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The Penderwicks
  • Published: 1 October 2013
  • ISBN: 9780440867302
  • Imprint: Yearling
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 272
  • RRP: $19.99

The Penderwicks

Formats & editions
EBook
1 Sept 2010
Paperback
1 Oct 2013
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A deliciously nostalgic and hilariously charming story of four sisters and their adventures/mishaps on holiday.

'A charmer of a book, and a page-turning read' - The Independent

The Penderwicks: four sisters, as different as chalk from cheese, yet as close as can be.

The eldest, Rosalind, is responsible and practical; Skye, stubborn and feisty; dreamy, artistic, budding novelist, Jane; and shy little Batty, who doesn't go anywhere without her butterfly wings. And not forgetting Hound, their large lumbering lovable dog.

The four girls and their absent-minded father head off for their summer holidays, but instead of the cosy tumbledown cottage they expect, they find themselves on a huge estate called Arundel, with magnificent gardens ripe for exploring. It isn't long before they become embroiled in all sorts of scrapes with new-found friend, Jeffrey - but his mother, the icy-hearted Mrs Tifton, must be avoided at all costs. Chaotic adventures ensue, and it soon becomes a summer the sisters will never forget...
  • Published: 1 October 2013
  • ISBN: 9780440867302
  • Imprint: Yearling
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 272
  • RRP: $19.99
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About the author

Jeanne Birdsall

Jeanne Birdsall is the National Book Award–winning author of the children's book The Penderwicks and its sequel, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, both of which were also New York Times bestsellers. She grew up in the suburbs west of Philadelphia, where she attended wonderful public schools. Although Birdsall first decided to become a writer when she was 10 years old, it took her until she was 41 to get started. In the years in between, Birdsall had many strange jobs to support herself while working hard as a photographer. Birdsall's photographs are included in the permanent collections of museums, including the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Art Museum. She lives with her husband in Northampton, Massachusetts. Their house is old and comfortable, full of unruly animals, and surrounded by gardens.
portrait photo of Jeanne Birdsall

Also by Jeanne Birdsall

The Library of Unruly Treasures
Teaflet and Roog Make a Mess
The Penderwicks at Last
My Favorite Pets
The Penderwicks in Spring
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
See all

Praise for The Penderwicks

A gentle book, with a philosophy of kindness to others and a message that children should confide their troubles to adults, who should always listen

The Sunday Times

Despite a few mishaps, the children become fast friends and partners in the sorts of lively plots and pastoral pastimes we don't read much about these days. Their adventures and near-disasters, innocent crushes, escaped animals, owning-up and growing up (and yes, changes of heart) are satisfying and not-too-sweet

Kirkus Reviews

Birdsall follows in the footsteps of Elizabeth Enright, Edward Eager, and Noel Streatfeild, updating the family story yet keeping all the old-fashioned charm

Booklist

Nicely old-fashioned . . . what makes it so engaging are Birdsall's light humorous style and the varied, vivid characters. Great fun and a cosy, comforting read

Books for Keeps