Parents' Guide to

The Penderwicks at Last

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Charming, funny series finale comes full circle.

Book Jeanne Birdsall Family Life 2018
The Penderwicks at Last Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 1 parent review

Megh L.
Megh L. Parent of 8-year-old
June 27, 2022
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
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What's the Story?

THE PENDERWICKS AT LAST are heading back to Arundel, the stately manor house where it all began. Youngest sibling Lydia, 11, has never been, but her older sisters' exploits there are family legend. Even better, a family wedding means all the Penderwick siblings will be together again. But some things have changed at Arundel. For one, the caretaker has a daughter, Alice, who's Lydia's age. Will the two decide to be friends during Lydia's visit? And some things haven't changed enough, like the sour Mrs. Tifton. Has she finally met a Penderwick she likes?

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Penderwicks at Last shows that the family members are loyal to one another. What are some things they do that show loyalty? Would you be willing to do the same things for a family member or friend?

  • Have you read any other books in the Penderwicks series? If so, which did you like best?

  • How do the Penderwicks show they love and care for their pets? Which animal character is your favorite? Why?

Book Details

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