Books About Governesses

The Best Governesses Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about governesses? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Unmapped Sea
#5 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Governesses

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$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1962

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

By Joan Aiken, Pat Marriott (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Wolves Chronicles series

Two girls must escape a cruel governess to save their home.

181 pages· 42,609 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 22,708 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Bonnie and Sylvia's world turns upside down when their parents leave, and the sinister Miss Slighcarp takes over Willoughby Chase. Stripped of comfort and sent to a harsh orphan school, the girls face endless toil. With Simon the gooseboy's help, they escape, but can they reclaim their home from Miss Slighcarp's grasp? Adventure and danger await as they fight to restore their once joyful life.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

The Unmapped Sea

A family curse threatens a new life. Can secrets at the seaside break it?

416 pages· 79,222 words· Est. 11 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,373 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Penelope faces a daunting task: end the Ashton family's wolfish curse before a new heir arrives. A seaside trip to Brighton with the Incorrigible children offers hope, as she seeks answers from an old sailor. But the arrival of the wild Babushkinov family raises questions. Are they connected to the curse? As mysteries deepen, Penelope must unravel the truth before time runs out. Will she succeed, or will the curse claim another victim?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

The Interrupted Tale

A governess must prove her students' worth to save her school and job amidst chaos.

385 pages· 74,091 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,456 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Penelope Lumley returns to Swanburne Academy, eager to reconnect and showcase her unique students. But chaos reigns as the board demands proof of her wolfish pupils' progress. With her job and the school's future at stake, can Penelope rise to the challenge and secure their place in society? Unravel the mystery and discover if education can truly tame the wild.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Long-Lost Home

Can Penelope break the family curse before the next full moon seals their fate?

440 pages· 88,167 words· Est. 12.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,353 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Trapped in a dreary Russian village, Penelope Lumley must escape to save the Ashtons from a looming curse. With time running out and Edward Ashton on the loose, Penelope's journey is fraught with danger. Meanwhile, the Incorrigible children face a new tutor and an impending family addition, unaware of the peril they face. As mysteries unravel, will Penelope and her charges find a way to break the curse before the next full moon, or is their fate sealed? Dive into this thrilling conclusion where every moment counts.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

The Unseen Guest

Wolf-raised children and their governess face family secrets and a runaway ostrich. Will they return to their wild ways?

340 pages· 66,398 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 7,540 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Penelope Lumley, governess to three wolf-raised children, faces a whirlwind of mysteries. As they chase a runaway ostrich, Penelope uncovers secrets about her own past and the Ashton family. With the children's wild instincts resurfacing, Penelope fears they might abandon their civilized life forever. Can she solve the riddles of her origins and keep the children from returning to the wild? The stakes are high as family secrets and untamed nature collide.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

The Hidden Gallery

Wolf-raised children and their governess uncover secrets in London, facing wild challenges and mysterious pasts.

320 pages· 59,014 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 10,606 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In London, governess Penelope Lumley faces new challenges with her wolf-raised charges, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia. As they navigate the city's temptations, from palace guards' hats to flocks of pigeons, they stumble upon clues to their mysterious origins. Can Penelope tame their wild instincts while unraveling secrets that could change everything? Discover the unexpected twists as the Incorrigibles explore their past and future.
Board Book · Ages 0–5 · 2013

Jane Eyre

Discover classic tales through simple words and felted scenes for young readers.

24 pages
3.9/5 Goodreads · 193 ratings
$9.95Save 4%
Board book
Summary: Introduce your little one to the world of classic literature with Cozy Classics. Each book distills a beloved story into twelve felted scenes and words, perfect for early learning. Follow Jane Eyre's journey from a timid girl to a strong woman, or explore other timeless tales like Moby Dick and Pride and Prejudice. These board books offer a clever, engaging twist on literary masterpieces, making them ideal for budding bookworms and their parents. Experience the joy of sharing great stories with your child in a format designed just for them.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

The Mysterious Howling

A young governess must tame wild children with mysterious origins before a grand ball.

272 pages· 51,291 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 23,409 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Fifteen-year-old Penelope Lumley faces an unusual challenge as the new governess at Ashton Place: taming three wild children found in the forest. As she teaches them manners and Latin, mysteries unfold. Who are these children, and why does the coachman lurk in shadows? With a holiday ball approaching, Penelope must unravel secrets and transform the Incorrigibles in time. Can she succeed, or will their wild nature prevail? Discover the truth behind their origins and the enigmatic happenings at Ashton Place.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2005

Nanny McPhee

Chaos reigns until a mysterious nanny arrives to tame the unruly children.

300 pages· 60,417 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,498 ratings
$7.95Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: The Brown household is in turmoil, overrun by mischievous children who defy all attempts at discipline. Enter Nurse Matilda, a no-nonsense nanny with a magical touch. As she takes charge, the children face unexpected challenges that could change their lives forever. Can Nurse Matilda bring order to chaos, or will the children prove too wild to tame? Discover the enchanting tale that inspired a beloved film, where magic and mischief collide in a battle of wills.
Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2012

Jane Eyre

Introduce toddlers to classic literature with a stylish twist.

22 pages
3.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 900 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Introduce your toddler to the world of classic literature with 'Little Miss Brontë.' This board book combines clever, simple text with stylish illustrations, making it a must-have for every nursery. Discover a fashionable way to engage young minds with timeless stories, while learning to count from one to ten. Will your child fall in love with the classics?
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