The Penderwicks

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall is a lovely novel about the adventures of four sisters one summer. The Penderwick sisters retreat to a summer cottage on the grounds of a mansion with their father for the summer. The mansion's owner is a formidable Mrs. Tifton, but soon the girls find some more friendly folk: Mrs. Tifton's son Jeffrey, the gardener, and the cook. Follow these girls as they make trouble, get lost, have fun, and learn a little about friendship and love. The Penderwicks was one of the books President Obama helped pack in backpacks for children of military personnel.  It was an easy read and a delightful book for younger readers, probably ages 8-11.