Fig Pudding facts for kids
First edition, 1995
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| Author | Ralph Fletcher |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Clarion Books |
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Publication date
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1995-04-24 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 144 |
| ISBN | 978-0-395-71125-5 |
| OCLC | 31011230 |
| LC Class | PZ7.F634 Fi 1995 |
Fig Pudding is a wonderful children's novel written by Ralph Fletcher. It was first published in 1995. This book was even recommended as one of the ten best books of 1995 by the American Library Association, which is a big honor for a book!
Contents
A Family's Story: The Plot of Fig Pudding
The story of Fig Pudding follows Cliff, an eleven-year-old boy. He is the oldest of six children in his busy family, who live in a town called Ballingsford.
Christmas Surprises and Challenges
As Christmas gets closer, Cliff's grandmother comes to visit. Then, something worrying happens: Cliff's baby brother, Josh, becomes very sick and has to go to the hospital.
While Josh is getting better in the hospital on Christmas Eve, his family finally figures out what he's been asking Santa Claus for. He keeps saying "yidda yadda," and they realize he wants a small ladder, like the kind you use to climb up to a bunk bed.
The whole family works together to build Josh this special ladder. They deliver it to him on Christmas morning, making his hospital stay a little brighter.
Dealing with Loss and Finding Hope
Later, the family faces a very sad time. Cliff's younger brother, Brad, who is in first grade, has an accident with his bicycle. He is taken to the hospital, but sadly, he cannot be saved. His mother is heartbroken when she hears the news.
Brad is buried in his favorite soccer shirt, which his mother had found and washed. As Brad is laid to rest, Cliff realizes that his brother is truly gone forever.
The next Christmas, the family tries to cope with their sadness by going to a resort. However, the trip doesn't seem to help them feel better.
The Famous Fig Pudding Incident
Their spirits begin to lift during a New Year's party at Aunt Pat's house. As they arrive at the party, something funny and unexpected happens. Josh accidentally steps right into Dad's special fig pudding, which they were bringing to the party!
Dad quickly removes Josh's shoe and smooths down the pudding. He makes all the children promise to keep it a secret. Everyone manages to keep a straight face until Uncle Eddie tries the pudding. He says it's the best ever and asks Dad if he added a new ingredient. That's when the real story of the shoe comes out, and everyone bursts into laughter. This moment helps the family feel closer and happier again.
How the Story is Told
Fig Pudding is written in a way that feels like a series of connected short stories or moments. Each chapter is like a little episode in the family's life. This style helps you see how the family grows and changes through different events.
