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The Penderwicks at Point Mouette (The Penderwicks #3)

4.23 of 5 stars 4.23 · rating details · 3,395 ratings · 547 reviews

From a National Book Award winning author, this modern classic is perfect for fans of Noel Streatfeild and Edward Eager.

When summer comes around, it's off to the beach for Rosalind . . . and off to Maine with Aunt Claire for the rest of the Penderwick girls, as well as their old friend, Jeffrey.

That leaves Skye as OAP (oldest available Penderwick)—a terrifying notion for a...more

ebook, 304 pages

Published May 10th 2011 by Knopf Books for Young Readers (first published May 1st 2011)

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Aug 13, 2011 Ann rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: character-stories, childrens-stories, classic-feel, family, friendship, katie-and-annie-bookclub, middle-grade, series, summer, timeless-feel, young-adult, sisters

In this, the third, installment in the PENDERWICKS series, the three youngest sisters, Skye, Jane, and Batty (along with Hound) summer vacation with their aunt in a small house on the coast. While this means that there's very little of Rosalind (a character I did miss) it meant that Skye had to be the OAP (oldest Penderwick available) which was a delightful plot arc! Skye must deal with her OAP responsibilities and worries. Jane must deal with writer's block and love (both for Sabrina Starr and,...more In this, the third, installment in the PENDERWICKS series, the three youngest sisters, Skye, Jane, and Batty (along with Hound) summer vacation with their aunt in a small house on the coast. While this means that there's very little of Rosalind (a character I did miss) it meant that Skye had to be the OAP (oldest Penderwick available) which was a delightful plot arc! Skye must deal with her OAP responsibilities and worries. Jane must deal with writer's block and love (both for Sabrina Starr and, perhaps, herself). And Batty must deal with being without Rosalind, her parents and Ben, and her new favorite collection: golf balls.
Things begin to progress when Jeffery finally arrives, and the Penderwicks meet their new neighbors (which include a very nice man with a very exhuberant little dog, Hoover, and a brother and sister just about the Penderwicks ages).

I always love the classic feel of the Penderwick books, the loyalty and love of the sisters and their parents and new little brother (and even Jeffery) and how they are able to play and entertain themselves in almost purely technology-free environments and play so much outdoors. This is all done in a beautiful, non-dogmatic fashion that feels effortless and is a pleasure to read.
The only downside of this, is that I do feel Birdsall gives her characters too much freedom. While I wish we lived in a world where it was okay to let your 11 year old niece walk by herself to the grocery store, I don't think we do, and I feel it's a little unfair to allow the characters such freedom when a parent is going to have to explain to their young reader that "even though Jane/Skye/Batty did such-and-such, you really can't do it, too."

I did have to adjust my "expectations" when I started, remembering that the Penderwick books are much more character focused and that sometimes the chapters aren't going to be very epic (something that is part of the sweetness of the books, that a whole chapter can be devoted to "looking for golf balls.") I do think the book was a little slow in the beginning, but the events and unexpected turns of the last third more than made up for it, and I found myself wanting more by the end.

So, all in all, I still love this series, and based on this ending, I will be seeking out the next installment.(less)

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May 14, 2011 Brianna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I want to be an honorary Penderwick! The third Penderwicks installment is even more charming, even more lovely, and even more hilarious. Here are the things I love about this book:

1) I read it during a very stressful few days and this book comforted me when I thought my head would explode.

2) Skye may be my new favorite Penderwick (she's quickly edging out Batty). Skye, I feel ya - the overwhelming responsibility thing stinks. Too much pressure! But she handled it with aplomb.

