Herby's Secret Formula

By Sue C. Hughey`

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0981453953
• ISBN13: 9780981453958
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: Associated Arts Publisher
• Length: 221 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 5.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Boy scout knowledge helps

It was a good thing that Herby was a boy scout! The knowledge he gained in scouts helped him survive his amazing adventures. This story has so many wonderful illustrations and imaginative action, my son was riveted! He's been a scout since the age of 7, and is now 16. Still, he enjoyed reading about Herby's adventures in miniture. Take it from a Star Scout; join boyscouts and be prepared because you never know when an expirment might go wrong!

a great classroom read-aloud and inspiration for outdoor activities

I teach fourth grade in Boulder, CO and I used "Herby's Secret Formula" as a read-aloud story in my classroom a few months ago. My 25 students loved the book's mix of adventure and science fiction. Early in the book's progression, Herby shrinks himself and becomes about seven inches tall. The bulk of the novel's action centers around Herby using his skill and ingenuity to overcome a variety of challenges posed by his size. At one point in Herby's adventures, he builds a boat out of discarded soda cans and sails across a lake. After we finished the story, my class decided to design our own "Can-do" boats similar to Herby's craft. We walked to a local lake, built our boats, and put them to the test on a windy day. The kids had a wonderful time with the project, and several students were able to create boats that sailed a considerable distance. In addition, the book's descriptions of nature, camping, and wildlife had particular appeal to the kids who love outdoor activities. "Herby's Secret Formula" was accessible to both boys and girls in my classroom, and Herby's character models the positive character traits of hard work, intelligence, and perseverance. It will appeal to most 8 to 12 year olds, and is a fine book for use in school or at home.

Imaginative and educational adventure!

Young readers with a sense of adventure will quickly be caught up in this well written and wonderfully illustrated story of 11-year-old Herby Strange - budding scientist, Boy Scout, and a relatively normal kid until he accidentally shrinks himself. Despite his best efforts, Herby encounters one unfortunate and entertaining predicament after another, which he faces with admirable resourcefulness and determination. A convincing portrayal of the world from the perspective of a 6" tall boy captures the imagination and makes Herby's adventures come to life. The story and characters also depict the important virtues of respect for others (including animals!), responsibility, friendship, family, and loyalty.

Herby's secret formula

Five stars for this great young adult title with lots of action to keep the pages turning. Herby is a precocious young boy who develops a formula that shrinks his goldfish, but when Herby accidentally shrinks himself, he has many exciting adventures out in the big world as a teeny tiny person. Every time he gets into a scrape, his ingenuity and his Boy Scout training save the day. The author's clean pen & ink illustrations enhance the humor, tension, and adventure. A great read for boys especially.