The Wooden Mile

Something Wickedly Weird #1

by Chris Mould

Eleven-year-old Stanley Buggle, happily anticipating a long summer vacation in the house he inherits from his great-uncle, discovers, soon after arriving in the seemingly peaceful village of Crampton Rock, that along with the house he has also inherited some sinister neighbors, a talking stuffed fish, and a host of mysteries surrounding his great-uncle's death.

Genres: Fantasy, Pirates, Horror, Fiction, Childrens, Mystery, Juvenile

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Chris Mould is the illustrator of Captain Beastlie’s Pirate Party, written by Lucy Coats. Chris went to art school at the age of sixteen. During this time, he did various jobs, from delivering papers to washing-up. He has won the Nottingham Children’s Book Award and been commended for the Sheffield. He loves his work and likes to write and draw the kind of books that he would have liked to have on his shelf as a boy. He is married with two children and lives in Yorkshire.

Chris Mould spends his working day in one of the prestigious art studios at Dean Clough Mills in Halifax. His studio is clearly marked with a skull and crossboned warning as to what might lie within.

Chris is not confined to book illustration. He has worked for the RSC, the BBC, the FT and many other famous initials, aswell as film development work for Aardman Animations which included character and environment development work on the film Flushed Away.

When away from his studio, Chris spends most of his time with his wife Sue and his two daughters Emily and Charlotte.

Reviews

[Owen Isenhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

How would you feel if you were just an 11 year old boy whose uncle had just mysteriously passed away with his head missing and it's your job to figure out what happened? Well, the award winning author Chris Mould's book, The Wooden Mile, had Stanley, a young boy, go through this disaster. Stanley receives a house in Crampton Rock from his uncle who he'd never seen before. It all seems nice, until he notices something that doesn't make sense in the town. Nobody is ever out in dark, and all the dogs are three legged. He builds a bond with a group of drunken clumsy pirates who have a challenge for him. Kill the candy shop owner. Supposedly, he's a werewolf, and he starts to believe this. Stanley grabs the only gun in town, and shoots him right between the eyes. He doesn't get in trouble with any angry pirates, and goes back to his small city life back home, being a hero of Crampton Rock. I believed these 176 pages to be one of the funniest and darkest books I've ever read. I absolutely loved looking forward to being able to read this book after school. It was a relatively quick read with about a picture per chapter. It had me on the edge of my seat laughing like I've never laughed before or clenching my fists in horror page by page waiting to see what happens next. I felt the author's voice in his writing throughout this book, "This is not the beginning of the story. It is simply a convenient place to begin... What lies ahead is a dark and twisted tale" (pg. 7-8). I love the way he writes, it feels so real, like my dad or mom would read my a bedtime story. My second favorite quote from the book proves the one flaw in the book. The plot is the interesting part. Nothing about Stanley or any character is intriguing, it's what happens that they react to, nobody comes to life in the book or is super outstanding. Sure they have some personality, but not much. The quote states, "I always sleep well... It's what I do best" (pg. 45)he isn't cracking a joke, recoiling back like a gun after being shocked, he's simply sleeping. It's something we all do. This goes on for a while in the story. It has gained some attention from publishers and websites. Macmillan publishers had this to say, "This fantasy series for children is full of spooky and hilarious fun" As the review from this states, it's for children, and I would agree. I would recommend this book to a young boy around 10-14 years old, because that's what it appeals and entertains towards. This book hasn't won anything, but the author has won an of Nottingham Children's Book Award. The author isn't known for any books, but has made a series out of this book, and another series called pocket pirates, which I think I should read considering I loved this book so much. This book isn't like many others. It's not all happy and giddy, but it's a mystery/fantasy book with slight comic relief. I would say this book is similar to books like the Sherlock Holmes series, or Nancy Drew. In summary, I enjoyed this book quite much.

