The Wooden Mile: Something Wickedly Weird, vol. 1

(review of an uncorrected proof) I've seen reviews likening this to the Lemony Snickett books. I don't agree. I find those books to be unrelentingly dark and dismal. This story is much lighter, happier, and a lot more fun - at least to me. And, the illustrations are wonderful. The story is suspenseful without being too scary. It looks like there are going to be at least 6 books in this series. Highly recommended for young readers.

Eleven-year-old Stanley Buggles just received a mysterious package. Inside was a large, old key and a letter from the Mayoress of Crampton Rock. It seems that Stanley had a long lost great-uncle who just died and left him a house. Now Stanley is off to visit Candlestick Hall for the summer under the watchful eye of Mrs. Carelli, the housekeeper of Candlestick Hall.

As he arrives on Crampton Rock, Stanley realizes right away that he’s in a strange place. For one thing you can’t even set foot on the harbor without showing proof he belongs there. For another the whole town shuts down at dusk and no one ventures outside after dark.

As Stanley continues his daily adventures he inadvertently gets caught up with a trio of pirates who are up show more to no good. Now they have Stanley convinced that there is a real live werewolf loose on Crampton Rock and Stanley is the only one who can save the village from the beast.

The Wooden Mile is a great children’s book. It has all the elements of a story unique enough to hold a child’s interest in reading and have them eager to learn what Stanley is up to next. I really enjoyed this read and I know it will appeal to children who are the recommended reading age of 9-12 and their parents will approve. I can’t wait to read Something Wickedly Weird, vol. 2: The Icy Hand. show less

This book is a really fun read that will appeal to a wide range of readers. It's part Roald Dahl and part Lemony Snicket -- but unlike Snicket, this book will be readable by a wider range of children. The chapters aren't quiet as long and the spacing is done with more room and there are some illustrations- which is terrific for just getting started with chapter books. The hero of the book is likeable and the other characters are well described. There is just enough mystery and adventure to keep the pages turning but without being too frightening. The place is interesting, and I can imagine readers might find themselves day-dreaming about a visit to such an island. This story has a tidy ending but it is open ended enough for the next in show more the series.

I would definitely have this book and the rest in the series in my 4th and 5th grade classroom libraries. This would also be a terrific read-aloud and might even be a fun classroom book club title (if you did leveled books, this could be part of a larger adventure theme). show less

First of a series. Stanley Buggles inherits his great-uncle's mansion in Crampton Rock, where strange things are happening: werewolves, pirates and a talking stuffed fish. A short book but not really action-packed or suspenseful. Probably best for early chapter readers.

Roaming werewolves…fiendish pirates…and a talking fish? When 11-year-old Stanley Buggles learns that he has inherited his long-lost great-uncle’s estate, he has no idea that an entangled web of mysterious characters and foreboding secrets await him at Candlestick Hall. Brazened by a relentless curiosity, Stanley wrangles the courage to uncover the answers he seeks. The 176 pages of text are divided into 12 moderate chapters, characterized by a blend of descriptive language conveyed through a third person perspective and bouts of modest dialog. Dramatic images of varying size and expanse emerge throughout the book—from small illustrations that pop amidst the text to full-page visual displays that bring the tale to life. These show more intricate black pen drawings richly portray characters, objects, and scenes with exceptional finite detail through artful lines, shading, and texturing. At the cusp of the switch from transitional chapter book to a middle level reader, this book boasts a humorously dark and intriguing story that will appeal to children across a wide spectrum of ages. Younger readers may need additional support of a more advanced or adult reader, as they will likely encounter unfamiliar words and contexts. show less

Quirky book for those who are in the Lemony Snicket vein. 11 year old Stanly Buggles inherits a house from his great uncle where he plans to spend his summer vacation. The talking fish in the display case is just the beginning of mysteries that include a werewolf and other strange happenings.

The Wooden Mile: Something Wickedly Weird is a delightful book written by Chris Mould for 9 to 12 year olds, but I’m a few years past that and I loved it. It is published by Roaring Brook Press.

It is the story of eleven year old Stanley Buggles, an ordinary boy who received a letter informing him that his Great-Uncle Bartholomew (who he’s never met) has died and left his estate and and all of his possessions to Stanley. It is decided that Stanley should visit the estate, Candlestick Hall in Crampton Rock. When he arrives, he discovers a strange town where the people stay locked in at night. Stanley solves the mystery only to encounter another one.

This book has a fun story line that children will enjoy plus fantastic illustrations. show more This is the first in the Something Wickedly Weird series. show less