Status
Available
Genres
Publication
Balzer Bray (2011), Edition: Reprint, 288 pages
Description
Fifteen-year-old Miss Penelope Lumley, a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, is hired as governess to three young children who have been raised by wolves and must teach them to behave in a civilized manner quickly, in preparation for a Christmas ball.
User reviews
LibraryThing member _Zoe_
I really enjoyed this one, starting from the very first pages when we meet Penelope Lumley as she travels to Ashton Place to interview for the position of governess: "Although only fifteen years old, she was a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females." Wood combines all the
My only complaint about the story is that it feels incomplete. This is the first in a series, and it shows. There are key plot elements that just aren't resolved at all, giving the impression that the book just stopped in the middle. On one level, I'm very glad that there will be more to read, and next February can't come soon enough; but on another level, I think I'd have preferred to read the story as one (or several) longer books, so that it wouldn't be so broken up. On the whole, though, I really liked the book and hope there will be many more.
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key elements of a certain type of old-fashioned story--governess, orphans, wealthy estate, mystery--with a good dose of humour; the book doesn't take itself too seriously, and benefits a lot from that approach.My only complaint about the story is that it feels incomplete. This is the first in a series, and it shows. There are key plot elements that just aren't resolved at all, giving the impression that the book just stopped in the middle. On one level, I'm very glad that there will be more to read, and next February can't come soon enough; but on another level, I think I'd have preferred to read the story as one (or several) longer books, so that it wouldn't be so broken up. On the whole, though, I really liked the book and hope there will be many more.
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LibraryThing member ehousewright
Great tongue-in-cheek look at the indomitable Miss Lumley and her enlightened view of how to deal with these "incorrigible" children while living within the constraints of her job. There's no way I'm going to stop here-- the back story is hinted at and its chilling to think of how it will play out
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(before Miss Lumley gets things under control). Show Less
LibraryThing member lmeza
It's perfect, I love it! I love the illustrations too and I am glad to say I recognized the illustrator in another book. I'm so proud :)
LibraryThing member sarah-e
I read this with high expectations and it was fun to read, though too short. I read passages aloud to my traveling companions over the holiday, and I have passed the book on to one of them since. Penelope is a well-written character - in addition to her sweet and patient nature, she seems uniquely
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able to empathize with animals and to capture the attention of anyone she desires - the perfect governess for three feral children. The mystery is much greater than howling, and I wish we had been more clued in to it in this book. I look forward to the rest of this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member livebug
I thoroughly enjoyed this charming tale -- a little Anne of Green Gables, a little Jane Eyre, a whole lot of the Series of Unfortunate Events -- and am eagerly awaiting the next installment. I work in a school and half the kids there were raised by wolves too!
LibraryThing member meganelizabeth
Not bad, but the plot didn't contain too much detail, and it seemed that a lot of the humor came from literary references that an age-appropriate audience wouldn't understand/find funny if they did (in fact, a lot of adults probably wouldn't find the governess/Victorian humor all that amusing
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either, unless they have a soft spot for Austen and the Brontes). Show Less
LibraryThing member bookappeal
I don't care if it's meant for children. What could be more delightful than the inimitable Katherine Kellgren reading the audio version of a story that's part Series of Unfortunate Events (orphans, complex words, adult humor) and part Julie Andrews' Mary Poppins (plucky governess, manners, eternal
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optimism, scatter-brained lord and lady) but with a dash of its own uniqueness? For these orphans are no ordinary orphans - they were raised by wolves! And, since there are three children of differing ages, a person (and by that I mean, 15-year-old governess Penelope Lumley) must wonder exactly *how* they came to be raised by wolves and if they can ever be taught to behave as children. Absolutely entertaining on audio. Show Less
LibraryThing member KimJD
This delightful cross between Jane Austen and Lemony Snickett may not appeal to all kids, but will certainly be appreciated by those who enjoy dry British humor (although author Maryrose Wood is actually a New Yorker and not a Brit). This opening story of 15-year-old governess Penelope Lumley and
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her three charges sets the stage for many further adventures. Although the three siblings in Miss Lumley's care have been raised by wolves and only recently brought into the "civilized" world, it quickly becomes clear that a mansion and nice clothes do not a civilized society make, and that the children are not the true beasts of this tale. Show Less
LibraryThing member norabelle414
- Audiobook - Penelope Lumley graduates from Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females and gets a (suspicious, to the reader's eyes) job as a governess to a very rich family. It turns out that her three pupils don't actually belong to the rich family, they're just three feral children that Lord
Penelope is a kind, smart, resourceful, poised, and generally likeable main character. She's particularly relatable for us readers, as she solves most of her problems by remembering things she has read in books.
