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Cover of Fudge-a-mania

Fudge-a-mania

300 pages

A hilarious, sun-drenched plunge into the inescapable chaos of a shared family summer vacation.

What it feels like

Reading this book feels like stepping into the ultimate chaotic summer vacation, where every day brings a new, hilarious disaster. The narrative moves at a brisk, breezy clip, driven by the highly relatable, eye-rolling exasperation of its pre-teen narrator. It perfectly captures the specific agony of forced family fun and the inescapable orbit of a mischievous younger sibling. The mood is sun-warmed and lighthearted, balancing laugh-out-loud antics with a subtle, underlying warmth that creeps up on you. The conversational prose makes it incredibly easy to devour, inviting readers to share in the inside jokes and everyday absurdities. It is a delightful, nostalgic escape for anyone who has ever survived a family road trip or a shared summer rental, offering a comforting reminder that even the most annoying people can eventually feel like family.

Mood
  • chaotic
  • summery
  • lighthearted
  • nostalgic
Tone
  • exasperated
  • humorous
  • warm
  • wry
  • playful
Pace
brisk
Themes
sibling rivalry · forced family fun · summer vacation chaos · unexpected alliances · growing up
The writing
Conversational and snappy, perfectly capturing the authentic, eye-rolling voice of a frustrated pre-teen.
The arc
Begins with the dread of a ruined summer and softens into a begrudging, warm-hearted acceptance of family chaos.
Who it's for
Readers who love relatable family comedy, mischievous younger siblings, and highly exasperated narrators.
Content notes
  • sibling conflict

About the book

Fans young and old will laugh out loud at the irrepressible wit of peter Hatcher, the hilarious antics of mischievous Fudge, and the unbreakable confidence of know-it-all sheila tubman in Judy blume?s five Fudge books. brand-new covers adorn these perennial favorites, and will entice a whole new generation of Fudge?and Judy blume?fans.

From Publishers Weekly

There's no doubt about it--Fudge Hatcher is a sweet little guy, and fans of Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Superfudge will cheer his return. Here the five-year-old extrovert continues to annoy his older brother, narrator Peter, whose gruff demeanor hides a very big heart. Blume's latest fast-pitched, funny novel further develops the relationship between these two endearing brothers as the Hatchers and their New York City neighbors, the Tubmans, share a house in Maine for a three-week vacation. Sheila Tubman, Peter's nemesis in Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, returns in fine form, appearing for breakfast each morning in her fuzzy pink robe and bunny slippers--just one of Sheila's many habits driving Peter crazy and inspiring numerous diverting scenes. In fact, the colorful antics of all members of the two families--as well as a handful of the locals they meet--make reading these pages a treat. Ages 8-12. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5-- The Tubmans and the Hatchers return in this latest chronicle of the hilarious escapades of Fudge, Pete, and Tootsie Hatcher and Sheila "Queen of Cooties" Tubman. Their parents decide to spend their summer vacation in the woods of Maine right next door to each other--but "next door" turns out to be in the same house. Fast-paced mayhem becomes the order of the day as children, adults (including Grandma Hatcher and Grandpa Tubman), and assorted pets find themselves in daily (hourly?) predicaments. Not to be outdone in the madcap pace, Grandma and Grandpa announce their intention to be married. The story concludes with the solemn pact between Pete and Sheila that even though they'll be related, they will always hate each other. The story is filled with humor, and the upbeat mood is sustained at a hectic pace from first page to last. The uncomplicated plot is developed smoothly with just the right doses of surprise and laughter to keep readers turning the pages. Characters are credible, and never lose their identities. Be forewarned--fun between the covers of the bright red dust jacket means multiple copies for purchase. --Mary Lou Budd, Milford South Elementary School, OH Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Description from Open Library.

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