Alice in Wonderland

Publishers Weekly

A pensive, titian-haired Alice trips down the rabbit hole in this adaptation that pairs the classic story with gracefully expressive illustrations. Ingpen’s detailed visions of the menagerie of creatures Alice meets lend them anthropomorphic qualities while remaining anatomically precise. The Cheshire cat, who peers out at Alice from a crowd of leaves with a milk-tooth smile, does so with kittenish serenity. The infamous tea-party is a cozy affair with intimate soft-focus portraits in pencil of the sleepy dormouse, hare (who dips his watch into his cup of tea) and the rather bleary Mad Hatter, whose pencil-drawn sidewise glances suggest it’s all dreamy good fun. A lovely and faithful interpretation. Ages 10–up. (Nov.)

Children's Literature

Originally released in 1865, this book is a timeless classic. This edition, illustrated by Ralph Steadman, which first came out in 1968 but has been out of print for a long time making it somewhat of a rarity, has been carefully restored. Carroll's ironic tale, with the familiar cast of characters (Alice, the White Rabbit, the Dodo, the White Hare, the Cheshire Cat, the Dormouse, the Hatter, the Queen and King, the Mock Turtle, the Gryphon). takes on a bizarre life of its own with Steadman's black and white illustrations. Children who have been accustomed to the Disney version of this classic will be curious, confused yet amazed by what they read and see in this book (perhaps some adults as well). Steadman also created the hand carved wood cuts that make the title and chapter numbers. The illustrator started his career as a children's book illustrator and cartoonist in 1956 and since then has had his distinctive drawings in print internationally. Recommended. 2003, Firefly Books, Ages 8 up.
— Cindy L. Carolan

Children's Literature - Kathie M. Josephs

Alice is sitting with her sister and grows tired of doing absolutely nothing. While her sister reads, Alice picks some daisies when she sees a white Rabbit dressed in a waistcoat. The rabbit is holding a watch worrying that he is going to be late. Alice follows the rabbit and falls down the rabbit hole. In this new, strange place, Alice experiences many adventures. Unfortunately, these adventures are not happy ones but are more like nightmares. This world is called Wonderland and has very crazy creatures. She meets the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar, and the Cheshire Cat. When she meets the Queen, she is invited to play a game of croquet, but, when the Queen shows her wicked side, Alice's life greatly changes. How will she be able to find her way back to the home she came from? Are there any creatures that live in Wonderland who can help her, and if so, how will she find them? At the end of the book, the author includes information on the main characters, Lewis Carroll, the retelling author, and the illustrator. There is also a glossary. This is a good book to use when introducing chapter books. Books written in graphic format are favorites of mine. They make it just the thing for students who are reluctant readers and never seem to finish a book on their own. They are also a wonderful way to introduce a variety of genres to young people. Young readers who want to read anything they can get their hands on will enjoy the graphics and fast-paced text. The full-color graphics make an enormous impact on the story. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs

Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger

This interesting book of critical essays is part of a series created by Dr. Bloom to accompany his "Great Books" studies. Bloom suggests that a liberal education should include the study of 100 of the greatest books ever written. They are the basis of this series and are listed in the beginning of the book. There is some debate, of course, on what are the 100 greatest books. This edition about Alice's Adventures in Wonderland includes 12 critical essays by well-known authors such as J.B. Priestly, Phyllis Greenacre, and Florence Baker Lennon. The authors attempt to categorize Carroll's famous children's novel in terms of thematic content, particular elements such as fantasy or love and death, and his use of poetry. The essays make for challenging and interesting reading, but as even Dr. Bloom admits, "Carroll's genre evades every definition." Carroll's use of nonsense is an English tradition not easily explained, and continues, thank goodness, as evidenced in many Beatles songs and Monty Python performances. Differing from folk tales in its lack of clear moral lessons, Alice's reading remains an exercise in the kind of childlike fun that leaves one thrilled and a bit apprehensive at the same time. The book includes an afterthought by Dr. Bloom, comparing the "Alice" books to modern children's stories such as the "Harry Potter" books; a chronology of the life of Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll); an extensive bibliography; brief vita on the authors of the essays; and an index.

Gr 4–8—Matthews, well known for his work in sci-fi and fantasy realms, turns his attention to Carroll's classic. His illustrations, which vary between single- and double-page full-color airbrushed paintings and smaller sepia-toned vignettes, have an imagination-stretching, otherworldly veneer. Rich in purple and green hues, the cartoon artwork portrays an Alice with a somewhat angular face and straight blond hair. The depictions of the other characters are fresh and creative, as each familiar figure is festooned with delightfully exaggerated features, kinetic lines, and jewel-toned costuming. The paintings have a fine-art quality to them, and the grandiose scenes provide much detail and action for readers to explore and enjoy. Card-suit motifs appear in both the handsome book design and within the illustrations themselves. Unfortunately, some of the double-page artwork gets lost in the book's gutter. Matthews admits to suggesting "a wider visual arena for the story, including a space scene and the Palace of Hearts (not mentioned by Carroll)." The consistency of artistic vision and quality of the illustrations make this re-interpretation a success. The small-size type, which may demand more accomplished or patient readers, and the sophisticated visual tone make this volume appropriate for older Alice fans.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Children's Literature - Leona Illig

This chapter book adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic novel adheres to the original plot fairly closely. Alice, who is bored while sitting on a riverbank with her sister, falls asleep and has a remarkable series of dreams which begin with Alice running after the White Rabbit and falling down a rabbit hole. Once through the hole, she finds that whenever she drinks or eats certain things she either shrinks or grows taller, creating considerable turmoil. Her fantastic adventures include swimming out of her own pool of tears; outgrowing a house she finds herself inside; attending a mad tea party; playing croquet with the Queen of Hearts; and finding herself at the center of a trial of the Knave of Hearts, who is accused of stealing tarts. A great deal of Carroll's original language is preserved, and some drawings by his illustrator, John Tenniel, are included. Because the current adaptation is so short, however, the charm of the original is lost. Carroll's humor, word play, puns, and even characterizations are mostly missing as the story simply summarizes one adventure after another. The focus on plot poses some problems, as many children today may find the story too nonsensical, or, worse yet, boring. Children who are already familiar with the story and who are reading chapter books may enjoy it. Nevertheless, introducing children to the classic Walt Disney movie first and then letting them read (or hear their parents read) Carroll's original book later on is likely to be a more rewarding experience. Children who read this adaptation and then never seek out the original will have been robbed of one of literature's greatest pleasures. Reviewer: Leona Illig