[Barb Middleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This weird, creepy book is going to appeal to some, but I don't think it is going to entice most readers. Stanley Buggles has inherited a house from an unknown relative in Crampton Rock, but the village is not quite right. People scuttle indoors when night falls, lookout towers are sprinkled here and there, and a talking taxidermied fish cautions Stanley against a lady who lives in the water. When Stanley discovers that a werewolf is on the loose he is recruited by pirates to kill it. Unbeknownst to him is that the pirates want the werewolf eliminated so they can ransack Stanley's home that hides a magic amulet hidden by his relative.

The narrator reflects the British author as he describes Stanley as a sensitive little chap and ink drawings made me think of Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell; however, this story is uniquely Chris Mould's. He has some gory descriptions such as the death of Stanley's relative, the pirates messed up body parts, the dogs missing limbs, and the skeleton in the cage. These descriptions add more horror to the story, but it is toned down with the pirates more doofuses than brutal killers, and the death of the werewolf not what it seems.

Stanley doesn't leap off the page as an interesting character. The weirdness of the story is what had me stay with it. Stanley does change from being fearful in the beginning to ingenious or able to solve his problems by the end. Spoiler alert* I don't know how to write about the plot without giving away too much so if you don't want to know what happens then skip to the last paragraph. The plot has some holes that are not explained such as the fish warning about some lady in the water, Stanley concerned about the gun instead of the man/werewolf he just killed, and Mr. Cake working in his shop and miraculously recovered from a bullet to the head. The amulet isn't explained either. The end leaves more questions than answers.

The narrator says in the beginning that this tale is dark and twisted and it is a good description of this story. A fast read if you are looking for something different and slightly ghoulish.
Reading Level 5.5

[Gözde Türker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Şaşırdığım, tahmin etmediğim bir yer bile vardı, daha ne olsun. Keyifle okudum, çok eğlenceli ve yer yer ürkütücü bir maceraydı. Vize ödevlerini yetiştirmek için sabahlara kadar çalıştığım şu günlerde ilaç gibi geldi.

[Monie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 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.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When eleven year old Stanley Buggles inherits a house from an unknown great-uncle, he has no idea what lies ahead. His parents put him on the train and send off to Crampton Rock for the summer to take possession of his new property. Things aren't quite that simple, as Stanley soon discovers. Before he can set foot on Crampton Rock, he has to present the proper documents proving that he is a land-owner. Only those that actually own property on the island are allowed to cross the wooden mile, a long wooden bridge that connects the island to the mainland.

After presenting his deed to the mayoress, Stanley is soon welcomed to the island. He is led to his new home by his house keeper, Mrs. Carelli who is his guardian for the summer. Stanley is absolutley delighted with the house and the island but when night falls a distinctly different feeling comes over the island. All the villagers scurry inside, warning bells are sounded and watchtowers are mounted. What could they be so afraid of? Stanley soon finds out.

I enjoyed this, the first in the series "Something Wickedly Weird". Stanley is engaging and the other island inhabitants make an interesting cast. The story is a little disjointed and I wasn't thrilled with the ending. I will be reading the rest of the series though.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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 the series. [return][return]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)."

[Kathy (Bermudaonion) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. This is the first in the Something Wickedly Weird series.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanley Buggles inherits a property on Crampton rock from his long-lost uncle. When he goes to see the place, he realizes that Crampton Rock is not a normal place. First, he has to have papers to prove he can step foot on CR, then he's told not to go out at night. Come to find out that there is a werewolf on the loose and three pirates want him to get rid of it. Of course, they don't have the well-being of the citizens of CR in mind--they want to be able to go out at night to rob Stanley of a precious locket that's supposed to be hidden in the house. Fast read, great pictures, fun adventure/fantasy.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great "scary" series for books who enjoy phillip Ardagh or a silly story with a scary theme. The illustrations that go along with the story are great and it is a little high interest low level going on here. Not to mention I love talking fish and how do you confuse a pike and a tuna? Grades 3+

[Thomas Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has a very good grip round this genre of books. I think this book has got to be one of my favourites.

