I also read the Fudge series, aka Farley Drexel Hatcher, by Judy Blume to my twins, Kate and Sara. Here are a list of the characters. I enjoyed it - very observant, not Tom Wolfe social novels but plenty of fun and kid realism to propel it along. No wizards, magic or fantastical beasts in sight. Leave it to the dogs in Call of the Wild to convey those kinds of forces in the world.
