The Penderwicks Series by Jeanne Birdsall
I love the Penderwicks! In book 3 Little Batty has given up her butterfly wings and taken up playing the piano; Skye is still focusing on soccer and math, but also taken on the role of OAP in Rosalind’s absence; Jane has her first brush with “a boyfriend” and survives; and their wonderful friend Jeffrey has a life-changing discovery. All this happens in the 3rd book of the Penderwick series. The Penderwicks are so reminiscent of the March family (“Little Women”) in my mind, even though this is a contemporary series. I certainly hope that none of the Penderwicks are fore-ordained to die (as did one of the March girls), but I do wonder if one of them is bound to marry Jeffrey when they are adults. (Signs point to Skye, but perhaps Batty!)
During all of this you may wonder about the parents. Mother died when Batty (the youngest) was a baby and so the eldest sister, Rosalind, has acted as a mother to all the girls. Father is a well-intentioned but somewhat pre-occupied professor and lets Rosalind take charge far too much, particularly in the first book.
Interesting developments in the second book change family dynamics. I heard that a movie might be in the works based on these books. I think it would be wonderful if some producer has the capacity to portray these likeable, realistic children on screen without corrupting their innocence or making it into something slapstick.
Book 1: The Penderwicks: a summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits, and a very interesting boy
Book 2: The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
Book 3: The Penderwicks at Point Mouette