He has done a series which are below;

Wooden Mile
Icy Hand
Silver Casket
Darkling Curse
Smugglers Mine
Treasure Keepers

[n · Rating 3 out of 5]

on est bien sûr que c’est une lecture pour enfant ? le minot dans l’histoire en a assez vécu pour toute une vie je crois mdrrr
sinon à part ça, c’était plutôt sympathique et ça nous introduit bien à la saison à venir 🍂

[plavizec · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

[Desi A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bedtime read aloud that I found on the library shelves. It was nice to have something a little more narratively complex (as the parent reader). Enjoyably dark and creepy for spooky season, but not too much so for my still a little sensitive kiddo. We’ve started the second in the series.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fastnade inte för berättelsen. Underlig och för enkel på något sätt. Tyckte det fattades något. Om det var mer beskrivningar eller mer av något annat kan jag inte sätta mitt finger på. Illustrationerna var dock mycket välgjorda och fina.

[Shel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mould, C. (2007). Something Wickedly Weird: The Wooden Mile. New York: Roaring Brook Press.

1596433833

Stanley, as the youngest living relative of his great-uncle, inherits the deceased man’s hall and all of the wackiness of the people who live in the town of Compton Rock. Stanley leaves home without his busy parents to take possession of the immense Candlestick Hall and is greeted by unusual characters and strange rules, one of which is “don’t go out after dark.”

The story includes a lot of humorous and quirky characters, including a talking fish, a mean candy-seller, and three disgruntled pirates. The pirates insist Stanley help them end the reign of a local werewolf, but Stanley soon learns that the pirates have more planned for him than that.

In terms of the writing, humor and illustrations, The Wooden Mile feels and looks a lot like A Series of Unfortunate Events, but with slightly fewer vocabulary demands. With illustrations included on every few pages, the book is a pretty fast read, building a young reader’s confidence (or providing an advanced reader with a fun break).

This book is, of course, the first in a growing series. Cause a novel can’t stand alone anymore. Ever.


Activities to do with the book:

This is a book that is probably best to be read for enjoyment. Although the series could lend itself to comparison with similarly themed books (such as A Series of Unfortunate Events) if a teacher really want to provoke a conversation. At the very least, Something Wickedly Weird could be a book recommendation for students who have finished all 13 of the Series of Unfortunate Events.


Favorite Quotes:

“This is not the very start of the story. It is simply a convenient place to begin. And you should be warned that when you delve into what has already happened and what lies ahead, you will find this a dark and twisted tale” (pp. 7-8).

“I always sleep well,” announced Stanley. “It’s the thing I do best” (p. 45).

“He couldn’t help thinking how ridiculous it seemed. Three vicious pirates, all wanting to get rid of one man—yet they needed the help of an eleven-year-old boy!” (p. 89).

For more reviews, visit sjkessel.com.

[Teresa Scherping Moulton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young Stanley Buggles has just been informed that a previously unknown great-uncle has died and left Stanley a large house called Candlestick Hall on an island called Crampton Rock. Stanley goes alone to visit the estate and discovers a quaint fishing village that can only been reached when the tide is down via a long wooden bridge . As it turns out, Candlestick Hall and Crampton Rock each have many secrets. While Stanley loves his first experience of the ocean, he is unsure of what to make of the talking fish mounted on the wall of his new residence and the warning of his guardian that he must never go out of the house at night. In fact, no one on Crampton Rock dares venture out after dark, and no one will give him a straight answer as to why. Soon tangled in a web of mystery that includes a savage werewolf and even more savage pirates, Stanley's time on Crampton Rock will be an adventure he won't soon forget.

I ended up enjoying this more than I thought I would. The book has a very Lemony Snicket vibe to it, and by far its best quality is the establishment of mood and setting. The author was previously known only for his illustration, and the effortless description in this book shows an illustrator's eye for detail. (There are also some great illustrations throughout the text.) I appreciated that the story wasn't dragged out too much or stuffed with a bunch of filler before getting to the climax. It was a good, quick, atmospheric read that honestly made me want to pick up the next one in the series.

This book would be great for grades 4-6, especially fans of dark adventure stories. Readalikes would definitely include A Series of Unfortunate Events, as well as perhaps the Gustav Gloom series.

[Neko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a small pile of children books to read (3 books to be exact) and this was one of them.

