The Penderwicks in Spring

Starred review from January 12, 2015
With the addition of baby sister Lydia, the Penderwicks’ blended family returns with all the big-family drama and joys that fans have come to expect. In this fourth installment, musically inclined fifth-grader Batty is delighted to learn that her school’s dull music teacher has been replaced by the more appealing Mrs. Grunfeld; better still, the new teacher thinks Batty has a “rare and beautiful” voice. Inspired, Batty earns money for singing lessons by walking two unusual neighborhood dogs, a job that makes her yearn for her own, recently deceased dog. After overhearing a family secret, she starts to believe that she was responsible for the death of her mother, who passed away when Batty was a baby. It takes a lot of detective work from her older sisters, parents, and neighbors to figure out why Batty is so blue, but in true Penderwick fashion, misunderstandings are soon righted. The warmth and compassion of the Penderwick family comes through in every page of this slice-of-life novel, healing emotional bruises and reassuring readers that most problems can be overcome. Ages 8–12. Agent: Barbara S. Kouts.

January 15, 2015
A new and darker installment in the acclaimed series about the loving and bustling family.Several years have passed since the events of the third title, The Penderwicks at Point Mouette (2011). This latest stars Batty, nearly 11 and youngest of the four original sisters, and two newer siblings-Ben, son of Mr. Penderwick's second wife, whom he married at the end of Book 2, and Lydia, the 2-year-old born of this marriage. Batty studies piano passionately, and a new music teacher at school discovers that she sings beautifully, too, so the girl undertakes a dog-walking business to earn money for voice lessons. Then Batty overhears a sister's comment that, shockingly, betrays long-held, deeply festering anger and resentment toward her. Sensitive Batty keeps the new revelation to herself and takes an emotional nose dive. How or whether this is resolved will keep readers turning pages. Newcomers to the series are assisted by explanations of characters and past events. Longtime fans will enjoy it, too, while feeling Batty's pain and rooting for her recovery. They'll also forgive what have become stock series trademarks: some improbable turns of events; almost-too-perfect familial and neighborly relationships; and nonchildlike dialogue issuing from the mouth of the babe. Not only is toddler Lydia's speech beyond her years (as was Batty's in the earlier books)-save for referring to herself in the third person-but she effortlessly communicates in several languages. Not without some flaws, but overall, another charmer that will generate smiles, tears and fuzzy feelings. (Fiction. 8-12)

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March 1, 2015

Gr 4-7-The Penderwick family is back in the fourth book of Birdsall's popular series. With the addition of younger sister Lydia and the recent death of beloved dog Hound, the cast of characters has changed a bit. Though told from the perspectives of Batty and Ben-the younger brother added to the clan in The Penderwicks on Gardam Street (Knopf, 2008)-this is truly Batty's story. Rosalind is in college, and Skye and Jane are both in high school. In this volume, Batty discovers that she has a talent for singing, which she keeps a secret from the rest of her family so that she can plan a Grand Birthday Concert. Jeffrey, their family friend, will be visiting for Skye's birthday, and Batty wants to ask him to be her mentore. She also takes on a job walking dogs to pay for voice lessons. She's conflicted about this because she believes that it was her fault that Hound died and she doesn't want to "curse" any more dogs. Fans of the series may find the time jump jarring-Batty, who was only four during the first book, is now 10-and the lack of OPS (Older Penderwick Sisters) dismaying. Throughout the series, Birdsall has demonstrated considerable skill at crafting a modern classic, merging modern-day wit with an old-fashioned charm. Birdsall is a master at making the everyday exciting. VERDICT This latest addition to the beloved series ends on a satisfying note, and readers will eagerly await the final book.-Jessica Ko, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 1, 2015
Grades 4-6 *Starred Review* Welcome back, Penderwicks! And also welcome back all those in the Penderwicks' circle, including honorary brother Jeffrey (messing with the family dynamics by having fallen for Skye); Nick, on leave from fighting overseas and as idolized by the kids as ever; assorted friends and neighbors; a couple of dogs; and a new music teacher. It's the latter who makes a surprising impact on 10-year-old Batty's life, telling her that she has a rare and beautiful voice. And it is with utter shock that Batty realizes she does indeed. But she doesn't want her family to know until she talks with Jeffrey, her musical mentor. But Jeffrey's crush and a devastating family secret overheard by Batty mix everything up and keep Batty silent in several different ways. Besides being chock-full of all the qualities fans love (humor, heart, and the honest exploration of emotions), the compelling story line examines the guilt that Batty feels over both the death of her mother and her inability to keep the family dog, Hound, aliveand it does so in touching ways. Batty is the narrator most of the time, but younger Ben takes over on occasion, and 2-year-old Lydia is an eccentric presence. The Penderwicks have a strong bench, so, happily, expect more. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The first Penderwicks book won the National Book Award, the quality of the stories remains high, and fans remain legion. They'll be waiting for this one.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)