Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Judy Blume |
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| Illustrator | Roy Doty |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Fudge series |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Dutton |
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Publication date
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1972 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 120 pp |
| ISBN | 0-525-40720-0 |
| OCLC | 340266 |
| LC Class | PZ7.B6265 Tal |
| Followed by | Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great |
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is a popular children's book by American author Judy Blume. It was first published in 1972. This book is the first in the famous Fudge series. Other books in the series include Superfudge, Fudge-a-Mania, and Double Fudge. Another book, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, also has some of the same characters. However, it focuses mainly on Peter's classmate, Sheila Tubman.
The first versions of the book had drawings by Roy Doty. But books printed after 2002 do not have these pictures.
The story is about a nine-year-old boy named Peter Hatcher. It shows his life with his two-and-a-half-year-old brother, Farley "Fudge" Hatcher. Fudge does not like his real name and always prefers to be called Fudge.
Plot Summary
The book tells the story of 9-year-old Peter Hatcher. He is often annoyed by his younger brother, Farley Drexel "Fudge" Hatcher. Fudge is 2½ years old and often misbehaves. Peter feels that Fudge rarely gets into trouble for his actions.
Peter is especially upset when Fudge bothers his pet turtle, Dribble. Peter won Dribble at his best friend Jimmy Fargo's birthday party. Fudge also throws many temper tantrums. He even refuses to eat food at one point. He also copies Peter's actions, even throwing tantrums if he is told not to. Peter's parents, Warren and Ann, seem to give Fudge a lot of attention. This makes Peter feel angry and frustrated.
Fudge's silly actions continue for months. He breaks his front teeth trying to fly off a jungle gym. He also ruins Peter's school project. Another time, he runs off at a movie theater. One day, Peter comes home to a terrible surprise. Dribble is gone from his bowl. Fudge says he swallowed him. It turns out Fudge was telling the truth. Fudge is rushed to the hospital. Doctors are able to remove Dribble.
Sadly, Dribble does not survive. Peter is very sad about losing his turtle. No one else, especially Fudge, seems to care much. To help Peter feel better, his parents get him a new pet. It is a dog, and Peter names it "Turtle" to remember Dribble.
Main Characters
- Peter Hatcher – Peter is the main character and is 9 years old. He is smart and speaks his mind. The book mostly shows his life with Fudge and his family. Peter often feels that Fudge causes all his problems. He thinks his parents, Warren and Ann, let Fudge get away with everything. Peter believes his own needs are often ignored because of Fudge.
Peter feels his parents show Fudge special treatment, especially his mom. He gets annoyed when Fudge messes with his things or tries to join his activities. But Peter truly loves his brother. He worries when Fudge is in the hospital after swallowing Dribble. Peter is very upset when Dribble dies. He also gets mad when Fudge gets lots of attention and gifts after coming home. But then his dad, Warren, brings home a dog for Peter. This is to thank Peter for being "a good sport" and to help him feel better.
- Farley "Fudge" Hatcher – Fudge is Peter's younger brother. Peter often feels annoyed by him. At the start of the book, Fudge is 2½ years old. He turns 3 in Chapter 5. Fudge is a very loud, demanding, and naughty toddler. He often has big temper tantrums. He has a very active imagination. Other people, like Sheila Tubman, think he is adorable. In the last chapter, he swallows Dribble. He goes to the hospital, but doctors help him get Dribble out without surgery. Peter often sees Fudge as a pest. But Fudge looks up to Peter. Peter eventually realizes how strong their brotherly bond is.
- Ann Hatcher – Ann is Peter and Fudge's mother and Warren's wife. She is a loving mother who cares deeply for her family. She is very protective of Fudge. Her protective nature can sometimes cause problems for Peter. For example, when Fudge jumps off a jungle gym, Ann blames Peter. She scolds him severely and does not listen to his side of the story. She later admits she was too emotional and took it out on Peter. When Fudge ruined Peter's school project, Ann spanked him. This surprised Peter, who thought Fudge could do no wrong. But Ann said Fudge should have known better.
- Warren Hatcher – Warren is Peter and Fudge's father and Ann's husband. He works at an advertising agency. His clients include Juicy-O, a fruit drink the family dislikes, and Toddle Bike, a toy tricycle company. Fudge even stars in a commercial for Toddle Bike. Warren is a loving father who wants the best for his family. He is stricter with Peter and Fudge than Ann is, especially with Fudge. For example, when Fudge refused to eat, Warren made a rule. He said if Fudge did not eat his food like a human, he would wear it. Warren is not good at cooking or cleaning. Once, he made a terrible dinner. Fudge then used Warren's "eat it or wear it" rule against him!
- Dribble – Dribble was Peter's pet turtle. Peter won him at Jimmy Fargo's birthday party. Dribble seemed to always be annoyed by Fudge. This led Fudge to swallow him. After Dribble's death, Warren gives Peter a dog. Peter names the dog Turtle, to remember Dribble.
- Sheila Tubman – Sheila is a classmate of Peter and Jimmy. She lives in the same apartment building as the Hatchers. Peter finds her annoying. He thinks she is bossy and acts like a know-it-all. She takes charge of a school project that she, Peter, and Jimmy work on. Even though it was stressful, they earn an "A" for their hard work. Sheila sometimes helps babysit Fudge. She says she learned about babysitting from her older sister, Libby.
- Jimmy Fargo – Jimmy is Peter's best friend. Peter won Dribble at Jimmy's birthday party. Peter and Jimmy have a special rock collection in the park. They both dislike Sheila. But they have to work together on a school project.
Chapter Guide
- Chapter 1: The Big Winner
- Peter wins his pet turtle, Dribble, at his friend Jimmy Fargo's birthday party. He proudly shows Dribble to everyone.
- Chapter 2: Mr. and Mrs. Juicy O
- Warren's boss, Mr. Yarby, and his wife stay with the Hatchers. Fudge misbehaves a lot during their visit.
- Chapter 3: The Family Dog
- Fudge stops eating his food. Everyone tries to find ways to make him eat again.
- Chapter 4: My Brother The Bird
- Peter, Jimmy, and Sheila take Fudge to the park. Fudge jumps off the jungle gym, thinking he can fly, and knocks out his two front teeth.
- Chapter 5: The Birthday Bash
- Fudge has his third birthday party. It turns out to be a lot of work for Peter.
- Chapter 6: Fang Hits Town
- Fudge misbehaves when he, Peter, and Ann spend a Saturday together.
- Chapter 7: The Flying Train Committee
- Peter, Jimmy, and Sheila work together on a school project about Transportation.
- Chapter 8: The T.V. Star
- Fudge is chosen to ride the Toddle Bike in a television commercial.
- Chapter 9: Just Another Rainy Day
- Peter, Fudge, and Warren go to the movie theater. Fudge goes missing during the movie.
- Chapter 10: Dribble!
- Fudge swallows Peter's pet turtle, Dribble. At the end, Peter gets a new dog and names him Turtle to remember Dribble.
