Thank you for this free review copy, HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley. I was so excited to get an early peak at this book, and it was just as lovely as I expected. The Vanderbeekers are independent, relatable, likable kids. They always have the best intentions, but seem to find themselves in difficult situations. I love the way family and friends work together and persevere to support these lovable characters. If you like characters like Ramona Quimby, Anne Shirley, or the Penderwick kids, you should check out the Vanderbeekers to the Rescue.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue is the third book in the Vanderbeekers series. I love this family so much! The kids are sweet and adventurous and their whole family dynamic is heartwarming. I love the relationships they have with their neighbors and community. Every book in this series has been fantastic and “to the Rescue” did not disappoint!

Aren't book series wonderful? In my experience as a homeschooling mother (and aunt :) ), there's nothing better than series when your new reader hits a certain age where they want to read and read and read--but they don't necessarily want to invest all that time in a new world every time. Even as an adult, there are times when my own life is so full of dentist appointments and teaching math and volunteering and folding laundry that picking up a book and meeting new characters sounds like more of a social engagement than a relaxing escape (Is this a peculiarly introverted reader tendency, I wonder??). On those days, picking up a new book in a series I've already come to love is sheer reading joy.

The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue is book #3 is Karina Yan Glaser's delightful Vanderbeeker Family series, and it came into my life (via Netgalley--thanks, publisher!) at just the right moment. I needed something lighthearted--but bighearted; fast-paced--but not adrenaline-pumping; engaging--but not so much that I couldn't put it down when my own family needed me. If you're at a similar point in your life, the Vanderbeekers have got you covered.

While Book #3 could be standalone, I do recommend that you read these books in order--mainly because there are a lot of people to keep track of in the Vanderbeeker's big nuclear family and "neighborhood family.


I thought the plotting and characterization of this third Vanderbeeker story were even better than the previous two--which I enjoyed! I absolutely loved the continuing strong family relationship and the positive light in which a large, crazy family is shown, without sugarcoating the difficulties that big family life can cause (especially when you add a bunch of animals to the mix--trust me, I know this from experience). In today's culture, when children are being accused of being burdens to the ecosystem instead of sources of joy and creativity and innovation and love in the world, this is a particularly important message to get across. I'm so glad to have this book to hand to my daughters and to their friends who are dying for more stories of families like theirs!

Here's my nitpick for this 100% honest review:
The plotting of this book is excellent on its own. As a third book in a series...it got a little repetitive. Just like the first two books, the Vanderbeeker children have made a mess of things and need to fix it--against a ticking clock. The countdown element felt so familiar in this story, that it slightly frustrated me as an adult reader. Is a kid going to care? Maybe one in a million will. Maybe not. But if you adult readers find yourself a little "meh" about the plot, keep in mind that it might not be the plot itself--it might just be that you've seen that device before with these characters. And then just enjoy the characters, because they're pretty great. :)

I would describe this book as "safe". It is one of those books that will likely not cause controversy of any kind. Large family in which kids have a variety of interests, a multitude of pets, questionable decisions that lead to natural consequences. I see it igniting a young reader's desire to help local animal shelters.

Wow! Karina has done it again! In the third installment of this amazing family, the Vanderbeekers find themselves in the middle of quite a mystery. Every morning a new animal has been placed on their doorstep. And what is worse? Mama is trying to make her dreams come true by opening a bakery in their brownstone but the city inspector has other plans. Can the Vanderbeekers find new homes for all these animals and help mama make her dream a reality? And who is behind the mystery animal drop offs? The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue solidifies the love shared by this beautiful family and the value of community and working together. Five stars and we can’t wait to see the next Vanderbeeker adventure!

This may be my favorite Vanderbeeker book so far. In this one the kids are being their usual helpful selves, and they manage to mess everything up. It looks like they have single-handedly ruined their mother's baking business, but rather than fessing up, they try to fix it on their own. I like that the author lets everything go down the tubes, and that although it isn't what they want, the parents are still okay with what happens, and still love their kids - just like parents should. Of course, the Vanderbeekers are a feel-good kind of book, and with a serendipitous plot turn, dreams do come true. With so many dystopian and dark books out there, this is one that can brighten an afternoon.

This is a great series! The characters are lovable and feel like family. I really enjoy seeing what the kids are up to and this one did not disappoint. I loved that they were trying to help their mom out, but things didn't quite go their way. The ending was great and I look forward to the next book.