The Penderwicks (The Penderwicks, 1)

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This book had the magic of summer to it. That time when the world feels right and life feels easy and the world is waiting to be explored. The sisters were a whole lot of fun to get to know. They sure did give Jeffrey's mother a difficult summer, but maybe she needed that. I see why this is such a popular series. I don't know if I will go on, but I am glad I read this first one. It's a wonderful book in the middle grade genre for kids and anyone young at heart. Skye, 11, an adventurous girl whose blunt, occasionally ill-considered words sometimes get her in trouble; Her son, Jeffery, seems alright, but with a mother like that , just how will the girls have any fun? “Don't kill her now, just when we've gone to all that trouble to rescue her," said Jeffrey.Ahhh. This was truly a cute book. I mean. . . those are all FABULOUS books, and great inspiration, but they were already written, by someone else. I like to see what current authors manifest in their own minds.

Regardless, it looks like I'll be reading ALL of these books, so I might as well make my peace with them. This was a lot of fun, very reminiscent of quirky, family adventure books I read as a child. I would heartily recommend to this age group or anyone who is a child at heart who loves fun. Nonetheless, my daughter loved the story, and, after we finished it, she reminded me that reading can be ADVENTUROUS.

Melissa Patenaude- Skye's archenemy at school. She is the captain of Skye's rival soccer team. She crushes Pearson and is jealous of Skye. But in the end, it seems like that both become friends. This is like a re-imagined 'Little Women' for the modern age. It is different and similar. There are 4 girls with a neighbor boy who have lots of adventures over a summer where they grow up a little. The only downsides were that I didn't feel that this book had quite the same endearing charm and fanciful feeling as the first, and a few of the plot points were pretty predictable. However, I did find my self intrigued by the story and the storytelling. And just as the first book, it is so wonderful to have a story where siblings not only get along, but love each other and help each other, and where parents and children talk to each other like equals and honestly respect and care about each other. Mrs. Tifton is growing increasingly anxious as the Garden Club competition approaches, and she is determined that this will be the year she wins. Rosalind warns her sisters to avoid Arundel and its gardens on the day of the competition, but this sets the stage for disaster. Skye, Jane, and Jeffrey are deeply committed in a soccer game and are giving it their all until the ball ends up in the yard. The children follow in hot pursuit, oblivious to their surroundings until they realize they are not alone. Mrs. Tifton is barely controlled as the girls return to the cottage, but the Garden Club judge is amused and understanding.

Rosemary, this bit's for you. This book pays homage to books of the past. In one scene, Jane calls to characters from books by C.S. Lewis and Edward Eager, and there's a surprise appearance by a character from Sense and Sensibility. But, to be honest, she's given every book we've read recently a five star rating. When I asked her why she was giving everything five stars, she said, “It's just so much fun, to take these adventures.” So does this mean that Batty is Amy? I’m more inclined to link Batty to Beth—both are sweet, quiet pianists who love animals. Batty has little common with Amy, save being the youngest of four sisters and eventually winding up with the Jeffrey/Laurie character. (Also notice the fact that Batty and Beth share an initial.)

Although Jo and Amy have a difficult time getting along throughout the novel, they are the sisters who are most alike. Both are highly independent and determined, and even Amy has some tomboyish aspects to her character. In personality, Beth and Meg are similar as well.