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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
2024 reread: I'm really enjoying revisiting this series with my girls (9, 8, and 6). My girls liked this one, but I don't think quite as much as the first three. I cried again, but none of my girls did and my 8 year old asked some questions trying to figure out what was going on with Batty at the end. We still laughed together during it though and all enjoyed it.
Original review: 4.5 stars rounded up. I laughed and then cried, and then cried some more. And then cried some more. It was a beautiful, emotional reading experience.
The first part was about a four star for me, but the last third bumped it up! I love the Penderwicks and even though I (somehow) read these out of order, I still loved it. I am so in love with all the characters and love watching them all interact. The Penderwick sisters are so accepting of other people and they love each other and fight and work out their differences in such a beautiful and real way. I also love how much music, literature, sports, etc. are all such a big part of the family's life.
One reason the beginning didn't work for me as well was because Batty had so much she was trying to work through. It felt like there was at least one too many emotional problems she was facing. The ending managed to bring me right to her level and I was right there with her as she started working them out, I just thought maybe there was too much going on there.
That being said, it was a beautiful read. It did tackle some more serious topics, ones that I would talk with my daughters about if they were reading these at a younger age, but nothing that I felt was inappropriate for a younger audience. It was beautiful addition to the series (I just can't get enough of this family!).
Original review: 4.5 stars rounded up. I laughed and then cried, and then cried some more. And then cried some more. It was a beautiful, emotional reading experience.
The first part was about a four star for me, but the last third bumped it up! I love the Penderwicks and even though I (somehow) read these out of order, I still loved it. I am so in love with all the characters and love watching them all interact. The Penderwick sisters are so accepting of other people and they love each other and fight and work out their differences in such a beautiful and real way. I also love how much music, literature, sports, etc. are all such a big part of the family's life.
One reason the beginning didn't work for me as well was because Batty had so much she was trying to work through. It felt like there was at least one too many emotional problems she was facing. The ending managed to bring me right to her level and I was right there with her as she started working them out, I just thought maybe there was too much going on there.
That being said, it was a beautiful read. It did tackle some more serious topics, ones that I would talk with my daughters about if they were reading these at a younger age, but nothing that I felt was inappropriate for a younger audience. It was beautiful addition to the series (I just can't get enough of this family!).
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The fourth volume of Penderwicks adventures is almost as good as the previous three. This story centers around Batty, who is excited about both her upcoming birthday and her newly discovered talent for singing. When she discovers, with the help of a new music teacher, her vocal ability, she immediately begins to plan for a surprise concert for her family, to be given on her birthday. She even hopes to work with her music mentore and honorary Penderwick, Jeffrey.
Things go awry when Batty overhears a secret conversation between Skye and Jeffrey, one that reveals a horrible secret. Batty reacts by running away, swearing younger brother Ben to secrecy, and ultimately finds herself unable to leave her bed. Birdsall pulls the curtain back on magical world of the Penderwicks, revealing Batty's sadness and despair over this secret, and also her depth of writing of childhood depression in the same fashion that has made this series so beloved.
The ending answers some questions, and manages to leave a few unanswered for the fifth (and final) book. Let the waiting begin!
Things go awry when Batty overhears a secret conversation between Skye and Jeffrey, one that reveals a horrible secret. Batty reacts by running away, swearing younger brother Ben to secrecy, and ultimately finds herself unable to leave her bed. Birdsall pulls the curtain back on magical world of the Penderwicks, revealing Batty's sadness and despair over this secret, and also her depth of writing of childhood depression in the same fashion that has made this series so beloved.
The ending answers some questions, and manages to leave a few unanswered for the fifth (and final) book. Let the waiting begin!
IT WAS SO GOODDDDDDDDD <3
OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE ITS A PENDERWICK BOOK BUT STILL, I LOVED EVERY BIT OF IT ANSNJXJSJZUSJSJD
I REMEMBER BEING EXCITED FOR THIS SINCE 2013 AND IT WAS DEFINITELY WORTH IT <3 <3
AND LYDIA <3
AND ROSY AND TOMMY I SHIP
AND ALSO SKYE AND JEFFERY HAVE TO END UP TOGETHER SOME DAY I CANT.
OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE ITS A PENDERWICK BOOK BUT STILL, I LOVED EVERY BIT OF IT ANSNJXJSJZUSJSJD
I REMEMBER BEING EXCITED FOR THIS SINCE 2013 AND IT WAS DEFINITELY WORTH IT <3 <3
AND LYDIA <3
AND ROSY AND TOMMY I SHIP
AND ALSO SKYE AND JEFFERY HAVE TO END UP TOGETHER SOME DAY I CANT.
While I wasn't completely enamored of this book, I did like it a lot and think it is an excellent addition to the Penderwicks series.
Lydia is an absolute Angel and her addition to the Penderwicks family and series is amazing. I don’t know why I didn’t get into this book the first time I read it— Barry’s character development is phenomenal and she is such a beautiful and completing character. I would 1000% recommend this book and this series.
A book for the fourth sister
A lovely read, so sad though, so maybe for 11 and up? I feel like the Penderwicks are the Little Women of this generation.
A lovely read, so sad though, so maybe for 11 and up? I feel like the Penderwicks are the Little Women of this generation.
They are still magical characters, but Batty's risky decisions, the overheard misunderstanding, seemed a little out of character for these sisters even in the heat of the moment. My mom "what if" brain just couldn't love this one as much
Another wonderful Penderwicks story. This one was a little bit more heavy and heartbreaking than the others. The girls are growing up and secret feeling are revealed.