It's a bit hard to review this book because I don't have all that much to say about it. I didn't find this book boring nor did I find it that exciting. It certainly is a book aimed for little children which was the whole point for my reading.

But in some places it just fell a little flat. I didn't feel compelled to keep turning the pages to find what happened next.

I'm sure this book will excite some since it's stars - pirates, talking fish and a warewolf.

While I was reading I had to take several things into mind- would it bore children or might they find it confusing, would a teacher mind reading the book and also enjoy it herself.

I don't think it'll bore kids but I don't think it's a book for everyone. The book has a super easy plot line and the author has a good way with words so no confusing you. I think a teacher might feel like I did when I finally turned the last page, 'Meh.' lol

[Syed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stanley Buggles receives a letter containing a mysterious key in the post. He inherits his great-uncle's house on Crampton Rock, after his uncle Bartholomew Swift dies. It sounds like an ideal holiday home, but there’s a twist. Stanley, Mrs Carrelli and Lionel Grouse are the main characters in this non-fiction book. The villains in this adventure novel are William Cake, who is the werewolf, and the pirates: Randall Flinn; Sharkbait Jones; and Bill Timbers. Stanley decides to go to Crampton Rock for the summer. Strange things start to happen while Stanley is living there and he quickly finds out about a werewolf in the village. The adventure takes some twists and turns before Stanley fires a specific silver bullet in between his eyes. However, this is not the end of the story. Now he has got the pirates to deal with, which he manages to do.
I would recommend this book to KS2 children, and children who enjoy adventure novels.

[Karen-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was around 8 or 9 years old, and these were the books that got me into reading. I was one of those kids who would have much rather have been outside climbing a tree, or hitting someone with a stick, than picking up a book.

Anyway, these were the books that made me want to read. They were "scary" (according to my 9-year-old self) and exciting. I flew through these books in one summer (which actually says a lot, because that was precious ice cream eating and stick fighting time I was using on reading). Ok, this review is too long and not very informative oops. My point is if you have a sibling, niece, cousin, any child on this earth from the age of, I don't know, 8-12, make them read this. The entire series is fantastic, because it's a relatively interesting story, without the plot being too complex for little 9 year old me to understand, and it's written in a way so you don't get completely lost. Deffo recommend

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this series caught my eye ("Something Wickedly Weird"), as did the dark front cover. In reading the book, though, I didn't find it all that weird, and the interior art was only so-so. There are pictures of crabs on the chapter headings and elsewhere in the book that are never mentioned ... what's up with the crabs? The writing is pretty good and flows easily. The reason I give this just *** is because the plot is sometimes rushed or isn't all that convincing. Two examples, which others have raised, are the disposition of the werewolf and the pirates at the end. And what's up with the talking fish? There's never any explanation as to why/how a dead and mounted fish can talk. You'd think an editor would have required some fixes for these obvious problems. This series is for mid-level elementary school students.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as The Werewolf and the Ibis - which is a better title.

An enjoyable opening to the Something Wickedly Weird series of children's books by author/illustrator Chris Mould who we went to see at a local library event recently. A good cast of characters (many of them distinctly creepy) - a pack's worth of three legged dogs, a talking pike, a pirate who wears the bones of his left arm and hand pinned to his jacket.

I thought the theme of unintended consequences was a very fine one for a children's book and well handled. Stanley Buggles, the boy who has inherited Candlestick Hall, makes an appealing hero and I found myself eager to find out what happens when he has another holiday in Crampton Rock.

Lovely illustrations, especially the crustacean (family opinions differ on whether it is a crab or a lobster) turning some of the pages.

