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The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Jeanne Birdsall (Author), Susan Denaker (Narrator), Listening Library (Publisher)
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,727 ratings
Teachers' pick

ALA Notable Children's Book

Booklist Books for Youth Editors' Choice

Child Magazine Best Book of the Year

Hawaii Nene Master List

Kentucky Bluegrass Master List

Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

Maine Student Book Master List

National Book Award

Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year

Quill Award

Rhode Island Children's Book Award

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fischer Book Master List

Virginia Young Readers Program Master List

With more than one million copies sold, this series of modern classics about the charming Penderwick family from National Book Award winner and New York Times best seller Jeanne Birdsall is perfect for fans of Noel Streatfeild and Edward Eager.

This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel's sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel's owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures.

The icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is not as pleased with the Penderwicks as Jeffrey is, though, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they will—won't they? One thing's for sure: it will be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget.

Deliciously nostalgic and quaintly witty, this is a story as breezy and carefree as a summer day.

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Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 5
    The Penderwicks
  2. Listening Length
    6 hours and 43 minutes
  3. Author
    Jeanne Birdsall
  4. Narrator
    Susan Denaker
  5. Audible release date
    January 1, 2006
  6. Language
    English
  7. Publisher
    Listening Library
  8. ASIN
    B000EBGCP2
  9. Version
    Unabridged
  10. Program Type
    Audiobook
Next slide of product details
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Product details

Book 1 of 5 The Penderwicks
Listening Length 6 hours and 43 minutes
Author Jeanne Birdsall
Narrator Susan Denaker
Audible.com Release Date January 01, 2006
Publisher Listening Library
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B000EBGCP2
Best Sellers Rank #13,078 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#49 in Children's Siblings Books (Books)
#50 in Family Life Fiction for Children
#71 in Children's Books on Girls' & Women's Issues

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,727 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book a wonderful story filled with adventure and excitement that engages both boys and girls. The book is written well for younger middle-grade readers with witty writing, and features distinct personalities among the characters. Customers appreciate the gentle humor that makes them laugh, and one customer notes how it beautifully illustrates the treasure of loyal friendships. The book has a modern classic feel, with one customer describing it as feeling like a 1960s classic.

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186 customers mention "Readability"184 positive2 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable, describing it as a wonderful novel filled with adventure and wholesome storytelling.

"...Hilarious, touching, endearing, and heartbreakingly real, I treasured every event I read...." Read more

"...The theme of The Penderwicks is adventure, being brave, and working together to make a great summer for the children in this book...." Read more

"...Four Sisters, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall, is an AMAZING BOOK. My mom bought it last fall for school, and I loved reading it...." Read more

"...Fun summer reading!!!" Read more

62 customers mention "Family value"62 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's family value, describing it as a great story for all ages with an endearing family dynamic that children and adults will enjoy.

"...for that age group (my library kids love it), it is equally enjoyable for YAs and adults. There is a timeless and ageless quality to this book...." Read more

"Shared this book one summer when my kids were little and everyone in the family enjoyed it...." Read more

"...The Penderwicks are an absolutely wonderful, lovable and endearing family made up of four sisters (from ages 4 to 12 1/2), their loving father, and..." Read more

"...I found the four Penderwick girls appealing and amusing, though not especially believable, and the plot charming and sweet, though not especially..." Read more

61 customers mention "Excitement"58 positive3 negative

Customers find the book exciting and adventurous, with an engaging plot that appeals to both boys and girls.

"...The plot is equally engaging, though certainly bolstered by the strength of the characters. Each scene reads like a perfect gem...." Read more

"...How is that possible? This book made me happy and all the adventures they went through were one of my favorite stories yet...." Read more

"...I enjoyed this book because it was adventurous, funny, and suspenseful...." Read more

"...found this book in a thrift store I got the kindle book and enjoyed it again. Fun summer reading!!!" Read more

54 customers mention "Humor"54 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, describing it as a gentle story that made them laugh and a heartwarming read.

"...Each scene reads like a perfect gem. Hilarious, touching, endearing, and heartbreakingly real, I treasured every event I read...." Read more

"...I enjoyed this book because it was adventurous, funny, and suspenseful...." Read more

"...This is a beautiful and simple story that is heart warming and endearing...." Read more

"...And yet, it is. The Penderwicks are an absolutely wonderful, lovable and endearing family made up of four sisters (from ages 4 to 12 1/2), their..." Read more

51 customers mention "Reading level"51 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-suited for younger middle-grade readers, with a witty writing style that makes it enjoyable to read aloud.

