My apologies to the estimable Jeanne Birdsail for shortening the name in the title, but I just couldn’t squeeze it all in.  However, here’s the full title, cause it’s too fun to leave unsaid–The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy.  Isn’t that delightful?

Many, many thanks to Jenni Enzor for the recommendation of The Penderwicks.  I fell instantly in love with the family, have passed it on to my interested readers, and will be picking up any others in the series I can get from my library asap.  It’s not the kind of book for every mood, as there aren’t any alien visitors, zombie robots, or even fire-spiders with a taste for jerky.  It’s rather what I call a sunny-glow book, meaning that you’ll read with a smile on your face, and after reading it the story will take up residence in your heart as a kind of sunny glow you carry around with you for ever after.  And the best part is it’s not in the least boring!  Don’t think for a minute it is.

There’s a bull, which rumor has it has gored a man and is undoubtedly not over-fond of small visitors picking his flowers.  There’s a boy, who may or may not be in need of rescue from a horrible fate.  There’s also a bit of spying, and the use of a rope ladder to assist in sneaking out of windows, plus plenty of need for courage–but while physical courage is needed, moral courage is just as often called for.  Mostly, though, there’s the Penderwick sisters knack for stirring things up and keeping things lively.  And they do it all while upholding the family honor to the best of their ability, and while standing by each other no matter what.  Plus, making apology brownies when needed.

But enough from me.  It’s the kind of book you just have to read, cause if I told you everything in it I’d both spoil it for you and also cheat you of finding out for yourself how the sum of those parts could so delightfully add up to more than the collected pieces.  Let’s see what Apricot-kitty thought of it:

“Believe it or not, I liked the dog, Hound.  He was stupid, which makes him realistic for a dog, but also devoted and possessing that extra something worthy dogs can sometimes acquire.  Since I find a story that can survive the addition of a dog is usually a keeper, I’ll keep this one.  However, what was up with that tomato guy?”

Yes, Harry the tomato guy–proof that a very small part can still add that little something every story needs.  True of several background people in The Penderwicks!  Don’t you love background characters that stay with you?  I do!

For more spotlights, reviews, interviews and giveaways, stop by Shannon Messenger’s blog, and have a Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

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