Springtime is finally arriving on Gardam Street, and with it comes all the joyful chaos of the Penderwicks. The brood has grown to six with the addition of Lydia, the new youngest sibling, and there are surprises in store for all. Some surprises are just wonderful, like neighbor Nick Geiger coming home from war. And some are ridiculous, like Batty's new dog-walking business. Batty is saving up her dog-walking money for an extra-special surprise for her family, which she plans to present on her upcoming birthday—when Jeffrey, honorary Penderwick and Batty's musical mentore, will be visiting from Boston. But when an unwelcome surprise arrives, the best-laid plans fall apart. "A story at once funny, tender, and wrenching." —The Wall Street Journal "Full of all the qualities fans love—humor, heart, and an honest exploration of emotions." —Booklist, starred