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

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

By Jeanne Birdsall

132 ratings 183 reviews 94 followers
Book 1 of 4 in the  The Penderwicks Series
Interest Level Reading Level Reading A-Z ATOS Word Count
Grades 4 - 8 Grades 3 - 5 T 4.7 54550
With over one million copies sold, this series of modern classics about the charming Penderwick family from National Book Award winner and New York Times bestseller Jeanne Birdsall is perfect for fans of Noel Streatfeild and Edward Eager.

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.
Publisher: Yearling
ISBN-13: 9780440420477
ISBN-10: 0440420474
Published on 3/13/2007
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 288

Book Reviews (178)

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The Penderwicks is a story about four young girls and their father who vacation for the first time in a cottage on an estate called Arundel Hall which is located in the Berkshire Mountains. Though this wasn't their usual vacation destination, it would be the center of conversations for years to come. I loved this book especially because it is relatable. I have sisters.

I own the first book, and I will request the rest from the library. I think that you guys should read these books, they are so good, and I will read them one hundred times more!📖

Every summer, the Penderwicks usually vacation in the same place. But this summer is different, for they are vacationing in Arundel: a cool and new place. After being warned by a local about the dreaded Mrs. Tifton, the Penderwick sisters: Rosalind, Sky, Jane, and Batty, are worried about the unknown Mrs. Tifton. When the Penderwicks arrive at Arundel, it is a lovely and beautiful place with trees and meadows and a giant house. They soon meet Jeffery, a neighboring boy who they become great friends with. But Jeffery is actually Mrs. Tifton's son. Mrs. Tifton is as icy and mean as expected. Close encounters with Mrs. Tifton, two rabbits, and a whole lot of soccer and adventures are what the Penderwicks experience in one crazy summer. This book is sweet, funny, and loveable. Happy reading!

I love reading books so, when I saw this one, I read it and I loved it so read it pls. Tell me if you read it and if you liked it!

I love modern classics, and this is definitely a book I wish wouldn't end! I'm so glad it's a series.

The Penderwicks is a great book about four sisters, who stay at Arendel Cottage. While there they meet a boy named Jeffery, and his "snooty" mother, Mrs. Tifton. I really liked how adventurous this book is, and I recommend this book to people who like an adventurous novel.

One of my favorite books of ALL time. This was probably the first chapter book I read when I was little, and shout out to my sister for giving me a quiz at the end! LOL, I got a 9/10 (90%) so I think that's ok. Keep in mind that I was little and I enjoyed this book so much. My favorite character is Jeffrey because I look somewhat alike to him, and we both play instruments and sports. (I'm kind of crazy about them) You guys should read this because it's a book that you'll want to read OVER and OVER again. Maybe you'll even start to crave the other books in the series, too, if there are any;) Like @roxanne3, I totally recommend this to everyone!

OMG batty is AMAZING!!!! she's sooooo cute and jeffery is adorable!!! a MUST READ

I wholeheartedly agree!!!

I have read this series so many times, but I loved it every time too. I think Rosy is my favorite sister, though Batty is a lose second. I fortunately don't know what it is like to lose a parent, but I think these books have some advice and will help other kids get through this. I recommend this to anyone and everyone!!

This book is the first book in the Penderwicks series! When thier summer plans are canceled at the last minute because they were no longer able to find a cottage near the beach, all four of the Penderwick sisters (Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty) are devastated. So they are excited when they find out that they get to stay at a cottage called Arundale for two weeks. But the cottage is even better than they planned with a boy named Jeffery who is sure to be a friend forever and a boy named Cagney who tends to the garden who Rosy just might like. But there's only one problem... Ms. Tifton, Jeffery's awful mother. Read the book to find out what happens. I love this book because it is peaceful but a good story with a consistent plot.

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