Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Toddler antics bug brother, amuse readers in 1st Fudge book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Parents say that while some find this book to be a humorous take on childhood sibling dynamics, numerous reviews highlight its politically incorrect content, negative portrayals of family relationships, and instances of inappropriate behavior. Many express concern over the outdated themes, inappropriate scenes involving violence, and problematic character interactions that may not resonate positively with today’s values, particularly for children with younger siblings.
- politically incorrect content
- negative character portrayals
- outdated themes
- inappropriate scenes
- sibling dynamics
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 10 kid reviews
What's the Story?
The first book in Judy Blume's "Fudge" series, TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING, takes place over several months in the lives of the Hatcher family: Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher and their sons Peter (age 10) and Farley Drexel (age 3), whose nickname is Fudge. Told from Peter's point of view, the book is a series of anecdotes involving Fudge's always funny, sometimes enfuriating 3-year-old antics. Fudge throws tantrums, refuses to eat, defies his parents, messes up his brother's stuff, and generally causes a lot of mischief for such a small person. Peter, meanwhile, is often placed in embarrassing situations because his parents need his help to wrangle their adorable, impossible 3-year-old.
Is It Any Good?
Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing will entertain middle-grade readers, especially those who have little brothers or sisters. Blume portrays Fudge in a way that's exaggerated enough to be laugh-out-loud funny but realistic enough to ring true with anyone who's ever tried to reason with a 3-year-old. The Fudge books showcase Blume's wonderful way of creating honest situations and characters that don't skirt family problems but still maintain a humorous, light tone overall.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sibling relationships. What sorts of things do you argue about with your sibling(s)? What do you like best about your brother or sister?
Why do you think Peter often feels his mother doesn't care as much about him as she does about Fudge? Do you think Peter's parents are unfair to him?
In Peter and Fudge's family, mom does all the cooking and child raising, and dad earns the money. How is the Hatcher family like or different from your family?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Group
- Publication date : April 28, 1972
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 11
- Number of pages : 128
- Last updated : March 24, 2026
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