The Penderwicks
Published on 3. May 2007
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-0-440-86730-2 (ISBN)
Description
The Penderwicks: four sisters, as different as chalk from cheese, yet as close as can be.
The eldest, Rosalind, is responsible and practical; Skye, stubborn and feisty; dreamy, artistic, budding novelist, Jane; and shy little Batty, who doesn't go anywhere without her butterfly wings. And not forgetting Hound, their large lumbering lovable dog.
The four girls and their absent-minded father head off for their summer holidays, but instead of the cosy tumbledown cottage they expect, they find themselves on a huge estate called Arundel, with magnificent gardens ripe for exploring. It isn't long before they become embroiled in all sorts of scrapes with new-found friend, Jeffrey - but his mother, the icy-hearted Mrs Tifton, must be avoided at all costs. Chaotic adventures ensue, and it soon becomes a summer the sisters will never forget...
The eldest, Rosalind, is responsible and practical; Skye, stubborn and feisty; dreamy, artistic, budding novelist, Jane; and shy little Batty, who doesn't go anywhere without her butterfly wings. And not forgetting Hound, their large lumbering lovable dog.
The four girls and their absent-minded father head off for their summer holidays, but instead of the cosy tumbledown cottage they expect, they find themselves on a huge estate called Arundel, with magnificent gardens ripe for exploring. It isn't long before they become embroiled in all sorts of scrapes with new-found friend, Jeffrey - but his mother, the icy-hearted Mrs Tifton, must be avoided at all costs. Chaotic adventures ensue, and it soon becomes a summer the sisters will never forget...
Reviews / Votes
A gentle book, with a philosophy of kindness to others and a message that children should confide their troubles to adults, who should always listen * The Sunday Times * Despite a few mishaps, the children become fast friends and partners in the sorts of lively plots and pastoral pastimes we don't read much about these days. Their adventures and near-disasters, innocent crushes, escaped animals, owning-up and growing up (and yes, changes of heart) are satisfying and not-too-sweet * Kirkus Reviews * Birdsall follows in the footsteps of Elizabeth Enright, Edward Eager, and Noel Streatfeild, updating the family story yet keeping all the old-fashioned charm * Booklist * Nicely old-fashioned . . . what makes it so engaging are Birdsall's light humorous style and the varied, vivid characters. Great fun and a cosy, comforting read * Books for Keeps *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Penguin Random House Children's UK
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 7 to 9 years
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 130 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
200 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-440-86730-2 (9780440867302)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Jeanne Birdsall lives in Massachusetts, USA, with her husband, three cats, and a dog called Cagney. The Penderwicks was her first novel, and won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. You can find out more about Jeanne (and her animal friends) at her website: www.jeannebirdsall.com.