Letter Blocks

[#1]

I’ve been on a Judy Blume kick lately. I just love her writing style and, more so, her subject matter. She writes about characters and situations that the reader can relate to. Since I focus my attention more on the reluctant readers, I decided to delve into the world of Fudge, a fun five-book series that your child will likely enjoy. For any of you who have not experienced the Fudge series, it starts with the book Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, which happens to be my favorite.

In Tales, we see things from big brother Peter’s point of view—and life isn’t easy when you’re big brother to Fudge, a two year old pain in the butt who's always making lots of noise, never leaves Peter alone, and never gets into trouble when he does something wrong. All Peter wants is a room that Fudge can’t get into and a life that Fudge isn't ruining. But Fudge is no ordinary little brother: he’s a pint-size bag of explosives and his two-year-old mind and body do not match his daredevil spirit. He’s

like the Tasmanian devil and poor Peter is constantly in his destructive path. 

Blume does a really good job at representing and understanding the frustrations of Peter as an older brother. Most of Fudge’s antics happen in Peter’s room, a place that should be Peter’s only. Fudge cuts his hair with scissors Peter was using for a school project; he draws all over the project; and he swallowed Peter’s best friend—his turtle, Dribble! All very good reasons for Peter to be angry. But after all the tough times he has with his little brother, we learn that Fudge really just wants to be just like “Petah.” There are many times when Peter has to help his parents with Fudge by pretending to like something, just so Fudge will like it too. And Peter understands, and even kind of enjoys, the fact that Fudge idolizes him (one of the perks of being an older sibling). And Peter does get what he needs by the end of this book: a lock on his door that only he and his parents can reach and a new pet. 

Fudge is only two years old in this book, so his antics are the most childish, funny, and frustrating to his older brother—and hilarious for the reader, but it isn’t the end for Fudge. His acts get more hysterical and savvy in the rest of the series as he gets older. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is a perfect book to introduce readers to great characters and funny, relatable situations that will extend into four more books: Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, Superfudge, Fudge-a-Mania, and Double Fudge. Happy Reading. 

[#2]

Easily a series that should always be in the top ten of childrens books. Now you've got me missing them, (sigh) time for a reread.