3) Oceanside setting...more

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Jun 05, 2013 Lesli rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is book three, and I honestly can't remember the other two books. I do remember the characters, Birdsall does an excellent job of developing her characters. Since it is a children's book, I found the book slow in the beginning, but it was age appropriate. I honestly was wishing I was reading something else that was on hold at the library, but I continued because the characters were well developed, and enjoyable to read about. It was worth the perseverance, I loved this book by the end. It m...more

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May 07, 2013 Isabelle Varone rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette is a thrilling story about a family with three girls who spend an amazing summer at a place called, Point Mouette. The author of this book is Jeanne Birdsall. This is the 3rd book in the Penderwick series and I absolutely loved it! This book costed me $17.00and it was most definitely worth the cost. I first started reading these series when I was in 4th grade. Jeanne Birdsall is currently working on the 4th book in the Penderwick series. She plans to write 5 book...more The Penderwicks at Point Mouette is a thrilling story about a family with three girls who spend an amazing summer at a place called, Point Mouette. The author of this book is Jeanne Birdsall. This is the 3rd book in the Penderwick series and I absolutely loved it! This book costed me $17.00and it was most definitely worth the cost. I first started reading these series when I was in 4th grade. Jeanne Birdsall is currently working on the 4th book in the Penderwick series. She plans to write 5 books all together. Sadly, Jeanne Birdsall takes almost two years to write a new book. I find it rather hard to wait patiently for the next book to come out but in the end it is definitely worth the long wait.

Jeanne Birdsall is one of my favorite authors. Her first book “The Penderwicks” got the National Book Award which I find very impressive! The Penderwicks at Point Mouette was probably my favorite book in these series so far. This book was the 3rd adventure in these series.

When summer comes around, it's off to New Jersey for Rosalind the oldest sister and its off to Maine with beloved Aunt Claire for the rest of the Penderwick girls. The penderwicks best friend, Jeffrey, also comes along for the trip. That leaves Skye, the second oldest sister, next to Rosalind as the oldest available sister who has to carry all the responsibilities on her shoulders. At first, the girls vacation starts off to a great start as the kids and Aunt Claire all settle into a cozy little cottage by the ocean right next to a great next door neighbor with a small dog. As the three weeks continue, Skye can’t hold it together because all of her responsibilities are start to go to her head! Jane, the third oldest sister, simply can’t seem to figure out how to start her Sabrina Star book out which is to be a book about love. She gets even more confused about it after she meets a mysterious boy named, Dominic. Batty, the youngest sister, is trying desperately to learn how to play the Piano. Is she the only Penderwick capable of carrying a tune? Will Jeffery the Penderwicks friend be able to stay happy and keep the peace between the Penderwick girls?

This book is a thrilling and rocky ride as the Penderwicks continue their amazing adventures in Maine! This book was a great book that I really enjoyed. I loved the characters especially, Jane, who I can very much relate too. I love the idea of getting to spend the summer at a cozy little cottage. Someday, I really want to do that. Towards the end of the book, I got very anxious and was very pleased with the ending. It was very fun to try and guess what was going to happen next. This was a great book full of laughter and tears, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves an adventure!(less)

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Mar 06, 2012 IndyPL Kids Book Blog rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kid-life

Skye, Jane and Batty are back for another Penderwick summer adventure. But where is Rosalind, the usual OAP (oldest available Penderwick)? She is off to spend two weeks with her friend at the beach while her sisters go to Maine to spend two weeks with Aunt Claire.

This leaves Skye, the second to oldest, in charge…and she isn’t too sure she wants to be! She is so nervous about her new responsibilities that she has been taking notes in preparation…she has six closely written pages stuffed into her...more

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Feb 12, 2012 Vikki VanSickle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: middle-grade

Happiness is reading a Penderwicks novel, so you can imagine my delight when this ARC arrived at the store. I was DOUBLY thrilled to discover that this is only the third in a projected five book series! I cannot wait to spend two more whole books with my favourite fictional family (save perhaps the March girls. Or the Weasleys…)

In this third installment, beloved Mr. Penderwick and his new wife Iantha are taking a belated honeymoon in England and Rosalind is getting a well-earned vacation in New...more Happiness is reading a Penderwicks novel, so you can imagine my delight when this ARC arrived at the store. I was DOUBLY thrilled to discover that this is only the third in a projected five book series! I cannot wait to spend two more whole books with my favourite fictional family (save perhaps the March girls. Or the Weasleys…)

