A graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, plucky, tenderhearted Penelope Lumley has just accepted her first teaching position as a tutor at Ashton Place. Penelope’s already planning lessons in Latin when she meets her three charges, who turn out to be wild—literally. Raised (presumably) by wolves, the three siblings yip, yap, woof, growl, and howl. But despite their lack of social graces, the children are exceptionally bright. By the full moon at Christmas they’re ready to make their social debut (despite the occasional yip and woof) at Lady Ashton’s ball. Author Maryrose Wood manages to simultaneously poke fun at and revere elements of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century genre novels for children in this slyly funny yet warmhearted orphan story edged with mystery. Clues to veiled truths about the children, Lord Ashton, and even Penelope herself unfold as Wood spins her clever and compelling tale. Reading aloud proves to be the most enjoyable and influential thing Penelope does as an educator and as a loving caretaker, whether sharing a poem by Longfellow or the fulsomely sweet Silky Mischief (Penelope’s favorite of the “Giddy-Yap, Rainbow” series) in a novel that also illuminates the power of story. (Ages 9–12)

Of especially naughty children it is sometimes said, "They must have been raised by wolves."

The Incorrigible children actually were.

Thanks to the efforts of Miss Penelope Lumley, their plucky governess, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia are much more like children than wolf pups 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.

Despite Penelope's civilizing influence, the Incorrigibles still managed to ruin Lady Constance's Christmas ball, nearly destroying the grand house. So while Ashton Place is being restored, Penelope, the Ashtons, and the children take up residence in London. Penelope is thrilled, as London offers so many opportunities to further the education of her unique students. But the city presents challenges, too, in the form of the palace guards' bearskin hats, which drive the children wild—not to mention the abundance of pigeons the Incorrigibles love to hunt. As they explore London, however, they discover more about themselves as clues about the children's—and Penelope's—mysterious past crop up in the most unexpected ways. . . .