"...Each scene reads like a perfect gem. Hilarious, touching, endearing, and heartbreakingly real, I treasured every event I read...." Read more

"...'re older like me (8 years old) or older, this book would be great to read on your own...." Read more

"...This book is an easy read, written well for younger middle-grade readers...." Read more

"...Writing style: I loved the descriptions and the writing style BUT she used wayyy too many “said”s...." Read more

39 customers mention "Character development"39 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting the distinct personalities of the characters and how they are bolstered by their strengths.

"...The plot is equally engaging, though certainly bolstered by the strength of the characters. Each scene reads like a perfect gem...." Read more

"...First of all, the characters seemed real. I felt like I knew them and wanted to be friends with them...." Read more

"...Early on, the personalities of the 4 girls are well-established, and we get to see their love for each other through their experiences...." Read more

"...I did love the quirks, significant personality, and bond they had, however their ages were off...." Read more

17 customers mention "Friendship"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of friendship, with one review highlighting its perfect balance of love and bickering, while another notes how it describes the relationship between four sisters.

"...Instead, they feel like reincarnations, fully alive, similar, yet distinct. This doesn't feel at all like cribbing from a classic...." Read more

"...The theme of The Penderwicks is adventure, being brave, and working together to make a great summer for the children in this book...." Read more

"...It's a story of love, kindness and friendship. I cannot wait to read this book to my kids...." Read more

"...all the while, Birdsall has filled these characters with wonderful heart and individuality, so that by the third chapter you won't be getting the..." Read more

11 customers mention "Era"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's era, describing it as a modern classic that feels like a 1960s classic, with one customer noting how it hearkens back to the simplicity of an earlier age.

"...Instead, they feel like reincarnations, fully alive, similar, yet distinct. This doesn't feel at all like cribbing from a classic...." Read more

"...It is gentle, funny, thoughtful, with an old fashioned feel about it. (I had to look to find out it wasn't written in the 50's.)..." Read more

"...It took a couple listens to realize that the books are modern, but without details like cell phones and tablets to distract...." Read more

"...Feels like a classic. Highly recommend." Read more

Disappointed
1 out of 5 stars
Disappointed
I received this book just in time to give my granddaughter. All of the other four grandchildren have books from grama. Hers has a 2 inch cut in the upper left hand corner. I can't send it back because they are coming to iowa from WV on Monday and today is Thursday. Would post a picture but not sure how it is done. dp.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • small review
    5.0 out of 5 stars Little Women + Anne of Green Gables = The Penderwicks
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I so completely love this book. If Anne of Green Gables and Little Women met, had a baby, and sent it to live in modern times the result would be this book.

    The bond of sisterhood is alive and strong with Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty. And, just like the March girls, I can't decide which Penderwick sister I like the best. Each is endearing and relatable in unique ways. They all wear their hopes, fears, and feelings on their sleeves, and I found myself able to relate to each sister and remember when I too went through my first unrequited love, my first realization that boys could be more than icky, my attempts at creativity, and my imaginative play.

    While the Penderwick girls remind me strongly of Little Women they don't ever feel like cheap ripoffs. Instead, they feel like reincarnations, fully alive, similar, yet distinct. This doesn't feel at all like cribbing from a classic. It feels like going home.

    The plot is equally engaging, though certainly bolstered by the strength of the characters. Each scene reads like a perfect gem. Hilarious, touching, endearing, and heartbreakingly real, I treasured every event I read. The plot may sound simplistic, but believe me when I say I was entertained throughout. I laughed my way through and never once was I bored or felt the story lagged. On the contrary, when I turned the last page I immediately went online to see if there was a sequel. And there is! There are five books planned with two published and one on its way in the summer of 2011, though each can be read as a standalone.

    This is a middle grade book recommended for ages 9-12. While it is certainly appropriate for that age group (my library kids love it), it is equally enjoyable for YAs and adults. There is a timeless and ageless quality to this book. The Penderwicks won the National Book Award and it is well deserving. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this one considered a classic in years to come.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Chez M Dishman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Be prepared for being dazzled!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The Penderwicks is a fiction book with a lot of creativity and live action put into it. The theme of The Penderwicks is adventure, being brave, and working together to make a great summer for the children in this book. This book is about three weeks of a summer vacation at Arundel, where the Penderwick sisters have time to make a good friend that will last for the rest of their lives.

    The boy that the Penderwick sisters meet, Jeffery, has a very different mother, and tricky to manage with. And worst of all she's in love with a creepy man! And poor Jeffery is worried that he has to go to a military academy where he will hate it! The school's motto is "Where boys become men, and men become soldiers." Jeffery doesn't think that he will like it and he can't explain it to his mother - she just won't listen! How will Jeffery escape this horrible matter? With the help of the Penderwick sisters!

