Friend or Fiend? With the Pain & the Great One

Jake (aka The Pain), a first grader and his sister, 3rd grader Abigail (aka The Great One), share vignettes in alternating chapters about life and living in their school and at home. Though they are indeed sibling rivals, each child is fiercely loyal to the other and confronts familiar school problems as a duo with verve and humor.

When the Hatchers visit Washington D.C. so that money-obsessed Fudge can see where it is printed, they run into distant cousins who then invite themselves to stay with their relatives in New York City. Chaos ensues when the families share close quarters, all creating lots of laughs for readers.

Andrew really wants to have freckles like his friend Nicky so badly that he buys a fake formula from his class enemy, Sharon. The results are unexpected and funny — presented with a keen eye for real children and their desires.

Children will recognize themselves and everyday problems in these two modern classics.

Now not only does Peter’s little brother, Fudge, decide he loves Peter’s sworn enemy, Sheila Tubman, his parents rent a vacation home with them! There, a grandparent from each family meets, fall in love, and decide to marry — making Sheila and Peter relatives. Rip-roaring humor abounds in this rollicking continuing family saga.

What happens to a city kid who spends the summer in the country? Sheila Tubman (aka as Peter Hatcher’s nemesis) finds out as she confronts her fears ranging from dogs to swimming. Snappy dialog and recognizable characters come to life through Sheila’s narration.

In a shorter form, Jake and Abigail (better known as the Pain and the Great One) are introduced. As with other stories, each views the other as best loved in the family but share an abiding loyalty for the other. Anyone with a sibling will appreciate this gently humorous tale.

Peter is now 12 and still tormented by younger brother, Fudge. And then he learns that his parents want to leave New York City for some time in the country — and a new baby in the family. One Fudge is bad enough, but how will Peter cope with yet another? Humor abounds in this recognizable tale.

Meet the Hatchers through the voice of Peter, the oldest of son, tormented (as all siblings are) by his younger and perennially “cute” brother, Farley (better known as Fudge). Their life in an apartment in New York City sparkles with humor and plausible family scenes in this first of the stories of Peter, his family, and ultimately his neighbors.

It’s tough being the middle child, between an older brother and younger sister. Second grade Freddy says he sometimes feels squeezed like the peanut butter part of a sandwich but happily, he establishes himself as special nonetheless. Memorable characters and recognizable situations make this book both satisfying and appealing.