In this third installment, beloved Mr. Penderwick and his new wife Iantha are taking a belated honeymoon in England and Rosalind is getting a well-earned vacation in New Jersey with her best friend Anna, leaving Skye in charge as she is the Oldest Available Penderwick (OAP). This is an honour (and responsibility) Skye does not want, but being a Penderwick, makes no complaints and swears to do her best. Of course things would be much easier if they weren’t going away for two weeks to Point Mouette, where Skye is certain someone (probably Batty) will be carried away by the ocean or get smashed against the rocks and it will be all her fault. Just as she predicted, a number of things do go wrong- including a sprained ankle (Aunt Claire), a bashed nose (Jane), a broken heart (Jane again), and a major revelation that leaves all of their lives forever changed (Jeffrey).

Jeanne Birdsall is a warm, engaging writer and reading this book was not unlike playing hooky and snuggling up in a chair with a big mug of hot chocolate. In other words, it is a delicious and wholly satisfying diversion from the fast-paced world outside. Although I missed Rosalind, Birdsall kept me distracted with the antics of the remaining Penderwicks and friends. Skye’s anxieties about keeping everyone safe and happy in the absence of Rosalind was sweet and believable and added another layer to her character. This, plus Batty’s discovery of her latent musical talent and Jane’s first crush (and resulting heartbreak), was more than enough to keep me engaged. I got a real sense of the maturation of the girls in this book. Birdsall has added just enough depth to keep the stories interesting and emotionally resonant, but skirts anything too intense. For this reason, the Penderwicks books make especially good family read alouds. You can read this book to children as young as 5 or 6, though a 12 (or 28 or 65) year old would find it just as entertaining.

The Penderwicks books are the kind of books I feel you could pick up at any time in your life and be charmed. They are traditional in spirit but contemporary in the details. With Hannah Montana, Bieber fever, and other tween pop culture phenomena innundating kids at a younger age, some of the classics may not go over as well as one would hope. The Penderwicks books, while a treat all on their own, also serve as a nice bridge between trendier, pop culture-driven fiction and its classic counterparts. I love the Penderwicks like I love the March sisters, and it is not hard to imagine future generations gushing over these books as I have (and continue) to love Little Women. (less)

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Nov 28, 2011 Rosalyn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The third book in the series is another charming installment of life in the Penderwick family. The three youngest Penderwicks go on a summer holiday with their aunt to Point Mouette, Maine, while Rosalind is off to visit a friend. Although everyone agrees Rosalind deserves the vacation, this leaves Skye as the OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick) and she's distinctly apprehensive about the responsibility. The only bright spot, for Skye, is the possibility of a visit from their good friend Jeffrey (...more

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Oct 17, 2011 Joanna Marple rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Summer is here and Rosalind, the eldest of the girls, is not accompanying the others, so for the first time Skye will be OAP. So Skye, Jane and Batty set off for Maine with Aunt Claire, as well as their old friend, Jeffrey.

These delightfully unique children are vividly filled with life through Birdsall's lyrical pen. Each voice wonderfully unique, and without Rosalind's presence, Skye and jane really develop before our eyes. They settle into their cozy cottage, with a perilously rocky shore, en...more

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Oct 16, 2011 Broche rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: age-6-10, children-s-books-all, favorites, middle-grade-age-8-12

This third book in the Penderwicks series picks up right where book two, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, leaves off. Mr. Penderwick, his new wife, and baby Ben are in England for the honeymoon. Rosalind is taking her first vacation away from the family, going to the New Jersey shore with her best friend. That leaves Skye as OAP (oldest available Penderwick) in charge of Jane, Batty, Hound, and Jeffrey as they head to Maine with Aunt Claire.

