Just as with Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, I was disappointed that this book had clearly been updated for modernity. Despite being published in 1980, this book has Peter Hatcher asking for a laptop computer and an MP3 player for Christmas! The charm of reading well-written books is knowing that they are timelessly relatable, regardless of when they were written, and I would really have preferred to find out what a sixth grade boy growing up in 1980 would have wanted for Christmas.
I was also a little put off by the title of this book - and the two following books in the series as well. Yes, Fudge is probably the most dynamic and memorable member of the Hatcher family, but the book is still written in Peter's voice. The book explores Peter's emotions as the eldest child, and we follow him as he learns to navigate old and new friendships. More than once while reading this book, I thought, "Poor kid! Peter really does get unjustly overlooked by his parents!" His parents expect a lot from him, hardly ever asking how he feels about the changes and responsibilities foisted upon him. I almost feel bad for him because even "his" books are named after Fudge!
Anyway, Peter tells it like is. So much so that one chapter in this book makes it clear that Santa doesn't exist! Isabelle, at age 8, had suspicions about Santa, but I dare say this book actually confirmed them. Since this book is recommended for children ages 7 and up, it's worth noting that a child probably should not read this book - or have it read to them - if they don't already know the truth about Santa.
Also, there is a great deal of talk about "Where do babies come from?" The book brings up the question, but doesn't actually answer it. Isabelle knows a bit, but certainly not all the specific details. I was surprised that she didn't ask more questions after reading this book...I would actually recommend this book for ages 10 and up - or whatever age you think is appropriate for potentially fielding questions about procreation!
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