The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy by Jane Birdsall

“Parents almost always want what’s best for their children. They just don’t always know what that is.”- Jeanne Birdsall

Being away in Disney made me want to read a ” children’s” book. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy is a lovely story that reminds me of the books I read as a child like the Secret Garden. An imperfect family, the Penderwick family (consisting of the father, 4 daughters, and their dog) go spend their three-week summer vacation at a cottage they rented. Mrs. Tifton, a grumpy, snooty woman, and her son Jeffry own the cottage that is part of the Arundel estate.

The girls have a wonderful way of getting themselves into mischief and adventure- sometimes planned and mostly accidental. They soon become invested in Jeffrey and what the future will hold for him.

This is a beautiful and simple story that is heart warming and endearing. It’s a timeless tale that could take place anywhere and anytime in the last 75 years. It’s a story of love, kindness and friendship. I cannot wait to read this book to my kids. Despite the fact that’s it’s about four girls, I think boys would enjoy this tale very much.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy is the first in a series for four books.  The second book is entitled The Penderwicks on Gardam Street.  The Penderwick sisters are home and their father is starting to date again.  Book #3 in the series is entitled the Penderwicks at Point Mouette.  It is summer again and the Penderwick girls are off to Maine for the summer vacation.  The last book in the series is The Penderwicks in Spring.  The girls are five years older than the last book.

What’s the last book you’ve read that you know you have to read to your kids?

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