The Penderwicks is Jeanne Birdsall’s first book and I’m quite pleased that she’s since written a series about the four Penderwick sisters. Rosalind, 12, is the oldest, then there’s Skye, Jane and Batty. Plus Mr. Penderwick and Hound, the dog.
In this first novel, the Penderwicks find themselves summering at the beautiful estate called Arundel. The grounds are magnificent, the cottage quaint and the owner of the estate is a cold-hearted, nasty woman who cares about her garden winning first place in the Garden Competition, her son being well behaved and the four Penderwick daughters being out of sight. (Ok, she’s not really cold-hearted, but she rather sharp tongued and a bossy boots.)
The Penderwicks is charming. If you’re a fan of The Sound of Music, Pippy Longstocking, or any of Enid Blyton’s books, then this new series will seem like an old friend.