The Penderwicks in Spring

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2015

Review

This is the fourth installment about the Penderwicks. Spring stereotypically brings life changes and transformation and that is the case for Batty (Elizabeth) Penderwick. Being the fourth child in a blended family of six children, she is mourning the loss of her beloved hound and inspired to help the tight family finances by starting a neighborhood dog walking business with humorous results. When neighbor Nick, whom she adores, comes home on leave and her older sisters start having boyfriend problems, Batty's understanding of her place in the family is shattered and the darkness she feels inside brings friends and family to a halt until misconceptions are corrected. Birdsall has deftly infused the themes of blended family issues, death of pets and parent, and family finances into a lighthearted read that boosts reader's vocabulary. Fans of the series will be somewhat disappointed with the peripheral appearances of the older sisters in the story, but it is understandable since they are growing up. Frankland's illustrations appear on the book jacket and at the beginning of each chapter.

Overall Book Score: very good