The book was very cute, but confusingly short. There's no real resolution, nor a cliffhanger, the story just stops like it's the end of a chapter. Ah well. I'll probably listen to the next in the series soon.
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Ashton found in the forest. Extremely suspicious.Penelope is a kind, smart, resourceful, poised, and generally likeable main character. She's particularly relatable for us readers, as she solves most of her problems by remembering things she has read in books.
The book was very cute, but confusingly short. There's no real resolution, nor a cliffhanger, the story just stops like it's the end of a chapter. Ah well. I'll probably listen to the next in the series soon.
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LibraryThing member LMKatz
For all of you out there who loved Lemony Snicket or The Willoughby’s here is another fabulous book on a series of unexplained events for an unfortunate set of orphans. Only these orphans have been raised by wolves. They howl, chase squirrels gnaw on shoes and now must learn to behave in a
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civilized manner thus how they got the name of the incorrigibles (incapable of being corrected or informed). It is the job of 15 year-old Miss Penelope Lumley, a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, who is hired as their governess. A great beginning book to a new series that is really quite humorous and fun. Show Less
LibraryThing member GRgenius
The cover initially attracted me to this book as well as the title. Although not all the mysteries are solved by books end, it is listed as "book 1"...I am much anticipating the follow-up!
LibraryThing member picardyrose
The children were too quickly tamed for me, but I like the little governess. Where's Book 2?
LibraryThing member ylin.0621
The Mysterious Howling was wickedly funny, whimsically amusing, and delightfully charming. Now that was an onslaught of adjectives that mean absolutely! Hopefully with the proper citations and enough batting of the eyelashes you’ll be swayed.
The Mysterious Howling shows great promise and, like
‘“You,” she said, looking at the eldest boy, “are to be called Alexander. Can you say it? Alexander,” she prompted again, clearly.
“Alawoooooo,” he repeated.
“Very good!” She glanced at the card, “It says here, you are named after ‘Alexander the Great, the legendary commander who mercilessly conquered the Persian Empire and was said to drink too much wine.’ Hmm. That is an odd choice.”
“Alawooooo!” he said, with feeling.
“As for you,” she said, turning to the smaller boy, “you are to be called Beowulf. ‘Beowulf was a fearless warrior of old, who slew monsters and dragons until he met a bloody and violent end.’ A most unsavory namesake, in my opinion, but that is what Lord Ashton has written here. Can you say Beowulf?”
“Beowoooooo,” the boy said proudly.
“Excellent,” Penelope praised. “And now for our littlest pupil. Heavens! It appears that Lord Ashton has named you—well, let me read it. ‘Cassiopeia, after the vain and arrogant queen of the ancient Greeks who tried to sacrifice her own daughter to the sea gods.’ How dreadful! But it will have to do.” She was about to ask the little girl to repeat her name, but the clever child had been watching the other and beat Penelope to the task.
“Cassawoof!” she yelped. “Woof! Woof!”’
—excerpt from pages 54-55
Yikes! I was not expecting to copy an entire page from the book. At any rate I realize that this passage is not a great example of the characterization in the book, my fault. In The Mysterious Howling each and every character shines; they are distinctive, charming (it their own special little way), and full of personality. Rather than grouping people together, which I have done countless times especially when concerning books that are similar, there is a sense of individuality that makes them who they are.
However there are issues. Despite the recommended reading group for the novel to be for middle school students I believe that maybe some of the older generation will appreciate the book more. The Mysterious Howling is very appropriate to children don't worry, but how well it will hold their attention may be the issue. Some of the diction, motifs, and even the heaviness of the dialogues and narration at times may be troublesome for some students. (It's rare but it still occurs). There is even an issue of the protagonist being the age of 15—(older than the recommended age group). How well the children will relate to and understand the story will just depend on the child’s level of reading though.
But! the illustration accompanying the novel was just splendid! If you like the artistic style of the cover then you’ll love the illustrations. It fits quite well with the quirkiness of the novel.
Overall: So our class just had a guest speaker for Women’s Day today and she told us that when she hired, her employers called her “a delightful wack-job”. I feel as though this book is exactly that! It was a delightful, but strange all the while. I want need the next book in the series definitely!
Cover A+
It’s a very good representation of the novel with a color scheme I adore (I like the more earthy tones) that demonstrates the potential of the book nicely.
The Mysterious Howling shows great promise and, like
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what many book critics have been saying, this promise is akin to Lemony Snicket. Their styles are very similar with their sympathetic, humorous tone and light-hearted mood set against a rather dark and twisted theme. Here is a [rather lengthy] quote of a passage from the book:‘“You,” she said, looking at the eldest boy, “are to be called Alexander. Can you say it? Alexander,” she prompted again, clearly.
“Alawoooooo,” he repeated.
“Very good!” She glanced at the card, “It says here, you are named after ‘Alexander the Great, the legendary commander who mercilessly conquered the Persian Empire and was said to drink too much wine.’ Hmm. That is an odd choice.”
“Alawooooo!” he said, with feeling.
“As for you,” she said, turning to the smaller boy, “you are to be called Beowulf. ‘Beowulf was a fearless warrior of old, who slew monsters and dragons until he met a bloody and violent end.’ A most unsavory namesake, in my opinion, but that is what Lord Ashton has written here. Can you say Beowulf?”
“Beowoooooo,” the boy said proudly.
“Excellent,” Penelope praised. “And now for our littlest pupil. Heavens! It appears that Lord Ashton has named you—well, let me read it. ‘Cassiopeia, after the vain and arrogant queen of the ancient Greeks who tried to sacrifice her own daughter to the sea gods.’ How dreadful! But it will have to do.” She was about to ask the little girl to repeat her name, but the clever child had been watching the other and beat Penelope to the task.
“Cassawoof!” she yelped. “Woof! Woof!”’
—excerpt from pages 54-55
Yikes! I was not expecting to copy an entire page from the book. At any rate I realize that this passage is not a great example of the characterization in the book, my fault. In The Mysterious Howling each and every character shines; they are distinctive, charming (it their own special little way), and full of personality. Rather than grouping people together, which I have done countless times especially when concerning books that are similar, there is a sense of individuality that makes them who they are.
However there are issues. Despite the recommended reading group for the novel to be for middle school students I believe that maybe some of the older generation will appreciate the book more. The Mysterious Howling is very appropriate to children don't worry, but how well it will hold their attention may be the issue. Some of the diction, motifs, and even the heaviness of the dialogues and narration at times may be troublesome for some students. (It's rare but it still occurs). There is even an issue of the protagonist being the age of 15—(older than the recommended age group). How well the children will relate to and understand the story will just depend on the child’s level of reading though.
But! the illustration accompanying the novel was just splendid! If you like the artistic style of the cover then you’ll love the illustrations. It fits quite well with the quirkiness of the novel.
Overall: So our class just had a guest speaker for Women’s Day today and she told us that when she hired, her employers called her “a delightful wack-job”. I feel as though this book is exactly that! It was a delightful, but strange all the while. I want need the next book in the series definitely!
Cover A+
It’s a very good representation of the novel with a color scheme I adore (I like the more earthy tones) that demonstrates the potential of the book nicely.
