The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall is the first of four books about the Penderwicks sisters and a three week vacation at a caretakers cottage at the edge of an estate in Western Massachusetts. The book is aimed for older elementary kids and I imagine they would really enjoy it. I will point my 10 year at the series once she is thru the current 'dragon books and only dragon books' phase. The antics are exciting and well paced. My one criticism would be that I found it hard to keep track of the ages of the girls as their behavior was first older than I would expect and then swing to the other extreme.
Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and Lisa Ross shares an explanation for the increase in ADD and anxiety seen in kids and an antidote by means of simplifying. Overall I liked the book and felt the authors laid out their argument well, and while I don't agree with all the conclusions I am glad I read the book. The Waldorf approach to education is emphasized and while I do wish others were discussed I appreciate that this book went beyond just 'purge' all the toys and discussed scheduling issues and other aspects of childhood.
Please head over to Carolyn's for more Open Book.
I love The Penderwicks! I’m thinking of reading the first aloud to my five year old to see if it helps discourage his tendency to tattle—Penderwick Family Honor!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is 3 books into the Penderwicks! She loves them. (And is 10, too.) Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteI started Simplicity Parenting and loved the first couple chapters but it was due at the library before I could finish.
ReplyDeleteYou and I have been on such the similar reading sync recently!!
DeleteThanks for stopping by.