The return of The Penderwicks

After reading The Penderwicks, I had to move the sequel up my reading list, so I read it yesterday right after I finished the Noli.

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall (Book #56 for 2009) did not disappoint, and I think I liked it even more than the first book, even.

The Penderwicks are back with their delightful antics, this time right in their own backyard, on Gardam Street. The girls’ Aunt Claire comes over for a visit, with a letter from their mother (from several years ago, written on her deathbed), encouraging Mr. Penderwick to date so he doesn’t get lonely. The girls are fearful of getting a wicked stepmom, so they devise a “Save Daddy” plan, setting their father up with horrible women to discourage him from dating.

With that premise, you just know there are hilarious episodes that follow: matchmaking mayhem, Antonio’s Pizza vs. Cameron’s Hardware soccer matches, disastrous homework switching, The Sixth Grade Performance Night, Batty’s spy missions, and surprise, surprise: Rosalind’s turn at romance.

The characters are as charming as ever: Martin Penderwick still lapsing into Latin expressions, Batty not as shy on her home turf, Hound as dependable as ever and Skye as tempestuous as ever, and Jane still with her head in the clouds.

Rosalind however, will surprise readers in the sequel as she acts more her age: acting out because her dad is dating again, momentarily tiring of the big sister role, and confused about her feelings for Tommy. To me this normalcy comes as a pleasant surprise; I was afraid she had been growing up too soon.

The return of Churchie and Jeffrey are very much welcome, while new characters — the Geigers (Tommy is so cute!), new neighbors Iantha Rosenberg, baby Ben, and the cat Asimov — make this family romp more fun.

I like the sensitivity and warmth Birdsall puts into her books, and how the Penderwicks uphold family values in the 21st century.

Great for tween girls, the 8-12 bunch.

***
My copy: hardcover with dustjacket

My rating: 4.5/5 stars