    Mr. Penderwick, also known as Martin, is the Penderwick girl's father. There are four sisters. The eldest sister's name is Rosalind, then there's Skye, Jane, and the littlest and last Penderwick sister, Batty. There's one more Penderwick family member, and it is Hound, their dog. He might sound like a hound, but his name is only Hound. The Penderwick girls are as close as they can possibly be and even though they have different personalities, each one gets along perfectly fine. Every single one of the Penderwick sisters become the closest friends they could possibly be with Jeffrey. It happens in only three weeks! How is that possible?

    This book made me happy and all the adventures they went through were one of my favorite stories yet. Adventure, fun, bravery, and kindness is one of my favorite types of stories. I'd recommend it for grown ups to read to little kids, but if you're older like me (8 years old) or older, this book would be great to read on your own. If you're the type of person who likes kindness, bravery, adventure, and love to read like I do, then you will love this book. Also, counting this one, there are five Penderwick books so I hope you will read them all and enjoy some or all of them just like I did!
    20 people found this helpful
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  • Alli Paige
    5.0 out of 5 stars is an AMAZING BOOK. My mom bought it last fall for ...
    Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    If you’re a kid or a parent of a kid, I have a book you NEED to read. The book The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Two Rabbits, Four Sisters, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall, is an AMAZING BOOK. My mom bought it last fall for school, and I loved reading it. Without summer plans, Mr. Penderwick finds a little cottage in the Wicklow Mountains and books it immediately. He takes his four daughters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty, along with their dog, and they stay for three exciting weeks. I don’t want to tell you too much because I don’t want to spoil your fun in reading it. I have to say my favorite character is Skye or their vacation neighbor Jeffery. I didn’t like the characters Dexter or Mrs. Tifton, but the story wouldn’t be the same without them. They made life hard for my favorite characters, but then I got to see him triumph. That’s all I’m going to tell you; you’ll just have to read the book to find out everything! All in all, The Penderwicks is a great read for young people like me, so… BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!! (Daniel, Age 11)

    @nd Reviewer: I loved reading The Penderwicks, by Jeanne Birdsall. I enjoyed this book because it was adventurous, funny, and suspenseful. I don’t want to give away any of the important parts or spoil the book for you, but I can give a couple of examples of what made it such a good book. First of all, the characters seemed real. I felt like I knew them and wanted to be friends with them. Mrs. Birdsall also put them in situations that seemed realistic, like something that could happen during my own summer vacation. But then she added enough adventure and excitement to make the book exciting and fun to read. There are several sequels to this book, so you can look forward to more adventures after you read this first one. I would recommend this book for anyone 9 and up. I give this book an 11 out of 10 rating; it was that good! I think you should read this book, too! (Samuel, age 11)
    22 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Npr
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in India on August 14, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Very good read for middle grades
    Report
  • Lewis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muy adecuado para jóvenes lectoras
    Reviewed in Spain on July 8, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Suelo leer cuentos en inglés a mis hijas todas las noches. Al principio les leía sencillos cuentos infantiles, pero conforme fueron creciendo me vi en la necesidad de buscar libros más adecuados a su edad. Me encontré con este y resultó muy adecuado. El nivel de inglés es bastante alto para mi hija pequeña, de ocho años, pero la de diez se arregla bien. Y poco a poco se fueron adaptando. Por lo demás, la historia es muy adecuada a su edad, además de entretenida.
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  • D. G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tolles Kinderbuch
    Reviewed in Germany on June 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    tolle Charaktere, unterhaltsam geschrieben, absolut lohnenswert
    Report
  • Anna V.
    1.0 out of 5 stars Livro totalmente danificado.
    Reviewed in Brazil on February 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    O livro veio totalmente danificado. A capa rasgada e inclusive me enviaram uma versão antiga do livro, não é essa capa da foto. Fiquei totalmente insatisfeita. Porém como minha filha já inicia a leitura em escola não terei tempo de devolver 😔
    Report
  • Sara P
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful series
    Reviewed in Canada on October 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    My 9 year old daughter and I both love these books. They are beautiful and the loving bond between sisters is wonderful. Books 1 to 3 are great. But I would highly recommend stopping at book 3. The last two books have huge years long gaps between books and barely focus on the same characters even. And they just don't work as well. Book 5 is actually painful to read. But honestly the first three are worth reading on their own! Beautiful funny characters.
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