The Hidden Gallery by Maryrose Wood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I came across The Incorrigible Children of Aston Place quite by accident. We are reading and researching all things British and I found this book. In this book, a young governess, Penelope and her students embark on a trip to London.
I got the audio version and didn’t realize it was the second in the series until the kids and I were already listening. I wasn’t really loving it at first. But my kids thought it was great so we kept going. And, in the end, I was pleasantly surprised.
So now– to my review.
In my opinion, the story starts out a little slowly. We learn the children were found in the woods and adopted by a rich British couple. They survive in the woods under the care of wolves and so have some wild behaviors. The young governess is helping them learn the ways of society. There is also Lady Ashton a twenty something socialite who is the children’s adopted mother. Lady Ashton is very annoying character— as I believe she is meant to be—.
Penelope and the Children are off to London! I enjoyed this section mainly because of the sites they visit—the British Museum and the Royal Drury Lane Theater.
Mystery follows the children and governess as they encounter a gypsy, a playwright and a man posing as a judge.
In the end, little is resolved and we are set up for more adventures in book three.
The author does an excellent job of introducing children to new vocabulary. She presents the word, offers a cleaver description of it, and then uses the word several more times in the story. This is great technic.
I also enjoyed the chatty writing style and asides throughout the book. Although, if you don’t care for those elements–run! It’s not a very long book and it mainly counting on the style and not plot or characterization to carry it through.
The kids have me listening to the second book— so here goes!
The Booky Mom 