“Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” - Judy Blume

 (Fudge book 1)

🐢 Another childhood classic that’s still being read in 2nd grade classrooms today! Back in September, we left the Quimby family in suburban Oregon, and took off to a NYC high rise and met the Hatchers.

🐢 Like Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume is an author uniquely gifted at capturing a child’s POV without being saccharine or condescending. I think this is what makes these authors fun for children and their parents to read together!

🐢 My rule follower Sanjay was mystified that 4th grader Peter was allowed to go to Central Park alone with only a warning about strangers and muggings. And later Peter and his friends Jimmy and Sheila were left there briefly by Mrs. Hatcher with Fudge while she returned to the apartment. His mind was blown. At the predictable, ensuing catastrophe, he only shook his head in astonishment as if to ask had Mrs. H never met Fudge before?

🐢 We all agreed that Fudge is one demented toddler, and none of us could cope. Peter had all of our sympathies. He is easily the most put upon protagonist.