Maine, while magical with its cottage next to the beac...more This third book in the Penderwicks series picks up right where book two, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, leaves off. Mr. Penderwick, his new wife, and baby Ben are in England for the honeymoon. Rosalind is taking her first vacation away from the family, going to the New Jersey shore with her best friend. That leaves Skye as OAP (oldest available Penderwick) in charge of Jane, Batty, Hound, and Jeffrey as they head to Maine with Aunt Claire.

Maine, while magical with its cottage next to the beach complete with sleeping porch, woods with moose, and some new potential friends, is also fraught with complications when Aunt Claire sprains her ankle, Jane decides to conduct Love Surveys as part of her research for her next Sabrina Starr book, and Batty takes an interest in music. Everyone knows Penderwicks are not musical, but with the support of Jeffrey and the next door neighbor musician, Alec, Batty is receiving lots of encouragement. No one is encouraging Jane in her survey, but that's not stopping her, especially when there's an intriguing, skateboarding new boy named Dominic in the neighborhood. Has Jane become the next Penderwick to fall in love?

Meanwhile, Skye is trying to avoid Rosalind's calls so Rosalind can have a worry-free vacation, but that means Skye is worrying overtime. Convinced Batty is about to blow up or drown or both, Skye becomes increasingly paranoid and insists Batty wear an orange life jacket at all times. A mini-coup might be necessary, but when Jeffrey's step-father Dexter shows up to yank Jeffrey back home, everyone knows who to turn to in a crisis. Skye steps up as OAP, sister, and friend, standing firm, offering support, and defending the honor of those she loves. With that much love in a family to give, it's no surprise the Penderwick family leaves Point Mouette with a few more honorary Penderwicks than when they arrived.

A true treasure of an adventure, Jeanne Birdsall is just beginning to hit her stride as a writer; I can hardly wait for adventures four and five.(less)

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Oct 04, 2011 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children, family-story

I think I would like this series better if it weren't intended to be and touted as the literary successor to Elizabeth Enright, Arthur Ransome, Jenny Lindquist, or any other author of classic children's family stories. Having met the author, I know she loves the old books as much as I do and mourns the lack of such stories today, but I think publishing just won't allow that sort of story for middle schoolers anymore. Perhaps stories for modern elementary school kids can still be like that (I don...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Knitme23 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well, Julie said this was one of the best Penderwick books and I completely agree. In it, Birdsall seems to have hit her stride, creating the most natural-feeling, least-contrived conflicts and characters to date. The sisters and the supporting cast have (finally) developed a depth that makes them interesting, believable, and realistic, and Birdsall has relinquished some of the annoying "tics". . . Jane's overblown descriptions of Sabrina Starr (in this one she has writer's block--what a relief!...more

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Aug 15, 2011 Kirby rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book under ideal conditions -- at the beach! In fact, the last two chapters were read in a bed that has a view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with a hot cup of really good coffee at my side. So perhaps this review should be taken with a grain of. . .sand. That confession made, I have to say this might be one of my favorite of the Penderwicks' stories so far. Skye's struggles with being appointed OAP for the duration of a summer trip to Maine really touched me. Batty gets a new friend...more

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Aug 13, 2011 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ncbla, writing

With responsible older sister Rosalind heading for the beach for a break from her family responsibilities and their father off on a honeymoon with his new wife, the rest of the Penderwicks head to Maine for a vacation. Skye is the designated OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick), and she's been charged to keep the family safe and especially keep an eye on Batty, the youngest one on the trip. Skye is more than overwhelmed by all this responsibility, but she is equal to the challenge. The girls have g...more

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Aug 09, 2011 Spypigeon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's impossible to hate the Penderwicks. They're just so darn... charming. Yet at the same time, they aren't just super-cute-perfect girls. They have human flaws. They make mistakes. That's what makes the books about them so amazing.
This is a children's book, yes, I realize ( I read the first one at a bit of a young age, and, oh, I simply cannot quit the series). Still, adults will love it. Teens who get over the fact it's a children's book will love it. There's not really anything to hate. Sinc...more

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Jul 26, 2011 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: hadley-recommendations, young-adult-books

Several days ago I discovered from my granddaughter, Hadley, that there was a third book in the Penderwicks series. Hadley generously loaned me this one (and the previous two, which she encouraged me to reread.)
This family simply jumps into your heart and easily finds a spot to nestle into. They bring with them all their worries and joys, their innocence and questions that come with age, new friends and old. Their openness is refreshing as is their loyalty to family, the understanding about resp...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Allison rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The third installment of the charming Penderwicks series is... oh, it's completely... just...

