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Hot Fudge Hero
Bertie learns through trial and error that making friends, playing the saxophone, and getting a strike at the bowling alley take hard work, patience, and time.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
31 people want to read
About the author
Pat Brisson
35 books17 followersI have been writing picture books and easy-to-read chapter books for the last twenty years. My first YA, The Best and Hardest Thing, a novel in verse, will be coming out in May 2010.
I am a former elementary school teacher, school librarian and reference librarian in a public library. I now write full-time and do author visits to schools.
My husband and I have four grown sons. We live in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Our last name has a short "i" sound and rhymes with "listen".
I am a former elementary school teacher, school librarian and reference librarian in a public library. I now write full-time and do author visits to schools.
My husband and I have four grown sons. We live in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Our last name has a short "i" sound and rhymes with "listen".
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 29, 2020
All three stories are wonderful, but I especially like all the details in the first, a true 'inter-generational friendship' treasure.
To make a new friend in five steps:
1. Be friendly; say hello.
2. Say something nice to your friend. Make sure you mean it.
3. Ask your new friend some questions. Find out what he thinks about things.
4. Be polite and kind to your new friend. Ask him if there is some way you can help him.
5. Invite your friend to do something with you. Have fun!
To make a new friend in five steps:
1. Be friendly; say hello.
2. Say something nice to your friend. Make sure you mean it.
3. Ask your new friend some questions. Find out what he thinks about things.
4. Be polite and kind to your new friend. Ask him if there is some way you can help him.
5. Invite your friend to do something with you. Have fun!
March 23, 2022
Several stories in this one and all have a connection to hot fudge. We enjoyed this as a read aloud.
May 10, 2015
Personal Reaction: This is such a cute transitional book. I love how in the first story Bertie comes up with ideas on how to get Mr. Muckleberg and his mean dog to like him. He even reads books on friendship. I think we could all learn from Bertie, and I'd love to get an ice cream sundae in the end as well haha!
Read Aloud: This would be a good read aloud for first through third grade. I think that they would really appreciate this book and find it funny. It is 80 pages long and you would most likely want to split it into three days since it is so long. This chapter book is a transitional read and I think it would go along with a great creative writing piece. Since the main character in each story always gets an ice cream sundae, you could have the kids write their own silly story and reward the main character with a fun treat for doing something polite. This would be a fun creative writing activity.
Independent Read: This is a transitional book, but it is a little on the longer side. I think this would be good for a second or third grader. However, I think it would be harder for a second grader and a little easier for the third grader. This book deals with three stories in one so it would be easier for an older child to follow. I think that this book would be god for someone who enjoys humor books, because Bertie cracks me up!
For Narrative: This would be a good book for Characterization. You could first teach your students all about characterization and then watch the main character throughout each of the stories and see how he changes not only over the course of each story, but over the course of the entire book.
Read Aloud: This would be a good read aloud for first through third grade. I think that they would really appreciate this book and find it funny. It is 80 pages long and you would most likely want to split it into three days since it is so long. This chapter book is a transitional read and I think it would go along with a great creative writing piece. Since the main character in each story always gets an ice cream sundae, you could have the kids write their own silly story and reward the main character with a fun treat for doing something polite. This would be a fun creative writing activity.
Independent Read: This is a transitional book, but it is a little on the longer side. I think this would be good for a second or third grader. However, I think it would be harder for a second grader and a little easier for the third grader. This book deals with three stories in one so it would be easier for an older child to follow. I think that this book would be god for someone who enjoys humor books, because Bertie cracks me up!
For Narrative: This would be a good book for Characterization. You could first teach your students all about characterization and then watch the main character throughout each of the stories and see how he changes not only over the course of each story, but over the course of the entire book.
August 15, 2017
This is one of those buried, unknowns that I happened to stumble upon - and it's now a favorite! It has three incredibly likable stories. There aren't many pictures, but what it lacks on that front, it makes up for in the witty plots. Particularly the first, where Bertie's ball goes into the neighbor's yard and he decides to read "How to Make Friends in Five Easy Steps" to try to get it back. Cute and funny!
Reading Level: 1st - 3rd grades
Cleanliness: The word "Darn!" is used. There is a story with a magic hat that helps a boy play better music. A boy starts complaining but his mother says to stop. The word "dumb" is used.
Reading Level: 1st - 3rd grades
Cleanliness: The word "Darn!" is used. There is a story with a magic hat that helps a boy play better music. A boy starts complaining but his mother says to stop. The word "dumb" is used.
April 29, 2011
Who doesnt love Bertie? I found this book fun for students. Inside there are three entertaining stories for children. I practiced reading it with a group of 2nd and third graders and they seemed to enjoy it.
July 3, 2018
Dexter (9yo) read.
September 1, 2018
Alice: 5 stars.
Jenny: 5 stars. Cute short stories about a boy named Bertie. Very sweet, easy read.
Jenny: 5 stars. Cute short stories about a boy named Bertie. Very sweet, easy read.
May 15, 2012
There is lots of humor and accomplishment is this three chapter early reader. Bertie retrieves his ball from mean old man Muckleberg, learns to play the saxiphone and achieves a life long dream of bowling a strike. After each success he also enjoys a hot fudge sundae. A fine, goal oriented early reader that encourages children to overcome impediments. Colloquial language, repetition, and some fanciful episodes frame the stories which showcase friendship and determination.
September 30, 2008
o yeah. i read this. im so cool.
January 26, 2014
Simple short stories great for transitional readers about a young boy who will do most anything for a hot fudge sundae--make friends, learn saxophone, and bowl a strike.
February 3, 2016
Cute enough but I don't think anyone will remember it. But a lovely reading level for first and second graders!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews