The Mysterious Howling

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book 1

By: Maryrose Wood

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Of especially naughty children, it is sometimes said: “They must have been raised by wolves.” The Incorrigible children actually were. Discovered in the forests 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, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a 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 eliminate their canine tendencies.But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to civilize the Incorrigibles in time for Lady Constance’s holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?

Penelope is no stranger to mystery, as her own origins are also cloaked in secrecy. But as Agatha Swanburne herself once said, “Things may happen for a reason, but that doesn’t mean we know what the reason is—at least, not yet.

©2010 Maryrose Wood (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

I will be buying the next one!

This is one of the strangest books I've read in a long time. There really isn't anything to compare it to. The book synopsis hits all the high points and tells it like it is. Every once in a while you come across a book that you think people should read and yet, no matter how hard you try to describe it in a manner so that it will sound appealing, you just can't. That's this book. It's a little slow in the way that first in a series tends to be, giving background and starting to foreshadow. It's a good book. The narration is great, but then, I am a fan of Kellgren's. She seems to be one of those narrators that you either love or hate. If you a are a fan of weird and/or a fan of Kellgren's, get this book.

Delightful!

A Mary Poppins mystery with all the laughs of Amelia Bedelia. The narrator is fantastic. Great for kids and kids at heart.

Entertaining for adults as well as children

I listen to a lot of audio books with my kids when we take road trips or even just drive around town. I heard good things about this series on a podcast and thought I’d check it out, and I wasn’t disappointed! I listened to the entire highly amusing, excellently narrated tale while packing up my house for a move, and it kept a smile on my face, as well as eliciting a few chuckles, for almost the entire book. Now I’m looking forward to listening again with my kids!

A Rivetingly Witty Entry into the Kidlet Field

What did you love best about The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place?

Feminist Fun

What other book might you compare The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place to and why?

Mysterious Benedict Society because adults and kids alike will appreciate the inventive and engaging plot and characters.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Narrator's voice is grating for many characters in the book.

Any additional comments?

I want to be a wolf.

we love this narrator and book series. more fun .

loved this book and the following in the series. best narrator. we talk like Casa woof all the time.

Good for a Kid Who Likes Wolf Stories

My kid is obsessed with Wolves and loves stories about them. This story is about wolf children so it appeals to her. She also enjoys British narrators like the one in this story. The story is not to scary, which can be a problem for a sensitive child.

So good!

so good! I wish I could rate it 10!💙💚💛💕 love it! I like the story! it was so good!!

Unexpectedly Hilarious

I chose this book because my grandchildren were enjoying it and this gave us something more to talk about. I enjoyed the book too and was surprised by how many times it made me laugh. Very different, somewhat strange story but well written and very well read. Full marks from me!

Wonderful Narration

I was going to read this aloud to my children, but I quickly realized it is beyond my talents as a narrator. I am so glad I got this audiobook! Kellgren was extremely talented and made the story all the more enjoyable with her fantastic range of British accents.

Surprised

I am am adult who loves children's books. This one was a surprise. At first the performance was a bit over the top. Until I listened to the entire first chapter. Whereupon I learned that the narrative performance was perfect for the story. I would recommend this to children and adults who have remembered the joys of a child's heart and mind