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LibraryThing member dominirose
An English governess tale cum mystery, unfortunately to be continued. Self consciously literary: many allusions, a nice selection for vocabulary, Longfellow's poem, parenthetical phrases. As I read I wondered who the intended audience might be.
LibraryThing member khager
This book is a total delight, and practically begs to be read out loud to children--young enough to enjoy being read to, but old enough to get sly humor. There are also fantastic drawings scattered throughout. :)
Penelope is a graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females and is on her
You know the phrase "Raised by wolves"? These three kids were. So Penelope has to teach the three children (Alexander, Beowulf and Cassiopeia) how to be normal, polite children.
This is the first in a series and I can't wait to read more. :)
Penelope is a graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females and is on her
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way to see about a post as a governess. She accepts the job before learning anything about the children. Does that set off alarm bells for you? It should.You know the phrase "Raised by wolves"? These three kids were. So Penelope has to teach the three children (Alexander, Beowulf and Cassiopeia) how to be normal, polite children.
This is the first in a series and I can't wait to read more. :)
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LibraryThing member keeneam
I was unsure about this book at first, but I found I really enjoyed it. Penelope is a very young governess in charge of taking care of three wild children found in the woods. She manages to reach and connect with them, taming them. However, their are mysteries answered and unanswered throughout the
I love the author's style and the asides she provides and the hints at the time period of the book without every stating it is very intriguing. I can't wait for the next one... will some of the mysteries be solved?
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book. How is it this three children came to be abandoned? Were they raised by wolves, or some other mysterious creature? Why is the man of the house so insistent on keeping them? I love the author's style and the asides she provides and the hints at the time period of the book without every stating it is very intriguing. I can't wait for the next one... will some of the mysteries be solved?
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LibraryThing member mary.kyart
ADORABLE!!! It's like Jane Eyre meets Lemony Snicket and The Willoughbys.
LibraryThing member RefPenny
Penelope Lumley has just left the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females and started her first job as governess to three children at Ashton Place. But these are no ordinary children. Alexander, Beowulf and Cassiopeia were found in the forest having been raised by wolves. Penelope is not daunted
This is a very witty book in the style of the Lemony Snicket Series and is obviously the start of a series as the ending is very inconclusive. Enjoyable reading for children aged 10 and up but also an excellent read-aloud as most adults will enjoy the sly humou
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by their howling or their desire to chase squirrels but she is a bit apprehensive about the prospect of them appearing at Lady Constance’s Christmas Ball.This is a very witty book in the style of the Lemony Snicket Series and is obviously the start of a series as the ending is very inconclusive. Enjoyable reading for children aged 10 and up but also an excellent read-aloud as most adults will enjoy the sly humou
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LibraryThing member ashlynprill
Discovered in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels. Luckily, their governess is not ordinary
This is the first addition to The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series, and introduces it's characters and the mysterious findings of the children raised by wolves, captured and being civilized. The language in this book is pleasantly overachieving for children's literature: The setting, while set centuries ago, nicely references modern day to explain concepts from that period to children from this day. This book would be entertaining for both boys and girls, and is relatable and fun because the Incorrigible Children spark imaginative play in its readers.
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either.This is the first addition to The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series, and introduces it's characters and the mysterious findings of the children raised by wolves, captured and being civilized. The language in this book is pleasantly overachieving for children's literature: The setting, while set centuries ago, nicely references modern day to explain concepts from that period to children from this day. This book would be entertaining for both boys and girls, and is relatable and fun because the Incorrigible Children spark imaginative play in its readers.
