Parents' Guide to

The Penderwicks at Last

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Charming, funny series finale comes full circle.

The Penderwicks at Last Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 7+

Based on 1 parent review

age 7+

Great for the whole family!!

My daughter fell in love with the Penderwick family last year and continues to read these books over and over. This is a fabulous introduction to a sweet family. Heads up that the mother has died of cancer but that’s not really flushed out until book 2 (The Penderwicks on Gardam Street). They are safe, supportive, kind—the perfect read for kids who can rock chapter books or families looking for a good audiobook (the narrator is fabulous and does the whole series). The father is present, hands-on, and respected, which is kind of rare these days. I would just be aware that the last 2 books involve some more mention of boyfriends than the first 3, but I am super cognizant of that stuff and I give these 2 thumbs up.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Past and present, old and new, weave a cheerful tapestry together with laughter, love, and adventure that will beguile generations of young readers. As with the four previous books in the series, The Penderwicks at Last blends a timeless appeal that'll remind parents and grandparents of their own childhood favorites with a refreshingly modern sensibility. And as before, each one of the large cast of colorful characters, human and animal alike, bring something unique to the story. Seen through 11-year-old Lydia's eyes, the story keeps the pages turning, and kids will find a lot of appeal in adventuring outside all day long like Lydia does. Great for reading alone or aloud. The satisfying ending closes a circle in which there will always be Penderwicks.

Book Details

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