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The Penderwicks in Spring

Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
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.
 
Springtime is finally arriving on Gardam Street, and there are surprises in store for each member of the family.
 
Some surprises are just wonderful, like neighbor Nick Geiger coming home from war. And some are ridiculous, like Batty’s new dog-walking business. Batty is saving up her dog-walking money for an extra-special surprise for her family, which she plans to present on her upcoming birthday. But when some unwelcome surprises make themselves known, the best-laid plans fall apart.
 
Filled with all the heart, hilarity, and charm that has come to define this beloved clan, The Penderwicks in Spring is about fun and family and friends (and dogs), and what happens when you bring what's hidden into the bright light of the spring sun.
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  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      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installment, musically inclined fifth-grader Batty is delighted to learn that her school’s dull music teacher has been replaced by the more appealing Mrs.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.

    • Publisher's Weekly

      May 25, 2015
      In the fourth installment to the Penderwick family series, fifth grader Batty Penderwick is doing her best to be a good big sister to siblings Ben and Lydia, while mourning Hound, her beloved dog. A new music teacher at school discovers Batty's wonderful singing voice, and Batty is anxious to tell her honorary brother Jeffrey (a beloved friend of the family) and perhaps arrange a grand concert for her family on the occasion of her upcoming 11th birthday. Then Batty overhears an argument between her sister Skye and Jeffrey, and all her birthday plans are scrapped as she tries to cope with the enormous emotions the argument brought to light. Birdsall's excellent prose is tremendous and enjoyable, especially when read by Denaker, who gives each of the siblings related yet distinct voicesâmaternal and grown-up for the eldest, Rosaline; dreamy for Jane; no-nonsense for Skye; and quiet and shy for Batty. Little brother Ben has a nasal twang, and toddler Lydia singsongs her way through life. Hearing Denaker perform them all is a delight. Most impressively, Batty's enormous anguish is embodied in Denaker's assured performance. Ages 8â12. A Knopf hardcover.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Narrator Susan Denaker does a splendid job with this fourth in the Penderwick series. Although part of a large blended family, each of the Penderwick kids is distinct, along with their many friends and neighbors. At center stage is Batty, who sounds determined and earnest as she begins a dog-walking business (with hilarious consequences) to help raise money for the family. Adorable little brother Ben and spoiled baby Lydia add to the confusion and fun. Denaker is impressive with the foreign languages that the family members occasionally use. She's also very moving as Batty copes with the double loss of her mother--who died at her birth--and her beloved dog, Hound. Listeners will enjoy the feeling of nostalgia that permeates this contemporary novel. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:880
  • Text Difficulty:4-5

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