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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
gonna name my son jeffrey
I find my heart must belong to any book that contains lines like this: "Jane had occasionally tried to develop her own hidden depths, but she never could decide what to hide and how far down."
To quote C.S. Lewis “A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.”
Every time I'm tempted to feel a little foolish for not only reading but so thoroughly enjoying children's books (such as this one) I remember that quote and it makes me feel better.
The Penderwicks books are a great kids series, and I'm enjoying discovering them as an adult. 4 sisters, numerous friends, pets, neighbors, and other assorted relatives makes for all kinds of adventures. This particular book covers a summer vacation in Maine with 3 of the 4 girls and their aunt. Fun read!
Every time I'm tempted to feel a little foolish for not only reading but so thoroughly enjoying children's books (such as this one) I remember that quote and it makes me feel better.
The Penderwicks books are a great kids series, and I'm enjoying discovering them as an adult. 4 sisters, numerous friends, pets, neighbors, and other assorted relatives makes for all kinds of adventures. This particular book covers a summer vacation in Maine with 3 of the 4 girls and their aunt. Fun read!
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
Cute entry in the Penderwick series, but lacking the magic of the first novel.
Oh wow I loved this book so much. I cried at least 17 times toward the end, but in a happy way. I can't believe how marvelous the Penderwicks are. They are as close to perfection as I have ever seen. I am now going to have to reread all three because I'm not ready to say goodbye.
I gave this four stars because it's part of the Penderwicks saga, not on its own merits. On its own it definitely would have gotten 3. But because I love the whole story of the Penderwicks so much, it got bumped to four because it is an essential part of that story.
Pros: Still SO well written, as per the usual with Penderwicks books. The characters really grow and develop over the course of the series, and you can see that clearly in this book - particularly, having Skye worry so much about being OAP really added depth to her character.
Conflicted: The emotional struggles in this book go wayyyyyy deeper than in the others all of a sudden. I liked the depth, I think? but I really missed the just happy, safe, simple family story, and I wished it hadn't been so sudden, I think Birdsall handled the depth well, and I feel that Jeffrey's reaction to finding out Alec is his father is very realistic, as is the Penderwicks' reaction to his grief.
Cons: The whole randomly-ending-up-staying-next-to-Jeffrey's-father thing just seemed really contrived. I am glad there was some buildup/hints about it throughout the book, but it just felt so unlikely. I needed more support for it.
Pros: Still SO well written, as per the usual with Penderwicks books. The characters really grow and develop over the course of the series, and you can see that clearly in this book - particularly, having Skye worry so much about being OAP really added depth to her character.
Conflicted: The emotional struggles in this book go wayyyyyy deeper than in the others all of a sudden. I liked the depth, I think? but I really missed the just happy, safe, simple family story, and I wished it hadn't been so sudden, I think Birdsall handled the depth well, and I feel that Jeffrey's reaction to finding out Alec is his father is very realistic, as is the Penderwicks' reaction to his grief.
Cons: The whole randomly-ending-up-staying-next-to-Jeffrey's-father thing just seemed really contrived. I am glad there was some buildup/hints about it throughout the book, but it just felt so unlikely. I needed more support for it.
I absolutely love the Penderwicks! While parts of the story may be a bit predictable, the characters and plot are so much fun, its easy to overlook the minor problems. Skye as the OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick) was wonderful this time! I love Batty more with each book, and Jane is really coming into her own. This is a wonderful series with all the charm of the greats of children's literature. I hope we have more Penderwicks to come!
I LOVE the Penderwicks. I wish I had sisters like these! The story is fresh but old fashioned at the same time. I very much enjoy the characters. Hope there are more coming!