The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place :: Home

The Incorrigible children actually were.

Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. 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? 

Thanks to the efforts of their plucky governess, Miss Penelope Lumley, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia are less like wild animals and more like almost-proper children now. They are accustomed to wearing clothes. They hardly ever howl at the moon. And for the most part, they resist the urge to chase squirrels up trees. But a trip to London provides a slew of new challenges, and as clues to the children's—and Penelope's—past come to light, they find themselves swept up in an unexpected mystery. 

middle-grade audience in mind, this is both fun and funny and sprinkled with dollops of wisdom."—ALA Booklist (starred review) 

To my Esteemed Readers,

 

Allow me to introduce myself: I am Maryrose Wood, author of the series of books about the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place and their plucky young governess, Miss Penelope Lumley. Although I was never enrolled at the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, I have attended other, less interesting schools. In addition, I have some experience as a professional thespian, a governess (well, a mother), and am the owner of several rather spoiled pets (alas, there are no ponies among them). I have also written several other novels for young adults. 

 

To learn more about me, and to submit your eagerly awaited correspondence, you may visit www.maryrosewood.com. 

In the words of Agatha Swanburne, founder of the aforementioned Academy and a wellspring of pithy sayings: "Every book is judged by its cover until it is read." For your initial impression of these works, then, you may thank illustrator Jon Klassen, who has also provided charming, comical, and occasionally hair-raising interior illustrations for the books. To learn more about Mr. Klassen, you may visit www.burstofbeaden.com.