How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
In the fall the leaves turn darker and drop off the trees. Sometimes there are big leaf piles on the ground. It's fun to jump around in them. I never saw bright red, yellow, and orange leaves until the day my father took us for a drive in the country. The reason the leaves don't turn bright colors in New York is the air pollution. (4.10)
Here's a side of New York City that we wouldn't usually think about, but Peter's really familiar with the effects of air pollution. The book was published in 1972, before many laws were passed to protect the environment. Cities are cleaner now and maybe Central Park trees now have bright fall colors.
Quote #8
Then the doorbell rang. It was Mrs. Rudder. She lives in the apartment right under us. She wanted to know what was going on. She said it sounded like her ceiling was about to crash in on her any second. (5.65)
One thing about living in an apartment building is that that other people can hear what the Hatchers are up to. That's certainly the case when Fudge has his birthday party and all the kids start jumping around like maniacs. Some apartment buildings have rules about noise, like you have to have carpeting or cushioned floors to decrease the noise for your neighbors.
Quote #9
We decided to make my apartment the meeting place because I'm the only one of the three of us who's got his own bedroom. (7.1)
Because space is limited when you live in an apartment, Peter is lucky to have his own bedroom. Not all apartments in New York are small; it's just super-expensive to live there so most people make do with less space.