Try saying that five times fast!
Sweet starry-eyed slice of summer, sweetstarry-slice of summer, stweet sorry-slice…
Oh, nevermind. Let’s stwitch, I mean switch gears and talk about the Penderwicks!
The four Penderwick sisters and their absent-minded Father arrive at Arundel, a grand estate, where they have rented out the adjoining cottage for their summer vacation. The sisters find the mistress of Arundel cold and unwelcoming, but she is not their only discovery. They find magnificent gardens, two rabbits, the dreamy 17-year-old caretaker, and a mysterious boy facing a bleak future.
This National Book Award Winner is called “a summer tale” for good reason, as it pulls off the feel of rumble-tumble days and starry nights. We get to follow each very unique sister as she goes on her own adventure, but despite the different plot lines, Birdsall highlights the sisters’ connection and care for one another.
For me, the book started a bit slow as we traveled with the Penderwicks to Arundel. Keeping track of the different sisters was a bit confusing at first, too, but by the end of chapter three I was hooked! I had to know what was going to happen to Jeffrey (the “Very Interesting Boy”).
Overall, the story was family-friendly. The oldest sister (12-years-old) did have a crush on the 17-year-old caretaker, although it was innocent and obviously never going to happen. This book also felt like a “girl” book to me because of the crush plot and the four female protagonists. Because of that, I’m not sure my son would want to read this (although the Very Interesting Boy was beset by the Penderwick sisters, so maybe, having sisters himself, my son could relate). My 12-year-old daughter did read this book and enjoyed it.
Bottom Line: The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall is a sweet story of family, making mistakes, and taking care of one another. Great for 10-12-year-olds who are looking for a summer read!