Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

Peter enjoys playing in Central Park, and he is allowed to do so as long as he is not alone. This rule was enacted after Jimmy Fargo and Mr. Hatcher were both mugged several times. Fudge enjoys riding his Toddle-Bike through Central Park on Sundays, when no vehicles are allowed in the area.

Jimmy Fargo and Peter plan to spend an afternoon playing on a special group of rocks where they “play secret agent” (32). They are horrified to find their neighbor and classmate, Sheila, awaiting their arrival. Sheila teases Peter constantly and accuses him of having “cooties” (31). The boys ask her to leave, but she refuses.

Fudge runs down the path after a bird, and his exhausted mother tries to catch him. Sheila begs Mrs. Hatcher to allow her to watch Fudge. Realizing that she must return home to turn on the oven, Mrs. Hatcher agrees to allow Sheila to watch Fudge for 10 minutes; however, she insists that Peter and Jimmy help her. It is agreed that the group will bring Fudge to the playground. Upon their arrival, Sheila creates a distraction by teasing Peter about cooties again. Concurrently, Fudge climbs to the top of the jungle gym and falls to the ground.