BRB, BOOKING MY VACATION COTTAGE IN MAINE!

...okay, only in my dreams. Sigh. But yes, this book is truly a treasure. It makes you want to stay in a cozy cottage on the coast of Maine and eat lots of pie, just like the three youngest Penderwicks and their friend Jeffrey do. It's the perfect summer read.

For the most part, the book isn't exactly plot driven, but is thoroughly enjoyable due to the charm of it...more The third installment of the charming Penderwicks series is... oh, it's completely... just...

BRB, BOOKING MY VACATION COTTAGE IN MAINE!

...okay, only in my dreams. Sigh. But yes, this book is truly a treasure. It makes you want to stay in a cozy cottage on the coast of Maine and eat lots of pie, just like the three youngest Penderwicks and their friend Jeffrey do. It's the perfect summer read.

For the most part, the book isn't exactly plot driven, but is thoroughly enjoyable due to the charm of its characters, with their quirky and relatable personalities, their worries and hopes, and their delight in the everyday. Like Elizabeth Enright's Melendy quartet, which is one of the inspirations for this series, this book is filled with small adventures-- the kind that make summer magical, and can be replicated by the reader. The Melendy kids inspired me to count shooting stars during the Perseids meteor shower, eat petits fours, and get the occasional manicure (hee, poor Mona!). Likewise, Penderwicks devotees will undoubtedly be moved to build a fire on the beach and roast marshmallows, go boating, learn to play the piano (or at least appreciate it), and maybe hunt for lost golf balls. Lovely stuff.

This the first Penderwicks book I experienced as an audiobook, and I wasn't sure I'd like it as well as the print version. One of the things I love best about reading this series is soaking up the language, and I didn't think I'd be able to do that with an audiobook. But Susan Denaker's performance is perfect for the Penderwicks. In addition to portraying each character with a distinct and believable voice, her narration has a gentle tone and precise diction, well-suited to the old-fashioned feel of the book. At first, I thought her pace was too slow, but as I relaxed into it, I realized the pace allowed me to soak up the language-- just like I wanted. Listening to this audiobook is like having a dear aunt read you a bedtime story. I wished it would go on forever.

Full review (with speculation of potential romance!) on my blog at Reading Everywhere.(less)

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Jul 16, 2011 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kids-books

The book blurb says it all, as far as the action of the book goes. What it can't touch on is the emotion--and this book is packed with it.
The girls are desolated to be separated from their father, step-mom and baby step-brother(off in England for two weeks). Big sister Rosalind is also away-with a girlfriend, at the beach in NJ-for those same two weeks. The girls have never been apart before--and two weeks is just an eternity when you are young.
Jeffrey, on the other hand, is more than happy to b...more

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Jul 14, 2011 Matilda Peck rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is a heartwarming story about three sisters and their advetures in Maine. At the ages of 12,11, and 5, the Penderwicks face the problems of childhood and growing up into young ladies. One has trouble with control and patience, another has fallen in love with the wrong boy, and the youngest will have to live without her oldest and favorite sister who is in New Jersey with a friend. Jeanne Birdsall (the author) has captured the real energy and bubbly nature of young girls and describes v...more

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Jul 09, 2011 Lindsay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'd like to start by saying that The Penderwicks series are my favorite books. So far there are three books in the series; author Jeanne Birdsall has agreed to release one book every three years, so I anxiously await the next adventure. The four Penderwick sisters, Batty, Jane, Skye, and Rosalind, are as realistic and charming as it gets, and its their kind-hearted nature that makes readers want to come back for more.

