The Penderwicks

The Penderwicks are four sisters, as different as chalk from cheese, yet as close as can be. Chaotic adventures ensue, and their holiday soon turns out to be a summer the girls will never forget...

Jeanne Birdsall lives in Massachusetts, USA, with her husband, three cats, and a dog called Cagney. The Penderwicks was her first novel, and won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. You can find out more about Jeanne (and her animal friends) at her website: www.jeannebirdsall.com.

"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