Anyone who has been waiting for the conclusion of this series will love The Penderwicks at Last (begrudgingly since no one is really ready for this adventure to end). The whole series makes me think of the Betsy Tacy books (another favorite series in the Krumm house). It has been so fun to be able to watch the Penderwick sisters grow up and journey along with them. This last book in the series (so sad), follows the youngest sister, Lydia, now eleven. Birdsall brings it full circle in this last Penderwick offering. The family is traveling to Arundel for the summer — because there is going to be a wedding! Lydia is finally able to explore Arundel — the legendary place her family used to travel to for summer vacation — and makes some new friends along the way. Readers will also see some familiar faces since everyone is coming back for the wedding. Another instant classic and a fabulous conclusion to the series.

This was truly an enchanting journey.
It's not that SO MUCH happens, or the action is nonstop, or the mysteries are unending. It's more a story that meanders through the character's lives, strewn with the past as well as new memories in waiting, gathering together like so many wildflowers in a clutch, creating a story to slowly traverse and enjoy line by line, page by page.

Lydia was such a wonderful little narrator, telling us things as only an eleven year old can, with mirth, unknown accuracy, imagination galore, and so much optimism (no matter how much she persists she doesn't like everyone) you can't help but smile and dance along with her. Her new little friend with the "unfortunate" name was an equal delight, matching Lydia's spirit, step for step and bird call for bird call. The sisters were a mixed bag, but such a joy to get to know! If I had to pick favorites...I really can't. Sorry! They are all equally memorable, however we do get to know Batty in this story a bit more than the others, and I will say this...I hope hope HOPE she's the one to break the "no one wants to marry" a certain someone "promise" sought by Ms. Tifton (an equally beguiling woman, if ever there was...though I think underneath the pickle puss she's famous for is actually a warmer heart). Let us know forget the puppy friends that abound. From giant pups of wonder to tiny dogs galore to those somewhere in-between, our four-legged friends certainly play a big role in this wonderful tail...I mean tale.

In the end, I enjoyed my time in Arundel immensely, and couldn't recommend a better escape this summer for readers young in years or simply young at heart. It's a heart warming tale that'll stick with you long after the final page is turned, and though bittersweet as it's the final installment in the series, there's always the shiny rainbow of a reread to perk your spirits right back up.