Judy Blume has become known for so many of her great books for young readers. The ones that always come to mind when I think of Judy Blume are what became known as The Fudge Books. The first book in this series is entitled “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” which introduces Peter Warren Hatcher and his little brother Farley Drexel — otherwise known as Fudge. Nine-year-old Peter’s biggest problem is his three-year-old brother Fudge who causes all kinds of havoc for Peter.
First of all, Peter can not understand why grown-ups think that Fudge is so cute when all he does is cause trouble. Mr. Hatcher is in the advertising business and one of his client’s comes to visit. Mr. Yarby, president of the Juicy-O corporation, brings his wife who thinks that Fudge is the most adorable thing she has ever seen. Well, when Fudge brings Mrs. Yarby Peter’s pet turtle Dribble, wakes everyone with the noisy train that the Yarbys gave him, and cover the Yarbys’ suitcase with trading stamps, not only do they leave but Mr. Hatcher loses the Juicy-O account. When Fudge refuses to eat for a few days, Mr. Hatcher decides to take matters into his own hands. Fudge’s favorite phrase after this incident becomes “eat it or wear it.”
Peter is always having to help his parents convince Fudge to do things. When they take Fudge to the dentist, he refuses to open his mouth. Dr. Brown asks Peter to open his mouth, at which point Fudge begins screaming that he can open his mouth just like “Pee-tah.” Then, when they go shopping for shoes, Fudge refuses to try on his new pair. Only when Mrs. Hatcher convinces Peter to try on a pair of saddle shoes in his size does Fudge want to wear them. Mr. Hatcher takes the boys to work one day when he is filming a television commercial. Will Mr. Hatcher lose this account too or will it be Peter to the rescue once more?
“Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” is perfect for the primary-school-age reader. This book is filled with mess and mayhem. Whether he’s smearing mashed potatoes on the wall at a restaurant or relentlessly bothering his older brother Peter, Fudge will find his way into your heart.
For more information about The Fudge Books, visit JudyBlume.com.
“Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” is available at most major booksellers, including Amazon.