The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series caught my attention by its lovely cover jacket and an intriguing premise — a young governess hired to educate three children who appeared to be raised by wolves. While I rarely wade into children’s books, I have to say this was a joyful discovery.
In The Mysterious Howling, the first book in the series, a very young Penelope Lumley of Swanburne Academy finds employment at Ashton Place. She is to be governess to three kids of questionable origins. Penelope, an orphan herself, forms a very strong empathetic bond with the children: Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia.
It is amusing to watch her struggle to teach these children math, geography, dram, and Latin, as they are quite determined to behave like pups. On top of this, she has to deal with her immature and melodramatic mistress, Lady Ashton, who sees the children as an unnecessary burden.
Penelope is also angered and flustered by her employer, Lord Ashton’s callous attitude towards the children. He treats them as furniture and not as his wards. It was he who found the children in his forest grounds, hunting one evening. Having discovered these wild and howling kids, he kept them in the barn where Penelope first met them when she arrived at Ashton Place.
It doesn’t take long to like and respect the determined governess. Penelope deals with all crises and demands of her employers with the courage and wonderful sense that she inherited from Swanburne Academy. She often falls back on the legendary and practical preachings of the Academy’s founder, Agatha Swanburne.
“That which can be purchases at a shop is easily left in a taxi; that which you carry inside you is difficult, though not impossible, to misplace” — Agatha Swanburne
― Maryrose Wood, The Mysterious Howling
Penelope, at fifteen years old, is almost a child herself, with stars in her eyes, and sometimes her imagination gets the better of her, ultimately sprinkling the book with humor. For instance, when she is accused of stealing the almanac from the library and her thoughts go something like this:
“It had even occurred to her that the police might be summoned and criminal charges be filed, after which she would have to bravely defend herself in front of a stern, white-wigged judge. Her eloquence would earn a standing ovation from the dazzled spectators, who would find it impossible it to believe that this mere girl of fifteen was not a trained lawyer” — Penelope Lumley
-Maryrose Wood, The Mysterious Howling
Things are not always as they seem in Ashton Place. Why does Lord Ashton insist the children attend the Christmas ball when they aren’t trained in social etiquette? Why does he himself disappear on the day of the ball? Why were the children abandoned in the forest in the first place? Who are their parents? Why does Old Timothy keep appearing in the most unlikely places? These questions add a bit of gothic element to what is a light and entertaining children’s book.
The Mysterious Howling sets up the stage for these questions and raises enough curiosity for readers to dive into the series.
In The Hidden Gallery, readers follow the escapades of the Ashton household to London. After the catastrophic Christmas ball, Ashton Place is undergoing major repairs. Lady Ashton convinces her husband of the need to move to London until they complete the renovation. Penelope is extremely excited about this change in location; she has never been to London and has only read about it in books. She sees this as an opportunity to expose herself and the children to some real art and culture.
Once in London, Penelope is overwhelmed by the city and gets depressed. Enter Simon, a young struggling playwright (because what would a young governess’s life be without some romance), who befriends her and the children and proves to be a valuable companion during their stay.
The open questions from the first book remain unanswered, but the plot thickens. First, there is the gypsy soothsayer who warns Penelope that the “hunt is on.” Then there is the hopeless case of the Hixby’s Guide to London. A gift from Penelope’s teacher which proves to be useless in all regards except for its directions to the hidden gallery no. 17 in British Museum. On top of this all, there is Judge Quinzy, whose unusual and unwelcome interest in Penelope and the children worries her. But, most importantly, is the mystery of the color of Penelope’s hair!
As a reader, you are really no further in unraveling all the mysteries than when you started the series, and it can be a little exasperating. One has no choice but to look forward to the third book.
Maryrose Wood is, without doubt, a talented children’s storyteller. Penelope, Simon, and even the children are wonderful role models. The children, though naughty, also possess a grateful, kind, and generous nature. The moral messaging of the overall story is sound. The Incorrigible Children series is written not only to entertain but also to educate. Words, phrases, etc. are explained as a part of the narrative without breaking the plotline.
“This is called ‘selective truth telling’ and it is frequently used in political campaigns, toy advertisements and other forms of propaganda.”
“Viola — as you may know, is a French word that means ‘there you are’. Like ‘Eureka’ or ‘By Jove, I’ve got it’ is sometimes exclaimed by people who have figured out the answer to some sort of problem or riddle.
— Maryrose Wood, The Hidden Gallery
The writing is rich, witty, and the language allows for an excellent read aloud story to kids. It’s sure to draw several chuckles and laughter.
“Penelope had read several novels about such governesses in preparation for her interview and found them chock-full of useful information, although she had no intention of developing romantic feelings for the charming, penniless tutor at a neighbouring estate. Or-heaven forbid!- for the darkly handsome, brooding, and extravagantly wealthy master if her own household.
— Maryrose Wood, The Mysterious Howling
The Agathism from the first book continue into the second and offer valuable pearls of wisdom.
“An open mind lets ideas out, as well as in” -Agatha Swanburne
― Maryrose Wood, The Hidden Gallery
The Incorrigible Children series has won awards from Kirkus and NPR amongst others. Targeted at middle grade kids, these are fun books for kids who like to read.
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2 comments
Nicely written review of the books. I like the covers too but I guess I won’t be reading these books. Have a long list of books I haven’t read already!
Thanks !! Its a children’s book so you can totally pass it – I wouldnt have read it had it not been on sale !!!