The Growing Summer (Puffin)

This was my favorite book growing up. I read it over and over until the pages fell out. The characters are so realistic and their aunt was so eccentric. I often wished I could be there with them exploring Ireland and having adventures. It is also a great book for kids who often "judge a book by it's cover". It teaches kids not to be judgemental about people, because the children learn a great deal about the kindness of their Great Aunt.

I really enjoyed this book, and am very upset it went out of print. Magic with a twist of mystery, suspense, and set in Ireland~ who couldn't love it? I read it quickly~ couldn't put it down. =P It's written in sort of an English style, so if that's what you like you're sure to love this. Even though I live in Seattle (far away from both of the settings featured), I could relate to the characters, and really enjoyed the Author's way of describing just how Penny, Alex, Naomi, and Robin were feeling. If you like a good, slightly spooky mystery, don't miss this book!!

i read this book aloud twice to my four children during summers in vermont...after 15 years, the thought of it still makes me smile...the dialect which at first my children couldn't understand, but wound up mimicing; the friendships old and young; mysterious old drafty rooms; the notion of letting barking dogs know where you're headed, so they can stop chasing your car. streatfield paints a beautiful, eccentric character in the aunt (who's name escapes me, but who scurries before me in my mind's eye still) ...loved the whole family of characters.

A twisting plot. One of the best Noel Streatfeild books ever. Please put it back in print with the "Shoe" books that are out of print (also by Noel Streatfeild.)