours hidden, the way I do. It’s good to have it