What Katy Did

 

Author: Susan Coolidge 

Series: What Katy Did, Book #1 

Genre: Fiction/Family 

Twelve-year-old Katy has a quick temper – something very hard to keep in check when she has so many siblings 

around pestering her. But when angelic Cousin Helen comes to visit, Katy is stunned by her kindness and sweet thoughtfulness. She knows that she could never be like that. But when an accident happens, Cousin Helen’s advice could change Katy’s life… 

This book was lovely! I really, really liked it. A good, squeaky-clean, fun, meaningful read appropriate for anyone. You will see many coincidental similarities between this book and Little Women, which is funny because both Louisa May Alcott and Susan Coolidge had the same editor. 

I can’t wait to read the next book – “What Katy Did at School!” 

Ages: Any! 

4.5 out of 5 stars

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street

 

Author: Jeanne Birdsall 

Genre: Children/Adventure/Humor/Family 

They’re back – Rosalind, Skye (as in Blue Skye), Jane, and Batty. But this time they’re back in their natural habitat… and having rather abnormal adventures! Enter the Save-Daddy-Plan (which is really the Save-The-Penderwick-Sisters plan) and two nice next door  neighbors, troubles with affairs of the heart for Rosalind and Skye, and writing conundrums for Jane as well as spying dilemmas for Batty. 

In some ways, this book exceeded my expectations. It was just as adorable, warm-hearted, humorous, and timeless as the first book. I absolutely adored it. 

BUT… 

…enter a few disturbing things. Jane wonders briefly about reincarnation. Aztec gods are mentioned a lot (a play Jane writes about the Aztecs is mostly the cause of this) and ghosts are also mentioned. The most disappointing part of the book is just one sentence – it is mentioned that, while Jane did NOT use her alter-ego Mick Hart, she did, however, pray to the Aztec gods once or twice for help during a soccer game. 

…excuse me? 

Another time, she visits her “Enchanted Rock” and waits for different kinds of fictional divinities to visit her (none do) but it’s still disappointing. Therefore, this book might have to wait to be read until the reader is old enough to understand why these things definitely are NOT OK. 

Ages: 10+ 

4.5 out of 5 stars

The Penderwicks

 

Author: Jeanne Birdsall 

Genre: Children/Humor/Fiction/Adventure/Family 

Okay, first, a story about a story. My sister bought this book from Barnes and Noble about a month ago. I said “That looks cute,” and she said “I know!” and read it. 

Thanks to her, I got to hear about half of it out loud – she kept giggling and laughing and reading whole pages aloud to me until I said “That’s IT! I have to read it after you!” 

So I did. 

I was giggling and laughing just as much – if not more than – my sister! This book is squeaky-clean, absolutely adorable, and HILARIOUS!!! I recommend it for anyone from five to five hundred. It will absolutely make your day!! It’s so great – no need to be on the lookout for violent or sexual content or bad language – it’s just a completely fresh, new, funny, charming, timeless book. I really encourage you to get it and read it – it is destined to become a classic! I want it in hardback! 

Ages: Any 

100 out of 5 stars