[Sean Pottratz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book once when I was little but I read it again recently because I loved it so much when I read it the first time. It's about a boy who is sent off to this town that is very muggy and kind of old and grey. He stays in a giant house with many weird things, like the fish in the tank. During his stay some strange encounters occur. He keeps spotting the same wolf in the distance. In the end he has to fight the wolf. I really liked this book because I like to read about creepy mystery books where you don't know what to expect. I would recommend this to really any reading level because it's a pretty easy read, but good read. I had always wondered why the boy was sent to the island in the first place. Because it doesn't seem like a place where you would want to go. Overall it's a great book and I would recommend it.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wooden Mile is a hilarious romp with plenty of pirates and adventure featuring young Stanley Buggles as the main character. Stanley is eleven and has recently inherited a large home in the seaside town of Crampton Rock from his unknown uncle Admiral Swift. Stanley's parents are unable to accompany him to Crampton Rock so he ventures there on his own to spend the summer in the care of housekeeper, Mrs. Corelli. When Stanley arrives he begins to realize nothing is quite as it seems it this sleepy little town. This book was a fast and fun read. I enjoyed the fun illustrations that were included in the book which helped enhance the story. This book will appeal to fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events and the Eddie Dickens Trilogy.

[Ana Emilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleven year old Stanley Buggles has inherited his late Great-Uncle Admiral Bartholomew Swift's estate, Candlestick Hall. He sets out for Crampton Rock, a small fishing village, where the property is located. Candlestick Hall and Crampton Rock turn out to be quite interesting, but also wickedly weird!

This is a page turner filled with adventure and creative characters: pirates, a werewolf, an overprotective housekeeper, a wise keeper of the rock, and a talking fish.

The very detailed pencil drawings by award-winning illustrator, Chris Mould, are excellent! He's also the author and what an incredible job on his debut book. This is one I'll have to own!

[Ms.Gaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleven-year-old Stanley Buggles is happily anticipating a long summer vacation in the house he inherits from his great-uncle. He soon discovers, after arriving in the seemingly peaceful village of Crampton Rock, that along with the house, he has inherited some seriously weird neighbors, a talking stuffed fish, and a host of mysteries surrounding his great-uncle's death.

The Wooden Mile by Chris Mould is the first title of the series "Something Wickedly Weird". These "Weird" books have wonderfully eerie illustrations and their small size make them easy to hold and carry around.
They are great for reluctant readers and for fans of R. L. Stine or Lemony Snicket.

[Hollowspine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short amusing tale of a boy who inherits a house from his long lost great uncle Admiral Swift. The house is on Crampton Rock a strange little place, only reachable when the tide is out. Once he's installed in the house he discovers all sorts of secrets, about his great-uncle and the town itself. He must face off against not only a werewolf, but blood-thirsty pirate as well.

And who knows what kind of magic imbues the stuffed pike that occasionally talks to him. Weird characters abound in this short story, and though the cure for lycanthropy is a bit harsh, no one actually dies.

Overall this would be a good book for beginning readers, who enjoy adventure, weird stuff, and humor.

[Tom M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A young boy inherits a manor house in a town that gets cut off from the mainland at high tide. Toss in three ex-pirates, an elderly shopkeeper who turns into a werewolf every night and you have all of the makings for a fun kids book.

For me, however, that didn't happen. All of the ingredients were there, including some great illustrations (and a fantastic font for the messages) but it all fell flat. None of it was all that funny, nor exciting, nor... well, all that worth the time.

Very disappointing.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the black line illustrations in these creepy kids books. This had a pretty good, cute if somewhat grim story. I will definitely try to find the rest of the series at my library. I wanted something similar to Uncle Montague's Tales of Terrorwhich I read last year based on its creepy content and illustrations, and I found it.

[Sara Truog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accidentally posted without reviewing - sorry! A kid inherits a house from a relative he didn't know he had. When he goes to check it out, he finds out that the house is in a town with a lot of secrets, involving werewolves, pirates, and a creepy candy shop, that of course must be uncovered. Daniel declined to read this one but I was entertained. My library book club will be reading this in October - a spooky book for a spooky month!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️for Something Wickedly Weird: The Wooden Mile by Chris Mould. Stanley Buggles moves to Crampton Rock and lives in Candlestick Hall which he inherited from his Great Uncle Bart. He lives with Mrs. Corelli, the housekeeper and care giver of the Hall. Stanley is curious about everything and why there are only dogs with three legs living on the island. Stanley gets into adventures and lots of trouble trying to discover what caused his uncle's death.