The Penderwicks on Point Mouette was a little bit different. In the previous t...more

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Jun 30, 2011 Marika rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In 2005 the Penderwicks appeared in many lives, the four Penderwick sisters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty, becoming close friends to many readers. In the third installment of Jeanne Birdsall’s beloved series, The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, Skye, Jane, and Batty are off to Maine for a summer vacation with their aunt. This means Skye is the OAP (or oldest available Penderwick) a role of terrifying responsibility. Luckily, her good friend Jeffery is around to help her. Jane thinks she's in lo...more

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Jun 14, 2011 Heidi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you have not yet met the Penderwicks, you are seriously missing out. I confess right at the beginning that these are some of my favorite books of all time. The four sisters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty and endearing and oh so flawed. Maybe it's because I am one of four sisters myself (and a brother), but I can relate to these girls so easily. Every time I meet them, I come away smiling or laughing. Now you know that this review will not be objective in the slightest. As I mentioned above,...more

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Jun 09, 2011 Betsy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens, chapter-books

This is my favorite Penderwick book yet! I think Birdsall is nailing the beginning now (whereas I thought the first one took a wee bit to get going). Characterization is, as always, top notch. I'm impressed with how well she allows the shift in focus (from Rosalind as Oldest Available Penderwick--OAP to Skye) take place as well as with how well she allows Jeffrey to find the answers to some tough questions. It's a gentle book, but definitely not cheesy. I now want to vacation at both Arundel AND...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Startling news! I actually liked this simpler story better than the first two.

*The kids were more believably modern, or anyway, there was less cognitive dissonance between characters and setting and plot. I think this is because of living in a vacation cabin, mostly removed from the world. But also the author seems better at integrating normal technology like cell phones.

*For once, there were not Too Many Things going on with the plot.

*I didn't miss Rosalind as much as I expected to, because eve...more

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Jun 15, 2013 Diane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2013

The Penderwick sisters (Roslind, Jane, Sky and Batty) are separated for the first time in their lives: Dad and his new wife are headed for a honeymoon in England, Rosalind is heading for vacation in New Jersey with a friend and Sky, Jane and Batty are going to go stay in Maine with Aunt Claire. With Rosalind gone, that makes Sky the OAP (oldest available Penderwick) and she must watch over the younger sisters for the first time. Unfortunately, Jeffrey will not be there to help. His mother, who h...more

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Sep 04, 2011 Renee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paw

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Summary: When the three younger Penderwick sisters (Skye, Jane, and Batty) go to Maine with Aunt Claire and are separated from oldest sister Rosalind for the first time in their lives, an uncertain Skye is left in charge as the OAP--oldest available Penderwick.

3rd book in the series

Dad and Iantha go to England for their honeymoon, Rosalind goes away on vacation with her friend to NJ, and the other three girls and Jeffrey (friend from 1st book) go on vacation to Maine with Aunt Claire.

Their sma...more Summary: When the three younger Penderwick sisters (Skye, Jane, and Batty) go to Maine with Aunt Claire and are separated from oldest sister Rosalind for the first time in their lives, an uncertain Skye is left in charge as the OAP--oldest available Penderwick.

3rd book in the series

Dad and Iantha go to England for their honeymoon, Rosalind goes away on vacation with her friend to NJ, and the other three girls and Jeffrey (friend from 1st book) go on vacation to Maine with Aunt Claire.

