The Penderwicks

Recently Elizabeth had a post about how much her daughter enjoyed The Penderwicks. Since I love children's chapter books (I am hesitant to say "young adult" because most YA is trash) I immediately requested it from the library. I am always on the lookout for quality books that are easy for me to read while parenting children who need lots of attention.

I am not quite done with it, but I have loved every chapter. The charming style reminds me of E. Nesbit, or other older writers. Even though the story takes place in modern times, the children actually behave like children ought to: they play outside, use their imagination, and never touch video games. The whole family is delightful: creative, academic, polite. The father even speaks Latin sometimes!

Some of the reviewers on Amazon complained that the story was "idyllic", but that is one of the reasons I enjoyed it. I suppose if idyllic stories aren't your style, you can always read Braless in Wonderland, or any other number of pathetic modern stories. Sure it's not very realistic (it's possible, but not probable), but I'll take that to this any day.