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LibraryThing member jfoster_sf
This book was really interesting. I liked it from the beginning, but at first I wasn't sure if young kids would like a book written from a governess's perspective. After finishing it, I still won't recommend this as a one-size-fits-all everyone will like it, but for the kids who don't mind a
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slower-paced novel and who like a witty narrator, I will definitely tell them to read this. I especially like the last third of the book, just when I thought I had figured out the mysterious howling and that the book would leave me no surprises, I now have so many questions I need answered that I can't wait to read the next one! Show Less
LibraryThing member keristars
I read this first book in the Incorrigible Children series after reading the second in the series, The Hidden Gallery, so I was spoiled somewhat for some of the details. I think this lessened my enjoyment of the book, since although there was a lot more that happened in The Mysterious Howling than
On the other hand, several people reviewed the second book and noted that much of the novelty of the style and plot wore a bit thin — perhaps I am experiencing the same thing, but in reverse, because I read that one first.
Nonetheless, The Mysterious Howling is a delightful, affectionate pastiche of classic children's books. The main character is a 15-year-old governess named Penelope Lumley from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Young Females, and who doesn't know very much of the world except what she has learned from her books. Her charges are three wild children found in the forest and who were apparently quite literally raised by wolves. Penelope is tasked with turning them into proper children for Lord and Lady Ashton to show off. The Lord Ashton seems to think of them as a prize hunting trophy, whereas Lady Ashton would rather not have anything to do with them at all - unless they can bolster her social standing (she is a bit of a frivolous young woman).
There are some mysterious goings on about Ashton Place beyond the children, but I'm not sure that young readers will pick up on the clues as easily as adults or more genre savvy young people would. However, I think this book would be a lot of fun for an adult to read with a child, especially because of the various asides and comments to the reader that are similar to those in A Series of Unfortunate Events, but in a much more pleasant and optimistic way.
On the whole, though, I suspect that this planned trilogy may have been best served to be a single long volume, rather than split into three separate books.
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got revisited in The Hidden Gallery, I still knew how the plot would go.On the other hand, several people reviewed the second book and noted that much of the novelty of the style and plot wore a bit thin — perhaps I am experiencing the same thing, but in reverse, because I read that one first.
Nonetheless, The Mysterious Howling is a delightful, affectionate pastiche of classic children's books. The main character is a 15-year-old governess named Penelope Lumley from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Young Females, and who doesn't know very much of the world except what she has learned from her books. Her charges are three wild children found in the forest and who were apparently quite literally raised by wolves. Penelope is tasked with turning them into proper children for Lord and Lady Ashton to show off. The Lord Ashton seems to think of them as a prize hunting trophy, whereas Lady Ashton would rather not have anything to do with them at all - unless they can bolster her social standing (she is a bit of a frivolous young woman).
There are some mysterious goings on about Ashton Place beyond the children, but I'm not sure that young readers will pick up on the clues as easily as adults or more genre savvy young people would. However, I think this book would be a lot of fun for an adult to read with a child, especially because of the various asides and comments to the reader that are similar to those in A Series of Unfortunate Events, but in a much more pleasant and optimistic way.
On the whole, though, I suspect that this planned trilogy may have been best served to be a single long volume, rather than split into three separate books.
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LibraryThing member LadyJai
My 8 year old son began reading this and lost interest rather quickly. When I picked it up to read it I could understand why. It is written in period language. I am not sure even a girl of the same age would find this an easy read. Maybe it's the age. Maybe had my son been a bit older, say 10 or
I rather enjoyed the language of the book. The author did a very good job with the style of the period. It was proper, as any refined and educated girl would be expected to be.
The story is about a 15 year old girl who just graduated from Swanburne Academy. As governess, she quickly learns the truth about the "wild children" of Ashton Place and vows to treat them and educate them like children should be. She has a grand task ahead of her and shows just how exceptional a teacher she is by books end...but there is more to the story.
I knew from the beginning that this was a series of books, but did not realize that the story itself would not be finished in the first book. So, be warned, you may want to get the second and third book lined up for when you are done with the first!
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12, it might have been more interesting. Aside from that, I really did enjoy the book.I rather enjoyed the language of the book. The author did a very good job with the style of the period. It was proper, as any refined and educated girl would be expected to be.
