BOOK: The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

It's summer vacation, the weather is great, and there are lots of books to be read. I just got back from a quick trip to the cottage I share with my sister. I've done some local touring, and plan to pick strawberries at a u-pick tomorrow. Summer is good.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and One Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall, 288 pages

That sub-title pretty much sums up this sweet children's book. The family spends a few weeks at a cottage where they get into scrapes, make friends, and grow. 

from Amazon summary:
This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures.

The icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is not as pleased with the Penderwicks as Jeffrey is, though, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they will—won’t they? One thing’s for sure: it will be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget.

Deliciously nostalgic and quaintly witty, this is a story as breezy and carefree as a summer day.

I liked how it was hard to place the time - could have been the 1950s, could have been ten years ago. There is a real timeless quality. Computers are mentioned but the children don't have cell phones. It also reminded me of old Enid Blyton books where the kids are on adventures with parents not around. Overall, this was an easy sweet read and luckily, there are several more books in the series.

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
The Penderwicks at Pointe Mouette
The Penderwicks in Spring