Audiobook Review: The Mysterious Howling, Book 1 by Maryrose Wood

This is a fun and charming story for all ages.

The Mysterious Howling, Book 1
The Incorrigible Children Of Ashton Place
by Maryrose Wood
Read by Katherine Kellgren

Children Ages 8+ • 5.5 hrs. • Unabridged • © 2010
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Children, Fantasy, Growing Up, Middle Grade
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Narration: 4.5

Newly graduated from England's Swanbourne Academy for Poor Bright Females, prim and very proper Miss Penelope Lumley is hired as a governess for three children living at Ashton Place. The 15-year-old Penny takes it in stride when she discovers the children were raised by wolves and communicate only in barks and growls. Katherine Kellgren's outstanding interpretation sets just the right tone in this clever and amusing tale. Her ability to speak effortlessly with varying British accents—from aristocratic to Cockney—allows listeners to become completely absorbed. Kellgren's reserved Miss Lumley rises to the challenge when the snobbish Lady Ashton insists she must civilize the three orphans before her holiday ball. Kellgren's charming narration will leave listeners howling for the next installment. L.A.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2010]

Review:
Miss Penelope is just 15 years old when she accepts her first governess position. She has just graduated from England's Swanbourne Academy for Poor Bright Females and expects to be prim and proper for her new position. She doesn’t expect to find three feral youngsters who were raised by wolves. Lord Ashton has taken the children on as curious wards. His new, young wife wants nothing to do with the children, except that he insists. Lady Ashton claims the children are incorrigible and is ready to send them away unless Penny can prepare them to behave properly for the holiday ball she will be hosting.

Penny has always worked well with animals and she quickly manages to establish a report with the children, allowing them to choose their own names: Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia. They are bright and fast learners under her kind and imaginative training. The children seem to be ready for the ball but it is hard to anticipate what might happen with mischievous children. Penny becomes alarmed when she hears some of the guests talk about hunting as it sounds like they planned to hunt the wolf children! Things go fairly well with the children even prepared to provide entertainment. Then the snobbish Lady Ashton tries to drown her sorrows and the hired entertainers bring on a threatening situation causing an uproar to ensue.

I was caught into the story right away and enjoyed the light eeriness of it. Penny is a remarkable young lady and I enjoyed her undefeatable attitude and her references to the quotable wisdom of Ms. Swanbourne. The children are precious in their own growly way. This is a delightful and charming story, certainly suitable for young audiences as well as adults. I recommend this to middle graders and adults who enjoy childhood charm.

Audio Notes: Katherine Kellgren does a wonderful job with the narration. The British accents are precisely fitting from lofty to low, and she has fun with the howls and grunts of the children!
This is definitely a fun experience in audio.

Source: SYNC 2013 Download. This qualifies for 2018TBR, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.