Shannon’s Reviews > The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy > Status Update

Wendy, I'm finished! Such a sweet little book.

"We're going to miss you, Jeffrey," said Jane.
"We'll visit him in Boston," said Rosalind.
"And I'll visit you in Cameron," said Jeffrey.
"Just remember, if you don't, I'll kill you," said Skye.
"I'll remember," said Jeffrey. "Good-bye, Hound. Stay out of trouble."
Hound wagged his tail cheerfully. Just thinking about trouble made him happy.

Rosalind turned around and looked at Batty, very small and woebegone in the backseat.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"No."
"Endings are sad, aren't they?"
"Yes." And way in the back, Hound whimpered in agreement.

Hound barked proudly. Aren't I wonderful? Aren't I great?

Yes, yes you are, Hound. ;_;

"You have our undying gratitude for rescuing us from a fate worse than death," said Jane.
"And could you tell Jeffrey we escaped?" said Skye. "And that he should come over to the cottage for soccer practice when he gets rid of that Teddy Robinette kid?"
"Actually, Cagney, you might be able to help Jeffrey with Teddy," said Jane.
"Jeffrey's trying to drown him," said Skye.

Lol, these girls are so dramatic.

"What do I do?" whispered Batty, so excited her wings were quivering.
"They want you to pet them, Batty," said Cagney. "It's a great honor. I've never seen Carla go right to a stranger before."
Batty gently stroked the rabbits, Yaz on her left and Carla on her right. "Oh, Rosalind, they love me."
Rosalind and Cagney smiled at each other.

This story is just too cute.

A bull is so much larger than a bug that at first Batty didn't understand what she was seeing. She looked back down at the bug, who had by now safely scuttled up another daisy stem, then looked back up again, hoping the black monster would be gone. Not only was it still there, it had come a step closer. It was only fifteen feet away.
"Nice horsie," said Batty hopefully.

All was at peace while Batty picked flowers and hummed a song about kangaroos. Above, the birds wheeled cheerfully across the sky. Below, the worms slid happily through the soil. In between, the summer breeze softly ruffled the clover and daisies. But soon the peace was disturbed. Across the field from Batty, the barn door swung open as if shoved by something very strong.

"Your little sister won't talk to me."
"She never does with new people. She waits until she's found a common interest."
Cagney leaned over and whispered to Rosalind. "What about rabbits?"
"She loves rabbits," Rosalind whispered back.
"I have two living with me."
"Oh, Batty, Cagney has two rabbits," said Rosalind.
Batty's eyes grew big with wonder and she forgot to be invisible.

This is already an adorable book - great pick, Wendy!