Their small vacation home is right along the water and they meet a friendly neighbor Alec. Alec is a musician and has a piano. He and Jeffrey hit it off right away as Jeffrey wants nothing more in the world than to be a musician. Aunt Claire breaks her ankle and Skye is determined to keeps things going and not have to go home. She is the OAP and is so scared about keeping Batty safe. She can't do a great job like Rosalind. But Rosalind needs a much deserved break as she has been taking on Mom responsibilities for much too long. Meanwhile, Skye's written instructions for taking care of Batty become damaged. She can't make out the words but sees "blow up." So now she is scared of doing something that will make Batty blow up! (Turns out in the end, it was instructions to blow up a plastic toy that Iantha had given to Batty for the trip) Jane is working on her new Sabrina Star book and decides it should be about love. Jane falls for a boy while on vacation, Dominic. He doesn't pay but attention to her but does kiss her one day and then continues to ignore her. She writes him an ode that he sends back with a mean message on it. Turns out it was a bet to kiss her. Jane is heartbroken and ends up cutting off most of her hair for the camp Firegod making more wishes. Page 178 "Fire, Sun, Sand, and Sea Listen now and hear my plea. Humbly do I ask of thee, PLease bring what I wish to me."

In the end we find out that Alec is actually Jeffrey's father. He was the man who met Mrs. Tifton while in college, they feel in love, married but broke up due to her father's wishes. She found out she was pregnant and never told Alec. He never knew he had a child. Alec races to talk with Mrs. Tifton and find out that it is true. Skye meanwhile has to keep this all a secret with Aunt Claire until Alec talks to Jeffrey. He does and Jeffrey runs away and it takes a while before they smooth things over enough to talk to each other about it.

(less)

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Jun 16, 2011 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens, read2011

I love the Penderwicks!! I want to be in the family. Seriously, if you haven't read the other two books, read them! Here's a description of the girls from the Author's website that I love: "Meet the Penderwicks, a family who believes in truth and honor, yet can’t seem to stay out of trouble. There's oldest sister Rosalind, responsible for the rest; stubborn, feisty Skye; dreamy Jane; and shy little Batty, whose best friend is Hound, a large dog more loyal than obedient."

Quaint, lovable and worth...more

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Aug 06, 2011 Sri rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children

* spoiler warning *
Di episode ketiga ini, The Penderwicks berpisah selama summer. Mr Penderwicks dan istri barunya pergi ke England untuk honeymoon. Tak lupa Ben dibawa (honeymoon or not! :D). Rosalind pergi bersama temannya. Sisanya pergi ke rumah tante mereka. Karena Rosalind tidak ada maka Skye menjadi OAP, Penderwick tertua, yang harus bertanggung jawab atas keadaan adik-adiknya selama berada di rumah tante mereka di Maine. Beruntung Jeffrey dari Arundel bisa datang untuk berlibur bersama. S...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Bobby rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kidsstuff

I tried, I really did try, to adore this entry as I did the other two books in the Penderwicks series, but this one didn't engage me as the others, and I'm not really sure why. All three are rather leisurely paced and the writing and those sisters are as charming as ever, but I could not get into this one as much. There's also a twist near the end that hinges on quite a coincidence that even the soapiest of soap operas would have trouble pulling off.

Not that there aren't qualities to love. Bird...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, juvenile-lit

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It took a long time for The Penderwicks At Point Mouette to come in for me at my local library. During the waiting time, while I was busy reading other books, I often found myself missing Rosalind, Skye, Jane, Batty, and Jeffrey, and wishing that I could immerse myself in their latest adventure. When I finally did get the book, The Penderwicks At Point Mouette did not disappoin...more

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Feb 13, 2012 Josiah rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Each of the first three books about the Penderwicks has received a lot of Newbery talk in the original year of its publication. Old-fashioned and generally lighthearted in style, yet definitely set in times contemporary to when they were first released, these books hearken back to the days of some of the great classics of children's literature, masterpieces from the pens of such venerated authors as Louisa May Alcott, Frances Hodgson Burnett, L.M. Montgomery and Eleanor Estes. And, as with the...more Each of the first three books about the Penderwicks has received a lot of Newbery talk in the original year of its publication. Old-fashioned and generally lighthearted in style, yet definitely set in times contemporary to when they were first released, these books hearken back to the days of some of the great classics of children's literature, masterpieces from the pens of such venerated authors as Louisa May Alcott, Frances Hodgson Burnett, L.M. Montgomery and Eleanor Estes. And, as with the famous works of those legends of literature, the stories about the Penderwicks are novels of great depth and much heart, resonant on a keenly emotional level even through the moments of crazy humor and diverting comedic mishap, which are present in abundance. Jeanne Birdsall never seems to lose her way in writing a story that trades off equal parts laughter and sorrow, and this is probably a major reason why the books appeal to such a broad audience.