The story is about a 15 year old girl who just graduated from Swanburne Academy. As governess, she quickly learns the truth about the "wild children" of Ashton Place and vows to treat them and educate them like children should be. She has a grand task ahead of her and shows just how exceptional a teacher she is by books end...but there is more to the story.
I knew from the beginning that this was a series of books, but did not realize that the story itself would not be finished in the first book. So, be warned, you may want to get the second and third book lined up for when you are done with the first!
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LibraryThing member BoundTogetherForGood
This was a sweet little book about three young children who were found by a man and his young, new wife. The children had been living wildly and alone in the woods of their estate in England. The couple has no knowledge or evident ability to care for them although they have the money to provide
Penelope Lumley is a recent graduate of The Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females. She is 15 and has no place to go now upon graduation until she is hired by Lord Frederick and Lady Constance to work for them as governess to the children.
The story is lighter than Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events but is written with a similarly advanced vocabulary. The language used does tend to be period language from the early to mid 1850s. Wood's style is gothic in nature. Romance and horror both abound; the story jumps easily back and forth between the two. Penelope's gentle awareness of the children's needs is quick to follow and avert any threat of horror.
Word of warning: (possible spoiler)
At one point in the story several men grab guns and head to the woods to hunt for the children. While this sounds very scary the story progresses well and quickly so that there is not a long amount of worry over what will happen.
Due to the possible scare factor I would suggest that people consider a pre-read of this before allowing very young children to read it. Our 9 and 10 year olds could handle reading it. I am thinking back on it and think that I could read this to our 5 year old without her being upset by it.
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care for them. They dub the children "The Incorrigibles".Penelope Lumley is a recent graduate of The Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females. She is 15 and has no place to go now upon graduation until she is hired by Lord Frederick and Lady Constance to work for them as governess to the children.
The story is lighter than Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events but is written with a similarly advanced vocabulary. The language used does tend to be period language from the early to mid 1850s. Wood's style is gothic in nature. Romance and horror both abound; the story jumps easily back and forth between the two. Penelope's gentle awareness of the children's needs is quick to follow and avert any threat of horror.
Word of warning: (possible spoiler)
At one point in the story several men grab guns and head to the woods to hunt for the children. While this sounds very scary the story progresses well and quickly so that there is not a long amount of worry over what will happen.
Due to the possible scare factor I would suggest that people consider a pre-read of this before allowing very young children to read it. Our 9 and 10 year olds could handle reading it. I am thinking back on it and think that I could read this to our 5 year old without her being upset by it.
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LibraryThing member JenJ.
Loved it! Looking forward to reading more in the series. I think I would also like to listen to them eventually. Jon Klassen's illustrations are great and definitely fit the feel of the book. I would love to use this as a book club selection, but I think it might be a little too difficult for the
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younger side of my 3rd-5th grade kids. Show Less
LibraryThing member abbylibrarian
Miss Penelope Lumley, new graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, has found herself a job as governess to the children at Ashton Place. The job seems too good to be true - Penelope is offered it with only the briefest of interviews and the salary is more than generous... When
This book has that wonderful tongue-in-cheek tone and wry humor that made Lemony Snickett so popular. Definitely hand this one to fans of Unfortunate Events as well as kids who enjoyed Philip Reeve's Larklight series and Lois Lowry's The Willoughbys. Highly recommended.
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Penelope discovers that her three charges have, in fact, been raised by wolves, she knows she's got a challenge ahead of her. This book has that wonderful tongue-in-cheek tone and wry humor that made Lemony Snickett so popular. Definitely hand this one to fans of Unfortunate Events as well as kids who enjoyed Philip Reeve's Larklight series and Lois Lowry's The Willoughbys. Highly recommended.
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Awards
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Children's Fiction — 2012)
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Grades 6-8 — 2012)
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Junior — 2013)
Oregon Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2013)
CCBC Choices (2011)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Fiction for Younger Readers — 2010)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2009
Physical description
288 p.; 5.13 inches
ISBN
0061791105 / 9780061791109