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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Since this review is less than glowing, I want to state up front that I still like this series. I'm glad this series exists, in a publishing climate where juvenile and teen fiction titles seemingly compete to present the most dysfunctional family. (Don't get me wrong-- I read and enjoy some of those mom-is-a-felon, dad-is-a-closeted-tranny titles, but enough already.)
I think the best one-word description for this book would be contrived. A heck of a lot of things have to happen before Skye ends up in charge of her younger siblings, the basic premise from which most of the humor springs. On the plus side, I thought the major plot twist was going one direction, and it decidedly went another-- a pleasant surprise.
There was a scene near the end where Jane is out of her depth, surrounded by non-Penderwicks, and flailing to remain in control of the situation that made me fall in love with the idea behind this series all over again. Give me a whole novel of that, and the next title in the series will earn 5 stars.
I think the best one-word description for this book would be contrived. A heck of a lot of things have to happen before Skye ends up in charge of her younger siblings, the basic premise from which most of the humor springs. On the plus side, I thought the major plot twist was going one direction, and it decidedly went another-- a pleasant surprise.
There was a scene near the end where Jane is out of her depth, surrounded by non-Penderwicks, and flailing to remain in control of the situation that made me fall in love with the idea behind this series all over again. Give me a whole novel of that, and the next title in the series will earn 5 stars.
I was absolutely delighted to read the third instalment of the series, The Penderwicks at Point Mouette. Now, it is not necessary to have read the first two books to understand this one, although you would be missing on some details, and, in my opinion, one of the best part of the series, which is to be witness to the growth of the four sisters at the center of the story.
In this third instalment, the Penderwicks are splitting up for Summer vacations. Mr. and Mrs. Penderwick are going to England, the eldest Penderwick, Rosalind, is going to New Jersey with her best friend, so that leaves the three youngest Penderwick, Skye, Jane and Batty, as well as their Aunt Claire and the honorary Penderwick Jeffrey (met in the first book) to spend two weeks by the seaside, at Point Mouette, Maine. Of course, charming insanity ensues. Skye finds herself the OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick) and is not ready for such responsibility, Jane stumbles into first love, and Batty discovers her passion, while Jeffrey makes a life-altering discovery.
While cliché, there is no other words that describe this series and books, as charming. It is just charming. The characters have distinctive personalities, all lovable and fun (I am particularly fond of Batty). The plot moves forward quickly, with simple adventures and events, while allowing the characters to grow and expand. To be honest, and particularly in this one, things can get a bit too sweet, in particular when it comes to the adult characters. They are always fun, they always love children and are generally very very kind to a point that is almost unbelievable. But since they are not the main protagonists, I give it a pass. Jeffrey's story line was a bit too stretched for me too, a bit too far fetched, but at the same time was dealt with very well, an in a believable manner, that was quite moving at times. I also missed Rosalind in this one, as she was away, but feel that her absence made sense in the way the books deal with growth.
Overall, I am still in love with this series. It's a perfect quick Summer read and I am already awaiting the next one.
In this third instalment, the Penderwicks are splitting up for Summer vacations. Mr. and Mrs. Penderwick are going to England, the eldest Penderwick, Rosalind, is going to New Jersey with her best friend, so that leaves the three youngest Penderwick, Skye, Jane and Batty, as well as their Aunt Claire and the honorary Penderwick Jeffrey (met in the first book) to spend two weeks by the seaside, at Point Mouette, Maine. Of course, charming insanity ensues. Skye finds herself the OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick) and is not ready for such responsibility, Jane stumbles into first love, and Batty discovers her passion, while Jeffrey makes a life-altering discovery.
While cliché, there is no other words that describe this series and books, as charming. It is just charming. The characters have distinctive personalities, all lovable and fun (I am particularly fond of Batty). The plot moves forward quickly, with simple adventures and events, while allowing the characters to grow and expand. To be honest, and particularly in this one, things can get a bit too sweet, in particular when it comes to the adult characters. They are always fun, they always love children and are generally very very kind to a point that is almost unbelievable. But since they are not the main protagonists, I give it a pass. Jeffrey's story line was a bit too stretched for me too, a bit too far fetched, but at the same time was dealt with very well, an in a believable manner, that was quite moving at times. I also missed Rosalind in this one, as she was away, but feel that her absence made sense in the way the books deal with growth.
Overall, I am still in love with this series. It's a perfect quick Summer read and I am already awaiting the next one.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
These books, although for children, make my heart sing :)
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love this series so much
not me reading children books as a copying mechanism
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
I want to vacation with the Penderwicks! This is simply another delightful romp full of adventure and hilarity with one of my favorite fictional families. I've read the first three books aloud to my 10 year-old daughter, and both of us are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to read the next one!