The Penderwicks are a tight-knit family of four daughters headed alone by Mr. Penderwick, since the death of Mrs. Penderwick four years ago. Twelve-year-old Rosalind is responsible and caring. Eleven-year-old Skye is outspoken and bold. Ten-year-old Jane is an imaginative budding author. And shy four-year-old Batty knows a lot more than her older her sisters think. The girls are thrilled by the prospect of vacationing in the little yellow cottage on the magnificent Arundel estate. When they meet Jeffrey, son of Arundel's owner, the summer becomes even more magical. After a bit of mischief, Jeffrey's mother warns the friends to stay out of trouble. But will they heed her warnings?

This award winner is the first in the wholesome series about a lovely, supportive family with four strong girls who look out for one another. The children spend unstructured days filled with endless explorations, soccer games, bows and (rubber-tipped) arrows, and a bit of innocent mischief. The sisters demonstrate great compassion for Jeffrey (who is raised by his single mother), recognizing that being abandoned by a parent is even worse than having one die. Jeffrey runs away when his mother decides to send him to military school. With the Penderwicks support, he finally summons the courage to stand up to his mother, who wants him to be something he is not. Fans will be happy to learn that the author plans to write four more books chronicling the Penderwick sisters.

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