The Wolves of Willoughby Chase - (Wolves Chronicles) by Joan Aiken (Paperback)

About the Book

Originally published: London: Jonathan Cape, 1962.

Book Synopsis

A timeless tale of courage and friendship--where two brave girls defy wolves, wickedness, and despair to reclaim their home.

Wicked wolves and a grim governess threaten Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia when Bonnie's parents leave Willoughby Chase for a sea voyage. Left in the care of the cruel Miss Slighcarp, the girls can hardly believe what is happening. Their once-happy home, Willoughby Chase, is stripped bare--servants dismissed, furniture sold, and the girls banished to a grim orphan school.

With the help of Simon the gooseboy and his loyal flock, they plot a daring escape. But how will they ever get Willoughby Chase free from the clutches of the evil Miss Slighcarp?

This edition of Joan Aiken's beloved classic includes an introduction by her daughter, Lizza, offering rare insight into the author's own struggles and triumphs in completing this enduring story.

Review Quotes

"A masterpiece...a copybook lesson in those virtues that a classic children's book must possess."--Time.

About the Author

Joan Aiken (1924-2004) was one of the most beloved storytellers of the 20th century, author of more than 100 books for children and adults. Best known for her Wolves Chronicles--beginning with the Lewis Carroll Prize-winning The Wolves of Willoughby Chase--Aiken combined gothic adventure, wit, and imagination in stories that have captivated generations.
Her work earned international acclaim, including the Edgar Allan Poe Award in the United States and the Guardian Award for Fiction in the UK. In 1999, Queen Elizabeth II honored her as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to children's literature. Today, Aiken's novels remain timeless classics, treasured by readers who love daring heroines, unforgettable villains, and richly imagined worlds.