Just as in the first book of the series, The Penderwicks, the family is off on another summer vacation, this time to Point Mouette, Maine; however, unlike in the first adventure, the whole Penderwick family isn't going along on the trip. With their father and new mother gone on a honeymoon, and Rosalind off on her own vacation with extended family during which she'll be able to relax and for the first time in years not worry about having to keep watch over her sisters, it's only Skye, Jane and Batty Penderwick who are headed for Point Mouette, along with their Aunt Claire and their friend Jeffrey, whom we met in the first book. Skye is more than a little bit unnerved by the responsibility of taking over for Rosalind as the oldest sister, but she tries with vigorous passion to fill her new position well, certainly not willing that something terrible should happen to Jane or Batty so soon after Rosalind has left her in charge. Skye might be somewhat high-strung to be a leader, but Jeffrey acts always as an effective antidote for the moments when the stress overwhelms her, assuring Skye that she can be a good Oldest Available Penderwick without hovering over her sisters and worrying herself sick.

Point Mouette, it turns out, is tied very closely to the pasts of all the Penderwicks, and Jeffrey as well, who find themselves making several new friends almost as soon as they arrive. Alec McGrath, a musician who lives next door to the house where they'll be staying, is first and foremost among these new friends. He takes to the Penderwicks and Jeffrey at once, and generously allows Jeffrey to come over any time to play the piano in his house, an activity that is usually restricted for Jeffrey when at home with his domineering mother and her unpleasant husband. To Jeffrey, music is life, a harmoniously blended outpouring of the kind, wonderful soul that he is on the ivory keys of the piano, or through the fluttering woodwind sounds of the clarinet. But even as Skye struggles to strike the ideal balance between being mindful of her sisters and allowing them the freedom to be happy, Jeffrey has his own challenge to confront. A secret that has been kept from him for a very long time will come out when he least expects it, and Jeffrey's character will be tested beyond the limits of anything that he has ever faced.

I want to give two and a half stars to The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, but I'm not at all sure of which direction I want to round that rating. I may continue to bounce back and forth between two and three stars, so don't be surprised if my rating changes at some point in the future. I can't go into much depth about why I'm considering three stars, either, because that would necessitate delving into some pivotal details of the plot, and I won't risk spoiling any of the book's content for those who haven't yet read it. I will say, though, that the emotionally affecting material of the last one-third of the book or so is exceptionally complex and deep, leaving me still battling out exactly what I thought of all the characters' reactions many hours after I had finished reading the book. I can see why The Penderwicks at Point Mouette was touted as a legitimate candidate for the 2012 Newbery awards, and I know that I will think back on the book often until the next entry in the series is released, and probably even beyond then. I absolutely loved having another opportunity to read about the Penderwick family, and with my favorite character, Jeffrey, involved in the plot again much more significantly than he was in The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, I was happy all around. As is the case for everything written by Jeanne Birdsall, I warmly recommend The Penderwicks at Point Mouette to any and all readers.

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About Jeanne Birdsall

Jeanne Birdsall grew up in the suburbs west of Philadelphia, where she attended wonderful public schools. Jeanne had lots of great teachers, but her favorites were: Mrs. Corkhill, sixth grade, who encouraged her intellectual curiosity; Mr. Tremonte, eighth grade algebra, who taught Jeanne to love and respect math; and Miss Basehore, second and fourth year Latin, to whom Jeanne (and Mr. Penderwick)...more

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

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street (The Penderwicks, #2)

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