Childrenawoo

Quick little book that has been on my radar for some time, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood.  This was a fun little read that is the first book in the Incorrigible Children series about three special children and there young governess. As Always Spoilers Ahead.

Penelope Lumley a recent graduate of the Swanburne Acadamey for Poor Bright Females is on her way to her first interview as a governess.  She is only fifteen and is understandably nervous about this opportunity, the only bright spot is that the advertisement specifically mentioned a love of animals as a requirement.  Upon her arrival to Ashton Place she is taken to the new young wife of Lord Ashton who gives her a few vague details about the children, but shows her a contract with a very high salary and very desirable benefits.  Penelope decides to accept the job and signs on.  All through out this interview, Penelope hears a strange howling sound, almost as if there are hungry dogs around, Lady Ashton tries to brush it off, but the howling continues.  Penelope does learn that the children are not the natural children of Lord and Lady Ashton, but rather three orphans who were found wandering the woods on a hunting trip.  For some unknown reason Lord Ashton has taken to the idea of keeping the children, even though his young wife is overwhelmed.

Unable to stand the howling of the poor dogs any longer, Penelope goes out to the barn to see what the matter is, and lo and behold instead of dogs, she finds three children.  The children seem to be feral and are running around like animals with no clothes on and and no way to communicate. Penelope is understandably upset and goes to see Lord Ashton about moving the children into the nursery.  He says that it is to late that night, but they can move in the next day.  And so begins Penelope Lumley's humerus attempts to tame these feral wolf children.  After bathing and clothing the children who have been named according to Lord Ashton's wishes. Ten year old Alexander, eight year old Beowulf, and 5 year old Cassiopeia. The children learn English fairly quickly, only adding a woo to certain words, leading Penelope to become Ms. Lumawoo.  The children do their best to learn everything there beloved Ms. Lumawoo is teaching them and make considerable progress.  Lady Ashton informs Penelope that she is holding a party for Christmas and all of the best of society will be there. Even though he is absent at his club most of the time Lord Ashton has decided that the children should attend and it is up to Penelope to get them ready.  The party comes and the children start off behaving impeccably well, much to the disappointment of certain guests who were apparently expecting the equivalent of caged animals.  All goes well until a little play about wolves is presented, when questioned the actors produce a letter requesting that only wolf plays be
presented.  Just as the children are being calmed, a squirrel is released into the ballroom, causing the children to lose control and chase after it.  Penelope eventually catches up to the children, and brings them to their room to get some rest.  The next morning, while awaiting a summons from Lady Ashton about the children's behavior, Cassiopeia remarks on the similarity of hair color between herself and Ms. Lumawoo.  Penelope is summoned and fired by Lady Ashton as she intends to send the children away, but Lord Ashton makes an appearance (after being absent for the whole party) and insists the children, and by proxy Ms. Lumley stay.  Lady Ashton and Penelope both agree that something strange is going on, and that the children were provoked on purpose, but by who is not known.  The book ends on this little cliff hanger, giving us a reason to read the next book.

The book was a pretty quick read, I think it only took me a day or two.  The kids were my favorite part of the book, the contrast in them being perfect ladies and gentlemen and then switching to the more feral versions was fun to watch.  Penelope is a good hearted, smart girl who truly wants the best for her pupils.  Her ability to adapt and yet still expect great things is refreshing.  None of the questions or mysteries get resolved at all which is a little frustrating, and on occasion it got a bit dark for a middle grade book (think the hunting of children with guns!).  Overall it was cute, and entertaining and I will probably read more books in this series.  I give it 6 out of 10 wolf-pups