Fantastic Children's story

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	• The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (Penderwicks ... Jeanne Birdsall Yearling, 2007 - 272 pages average customer review:based on 95 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Great Summer Reading

The Penderwick sisters exhibit a maturity in their speech and behavior that comes across as uncommon today; however, it is within the confines of their respective characters. Their parents are well-educated, non-television types who reared their children with wide boundaries for exploration...which is exactly what drives the plot and brings them to their respective bruises (literal or figurative as the case may be). The omniscient narrator does shift point of view, typically to the eldest child present, and reminded me of a mother who knows her children well (or perhaps an adult, who was a highly observant child, compiling the family's best stories). It was evident to me why this particular summer story had to be told - it held meaning for each of the main characters and prompted change in believable (though not enormous) ways. Jeanne Birdsall's debut novel held my interest. Her literary agent encouraged her to undo an 18-month revision to return to the original story. That's terrific professional teamwork; and the kind of courage the Penderwicks (especially Jane!) would cheer.

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Fantastic Children's story

My mother recommended this book to me after she read it in a discussion group with fellow librarians. Out of all the books that the group read, this one was their favorite and when I finished it, I understood why. Jeanne Birdsall has a gift for capturing the unique dynamics of a family comprised of one scholarly father who is confused about how to raise four daughters, four daughters who must cope with one another as well as the situation presented to them, and even a dog who may not have a strong stomach when it comes to what he eats but will stand bravely by the youngest sister in all her perils. Ms. Birdsall masterfully handles a wide variety of characters without allowing one or two to completely drive the narrative. It is rare to find an author these days who trully knows how to use the third person omniscent point of view.

This book is for anyone who remembers those lazy days of summer that you spent in your childhood playing make believe with your family while meeting new friends along the way. For those of you who can't recall having this experience, read the book anyway. Ms. Birdsall will make you feel like you're there with the girls having the same experience.

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A Classic Family Story

Ms. Birdsall obviously loved the same books I did when she was growing up. If you love the books of E. Nesbit and Elizabeth Enright, Jeanne Birdsall is writing for you. I hope she gives us many more adventures of the Penderwicks.

A Great Book!

I thought this was a great book beacause I could really picture it in my mind. It's about four girls and they have nothing to do during the summer then they decide to stay at a cottage. They have lots of fun at their summer cottage. I would tell all my friends to read this book.

Good Book

Do you have a favorite vacation spot? The Penderwick family does now. Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty along with their dog, Hound and their Dad rent a small cottage on an enormous estate. They soon find out that a boy named Jefferey lived in the mansion, with his mother Miss Tifton. Miss Tifton is a little strict and mean. She's very proud of her award winning gardens who are cared for by a sixteen year old named Cagney. Rosalind, twelve, happens to have a secret crush on him. The smallest of the Penderwick children, loves animals, and everyday she goes to visit Cagney's rabbits along with Rosalind. This gives Rosalind a perfect chance to see Cagney. Anyway, everyday Skye, Jane, and Jefferey have a "soccer practice." Which is basically a while of harsh soccer games that get them dirty and sweaty. Mr. Penderwick, loves plants and is usually out in the gardens with Cagney, learning and teaching. Well, the girls and Jefferey get into lots of trouble, to the dismay of Miss Tifton. Miss Tifton believes that Jefferey should follow in his Grandfather's footsteps and become an army General. Jefferey has no intention of going to military school, and his dream is to become a great musiscian and someday direct an orchestra. Unfortunately, Miss Tifton with the help of her boyfriend Dexter, decide to send him to military school one year early. The Penderwicks and Jefferey must convince Miss Tifton and the dreaded Dexter to let him stay at home in Arundel, instead of going to military school. This book was a great relaxing book to read, and should be read by anyone.

This book was a little depressing. The kids were constantly getting into trouble with Miss Tifton. On the day of the Garden Competition, they kick a soccer ball into the garden right in front of the judges and Miss Tifton. And one day, Skye eavesdrops on Miss Tifton talking to Jefferey, bad talking her family, so she stomps in there and yells at her. Jefferey's birthday party was also depressing. He got golf clubs, even though he absolutely hated golf, and only Dexter and the Penderwicks were invited.

This book was interesting. Jane was an author. She wrote Sabrina Starr books, where the main character, Sabrina, would rescue people and things. While in Arundel, she writes one that's titled "Sabrina Starr rescues a boy," based on Jefferey. Jane's little sister Batty loves their dog Hound. She tells him everything at night or any other time. They play games like Astronaunts, or other funny things. He also allways sides with her by barking whenever she looks over at him while she's saying something.

Lastly, this book is very surprising. One day, Jane, Skye, Jefferey, and Batty go for a walk, to a bull's field. Unknown to the other's Batty sneaks in and sits down. The bull charges, but just in time, Jefferey and Skye snatch her up and escape. Also, in the end, the morning they leave, the mansion's cook runs in front of the car, to stop them before they leave the driveway. A minute later, Jefferey runs up to them to tell them that he's not going to military school, he's going to a music academy!

This book was easy to read and anyone could read it.

-A. Lindemann

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reviews: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, page 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

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