Picture a storyteller who spun tales of wolf-raised children and brave rabbits, blending humor and heart—meet Maryrose Wood! This American author, known for her whimsical children’s and young adult novels, has captivated readers with her unique storytelling. Her signature series, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, showcases her knack for mixing fact and fiction, earning her a cherished spot in contemporary children’s literature.
Born in the suburbs of Long Island, Wood’s journey from aspiring actor to acclaimed author is as colorful as her stories. With a playful yet meticulous style, she crafts narratives that resonate with readers of all ages, making her a beloved figure in the literary world.
The Making of Maryrose Wood
Growing up in Long Island’s wild suburbs, Maryrose Wood was an avid reader, diving into the works of A.A. Milne, Lewis Carroll, and J.R.R. Tolkien. At 17, she moved to New York City to chase her acting dreams, studying at NYU and even performing in the original Broadway cast of Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. Though the musical flopped, it sparked her creative journey. Wood’s eclectic background—spanning theater, improv with the Groundlings, and musical theater lyricism (earning her three Richard Rodgers Awards)—shaped her storytelling. By 2004, she transitioned to writing, channeling her love for narrative into children’s fiction.
Maryrose Wood’s Unforgettable Stories
Wood’s most famous work, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, is a six-book middle-grade series that follows Penelope Lumley, a young governess tasked with taming three children raised by wolves. Launched in 2010 with The Mysterious Howling, the series blends Victorian mystery, humor, and heart, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. Its playful tone and clever plots draw comparisons to Lemony Snicket’s works.
In 2020, Wood released Alice’s Farm: A Rabbit’s Tale, a middle-grade novel about a courageous rabbit teaming up with a boy to save their farmland. Praised by The New York Times as “delightful and quirky,” it highlights Wood’s ability to weave environmental themes with charm. Her 2024 release, Bad Badger: A Love Story, introduces a new middle-grade series about an unlikely friendship, earning three starred reviews for its tender narrative. Wood’s style—meticulous yet whimsical—creates memorable characters and intricate plots that invite readers to ponder the line between fact and fiction.
Why Maryrose Wood Matters
Maryrose Wood’s impact extends beyond her books. Her stories, filled with quirky characters and thoughtful themes, inspire young readers to embrace curiosity and resilience. Through her teaching at institutions like NYU and the Stony Brook Children’s Literature Fellows program, she nurtures aspiring writers, passing on her passion for storytelling. Her work as a writing coach via her Path of the Storyteller program further cements her legacy, helping others craft narratives that resonate. Wood’s ability to blend humor, heart, and structure has made her a guiding light in children’s literature.
- Born: Long Island, New York
- Key Works: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Alice’s Farm, Bad Badger
- Awards: Three-time Richard Rodgers Award winner; Alice’s Farm named an NCTE Charlotte Huck Recommended Book
Ready to howl with delight? Snag The Mysterious Howling and dive into Maryrose Wood’s whimsical world of adventure and heart!