I watched E devouring the final chapters of The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall one winter afternoon. The house was very naptime-quiet – I was working on the computer and she was behind me on the bed with her book. Before I knew it she had closed the book and let out a huge sigh. “Now that is terribly disappointing,” she growled, and I turned to ask her why the book she had been reading for two days straight was such a let down in the end. Turns out my assumption (based completely on her scowl) was completely wrong.
“I’m terribly disappointed that I’ve finished it,” and she reopened the book to the beginning and started again.
I have only read bits and pieces of this book, but she has read it a dozen times at least, as well as the second book – The Penderwicks on Gardam Street. We recently purchased the third in the series but she hasn’t started it yet – choosing to finish up a few others she’s already into. I expect once she does we’ll lose her again for a bit. And since I haven’t actually read the book, I’ll publish the letter she wrote to Ms. Birdsall that I found folded into her copy of The Penderwicks.
Dear Jeanne Birdsall,
I have read your Penderwicks books 15 times in two months! I was thinking that maybe you could do a movie on it because all of the scenes seem easy to make into a set. If you like this idea and need some characters just know that I am perfect for Jane Penderwick because I love all the things Jane does, and I’m always doing stuff Jane does all the time!! I love to write and read and I’m always debating with myself about my writing! If you don’t want to do the movie you don’t have to. (But it is a cool idea!)
Love from your favorite fan, EM
P.S. If you do the movie where will it be? Because I can’t travel too far.
P.P.S. And I can’t miss too much school.
The Penderwicks is a great book for kids around third grade – although it would appeal to a much greater age range. Perhaps not a stretch to compare to a more current romp with Little Women – four very different siblings (with father only here, mother has died) and then an unexpected friendship with a local boy.
Have you read any of the Penderwicks titles? If so, which kid do you relate to most?
Find these titles at your favorite local independent bookstore. Happy reading!
Find these titles at your favorite local independent bookstore. Happy reading!
Love these books! They absolutely remind me of the books I loved when I was a girl. While I just turned 40, I have devoured each Penderwick book and am eagerly anticipating the 4th. You must read them! Your daughter has fabulous taste.
Agreed. I’ll start tonight.
I’m almost through the first one – thanks for the recommendation.
My daughter and I love the Penderwicks books. We are hoping Jeanne does a 4th one, as we miss those girls and their adventures! My daughter is 7 and although she reads quite well, I’ve read her all of the Penderwick books. And whenever it’s my husband’s night to read to her, I ask him not to read those books because I want to know what happens, too!