Book Jacket:
Of especially naught children, it is sometimes said; “They must have been raised by wolves.”
The Incorrigible children actually were.
Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels.
Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies.
But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners in time for the holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?
You can read an excerpt here.
Review:
‘Twas the cover that caught my eye, and I am so very glad that it did. I admit I’m naturally predisposed to like any book that has “incorrigible” in the title, but The Mysterious Howling is a charming take on the classic governess story. Take a spoonful of Jane Eyre, a pinch of Mary Poppins, and a dash of Lemony Snickets and you’ll have The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place.
Much like Gail Carriger, Maryrose Wood brings an undeniable spirit of fun to her story. Wood’s tongue in cheek style gently makes fun of Penelope, our lovely heroine, throughout the story in highly amusing fashion – be it Penelope’s propensity to quote the famous mistress of her alma matter (and there is one for every occasion!) or that her favorite books are hilariously saccharine tales of a girl and her pony, the “Giddy-Yap, Rainbow!” series, that when read aloud brings every woman in earshot to tears. However Penelope is not only unintentionally amusing, she is also clever, caring and delightfully determined.
The three children are downright adorable without being too precious, and their education – particularly the squirrel desensitizing – is highly entertaining. The Lord and Lady of the Manor are equal parts enigmatic and oblivious, and there is a fun, sinister air to their true intentions (which remain unknown) towards the children.
This book is a lovely play on the meaning of “civilized,” but plot-wise I felt a tad dissatisfied by the end. The Mysterious Howling only just dips a toe in mystery waters – there are plenty of questions raised, such as why the children were abandoned, why they are so important to the Lord of the house, and why the Lord’s friends are so interested in them, but they are never answered or even really pursued. That leaves a lot to look forward to in the next book, but in this one, much as I enjoyed the characters and the cleverness, I couldn’t help feeling that there was a shortage of plot. When it comes to mysteriousness, I’d have to say The Mysterious Benedict Society still wins my vote.
On the plus side, the illustrations in this book are wonderful – Jon Klassen, the artist, has a delightful quirky style and a lovely way with shadows. (With his flair, it’s easy to see why he was hired to do visual development drawings for Coraline, the movie.)
So, while the pieces of The Mysterious Howling are not unfamiliar – the poor but clever girl who takes a job as a governess, three misbehaving children that must be tamed, a brooding and slightly sinister atmosphere in a lofty manor home – this book is light, amusing, and easy to enjoy. I am very much looking forward to reading the next one.
Byrt Grade: A-
As Levar Burton used to say – you don’t have to take my word for it…
Not since Lemony Snicket have I laughed so hard over a middle grade novel. No howling-related pun can begin to express just how much fun this story was to read! (And I know Miss Lumley would jump all over that poorly constructed sentence… in the most polite and ladylike manner, of course.)
The story is strange and interesting, full of keen references and witty turns of phrase. There is also a darkness to it as the children seem to be under threat from hunters and perhaps more sinister forces as well. The book is smart and fun, and Jon Klassen’s quirky black and white illustrations add just the right touch and tone. With its riff on traditional English novels of manners, it will appeal to adults as well as young readers, who will delight in the antics of the children and wonder about their mysterious origins. The Mysterious Howling is just as neat and tidy, sweet and confident, charming and brainy as Penelope Lumley herself. But readers will have to stay tuned for future books in the series to solve all the mysteries it presents.
I loved the quirkiness of this book. The old-fashioned tone and often formal language should appeal to the Lemony Snicket crowd, as well as the ludicrously impossible situation Penelope finds herself in. Jon Klassen’s understated, stylishly simple illustrations make for a beautiful and classic-looking cover (though I’m not so sure about the kid-appeal). The children might not be hugely differentiated, but they steal every scene they’re in. The squirrel episode at the end of the book seems made for the stage or screen. Hilarious.
