Spoiler warning: this post explains the full ending of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. If you have not finished the book, stop here and come back later.
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Quick answer: Peter Hatcher's two-year-old brother Fudge swallows Peter's pet turtle, Dribble, and has to go to the hospital, where the turtle is removed but does not survive. Everyone fusses over Fudge, but Peter's father brings Peter a surprise to make up for it: a puppy, which Peter names Turtle.
Quick facts
– Book: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
– First published: 1972
– Type: A children's novel
– Tone of the ending: Funny and warm
Table of Contents
What Leads Up to the Ending
Nine-year-old Peter lives in a New York apartment with his parents and Fudge, who causes chaos wherever he goes. Fudge wrecks Peter's school project, falls and loses his front teeth, refuses to eat and makes Peter feel like a “fourth grade nothing” whose needs never count.
What Happens at the End of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Peter wins Dribble at a friend's party and loves him. One day Dribble disappears, and Fudge admits he ate him. Fudge goes to the hospital, and everyone worries about him. Peter is heartbroken about Dribble. His parents realize how much he has been overlooked. His father brings home a dog, and Peter names him Turtle.
The Ending in 4 Quick Points
- Fudge swallows Dribble.
- Peter's feelings finally matter.
- Peter gets a dog.
- The family's love is shown.
What Happens to the Main Characters
| Character | What happens to them |
|---|---|
| Peter Hatcher | Gets a dog named Turtle |
| Fudge Hatcher | Recovers in hospital |
| Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher | Notice Peter |
| Dribble | Swallowed by Fudge |
What the Ending Means
The ending shows that older siblings need attention too, and that families can make things right.
Other Ways to Read the Ending
Readers remember the turtle scene as one of the funniest and most shocking moments in children's books. Many older siblings relate to Peter.
Themes the Ending Brings Together
Siblings. Peter and Fudge's rivalry.
Family. The Hatchers love each other.
Fairness. Peter wants to be noticed.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
Most readers describe the ending of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing as funny and warm. How you feel about it usually depends on what you hoped for the characters and what you expected Judy Blume to do with the story, so it is worth asking friends how they felt before you compare notes.
Who Will Like This Ending
Readers who enjoy endings that are funny and warm will find a lot to talk about here. If you prefer every thread tied up neatly, it helps to know in advance how Judy Blume closes the story, which is exactly why many readers look it up. Either way, the final chapters reward a second look once you know where everything is heading, because small details from the middle of the book start to matter. If you are reading with a group, agree beforehand whether everyone has finished, so nobody has the last chapters spoiled.
Book Versus Adaptation
The 1995 TV series Fudge was based on the books about Peter and Fudge.
Discussion Questions About the Ending
If you are reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing with a book club or a friend, these questions work well once everyone has finished:
- Did the ending surprise you, or had you seen it coming from the first chapters?
- What does the final scene say about siblings, and do you agree with Judy Blume's view?
- Which character made the most important choice in the last part of the book, and was it the right one?
- How would the story feel if it had ended one chapter earlier or one chapter later?
- Does the ending leave you hopeful about the characters, or do you worry about what comes next?
- Would you describe the ending as funny and warm, or would you choose a different word?
How to Read the Final Chapters Again
- Compare the opening with the close. Look at how the first chapter introduces siblings and how the ending answers it.
- Track each final choice. The table above shows where every main character ends up, so ask which of those outcomes was earned.
- Notice what Judy Blume leaves unsaid. Gaps in the last pages are often deliberate, and they are where most of the debate about the ending begins.
- Listen for echoes. Images, phrases or settings from earlier in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing often return in the final scene with a new meaning.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Finishing
- Was the ending of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing earned by what came before it, or did it feel sudden?
- Which character's final moment affected you most, and why?
- If you could change one thing about the last chapters, what would it be?
- Did the ending change how you think about the opening pages?
Check price of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing on Amazon
Books to Read After Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
- Superfudge by Judy Blume
- Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary
Related: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume: Summary and Key Takeaways · 15 Books Like Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing?
Peter Hatcher's two-year-old brother Fudge swallows Peter's pet turtle, Dribble, and has to go to the hospital, where the turtle is removed but does not survive. Everyone fusses over Fudge, but Peter's father brings Peter a surprise to make up for it: a puppy, which Peter names Turtle.
Is the ending of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing happy or sad?
Most readers call it funny and warm.
What does the ending of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing mean?
The ending shows that older siblings need attention too, and that families can make things right.
Is the ending of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing the same in the adaptation?
The 1995 TV series Fudge was based on the books about Peter and Fudge.
Who wrote Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and when was it published?
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing was written by Judy Blume and first published in 1972.
Is Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing worth reading if I already know the ending?
Yes, especially if you enjoy children's novels. Knowing the ending can make a first read richer, because you notice how Judy Blume prepares for it from the opening chapters.
Should I read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing before reading the ending explained?
Yes, if you plan to read it, because this post gives away the whole ending.