The Mysterious Howling
#1 of 6 in The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place Series
What’s inside...
The Mysterious Howling is the first book in The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series. It revolves around Penelope Lumley, a fifteen-year-old governess hired to take care of three children raised by wolves in Ashton Place. As Penelope attempts to teach the children—Alexander, Cassiopeia, and Beowulf—to behave like humans, she starts uncovering the secrets of Ashton Place and the mysterious howling that resonates through the halls at night. Balancing educating the children in human manners and Latin verbs, Penelope faces numerous mysteries: the children's origins, the lurking coachman Old Timothy, and the upcoming holiday ball. Moreover, Penelope’s own origins are shrouded in secrecy, adding another layer of intrigue to the tale.
Character compass
Miss Penelope Lumley
Cassiopeia
Lord Frederick Ashton
Beowulf
Alexander
Lady Constance
Beowulf Incorrigible
Alexander Incorrigible
Lord Fredrick Ashton
Cassiopeia Incorrigible
Lady Constance Ashton
Penelope Lumley
Discussion points
What do you think made the three children howl like wolves? How would you feel if you were in their shoes?
How does Miss Penelope Lumley help the Incorrigible children adapt to their new life? What qualities do you think make a good teacher or guardian?
The story takes place in a mysterious mansion. What do you imagine it looks like? Why do you think setting is important in a story?
How do the children's behaviors change throughout the book? Can you think of a time when you learned something new about yourself?
What do you think is the biggest mystery in the book? What are your predictions for the next books in the series?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and their situations, validating their emotions and connecting them to the story.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to spark imagination, asking the child to visualize and describe their own version of Ashton Place.
Discuss the themes of growth and learning in the book, relating them to the child's own experiences with school or learning new skills.
Promote prediction skills by asking what they think will happen next, building anticipation and analytical thinking for future reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Mysterious Howling', the protagonist Penelope Lumley takes on the responsibility of caring for three wild children. Her commitment to teaching them manners and educating them showcases the importance of taking responsibility seriously.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking charge of small duties at home, like cleaning their room or taking care of a pet, learning the importance of fulfilling obligations and helping out in the family.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Penelope uses her creativity to engage the Incorrigible children who were previously raised by wolves. She invents games and storytelling strategies to capture their interest and facilitate their learning.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to use their imagination to solve problems and make learning fun. Whether it's turning a cleanup session into a game or inventing stories, creativity can transform routine tasks into exciting adventures.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Penelope demonstrates immense patience as she teaches the children basic human behaviors and social skills, despite numerous setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of patience when working on challenging tasks or dealing with others. Whether it's completing a difficult homework assignment or waiting their turn, patience is a virtue that aids in personal and social development.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Penelope shows deep empathy towards the Incorrigibles, understanding their challenging past and providing them with the care and affection they missed.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more empathetic towards friends and classmates who might be different from them or may have faced difficulties, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment.