THANK YOU is all I can begin this review with and that is directed solely at Anna James. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was one of my favourite stories growing up. I was and still am obsessed and, I must admit, it’s where my love for thinking there were adventures to be had in worlds beyond our own began. Alice With a Why captured that exact same magic and for the duration of reading, allowed me to slip back into my childhood and I cannot say thank you enough.
 
Taking on a world like Wonderland with its many portrayals in various forms of media is not an easy feat, but James’ writing was MADE for this. Not once did it feel like James was trying to replicate Lewis Carroll, instead every sentence felt like an ode to him and this magic he created. There was rhythmic nature to the form that meant I happily bounced along the story as I did the original when I first read it decades ago. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, James is a commanding force in Children’s fiction currently and Alice With a Why continues to show why.
 
Now, let’s talk protagonists. After literally two and a half decades of loving Alice, finding myself confronted with a new Alyce – with a Y – to take me on this new adventure, I was a touch unnerved. I was hesitant that perhaps Alyce would exist only in her grandmother’s shadow and would struggle to reach fruition as her own character. Well, I was wrong. She’s open to the new world around her in ways her grandmother was not, and more stubborn in others, yet there was still enough of Alice’s traits that you could see their relation. That fine line of making Alyce a granddaughter and not a recreation or a distinct opposite must’ve been tough to write but James has conquered it.
 
Whilst revisiting characters like Mad Hatter, March Hare, Dormous and more, it is the new characters James has created and built out that shine brightly off the page. I cannot say much more as I don’t want to give any spoilers but Fox will hold a special place in my heart from now on and whenever I see anyone animating Wonderland, I will be sure to ask them where the Fox is.
 
I want to take a moment for the cover of this book too. I messaged James separately as I said I don’t think it was consciously done, but how beautifully this will sit on bookshelves alongside other editions of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, specifically the Wordsworth edition. @matthew_kelly_artist has done a phenomenal job at making this cover so extremely 2025 yet classic at the same time and I know it’s going to look exquisite on all the bookshelves this book is bound to sit on.
 
All I can say is, Anna James found a way to make Wonderland ever more wondrous, and at 32, I didn’t think that was possible for a story that I’ve lived with for over three quarters of my life. If you haven’t pre-ordered your copy yet, there are beautiful special editions available, and I recommend you do so. You never know, you might find an invitation to Wonderland inside…

Instant 5 star because, Alice In Wonderland, obviously! A life long favourite of mine and I absolutely adore adaptations and retellings.
But, also a very well deserved 5 star! The writing style is so unique and whimsical, the story is told through the POV of Alyce, the granddaughter of Alice, the OG. Straight away you're thrown into her chaotic dialogue, and throughout it's just so fun to read. There's inspiration from all over through the whole book, including Tim Burtons adaptation! "You've got the |wrong| Alice!" The whole thing is just so fun and nostalgic. I loved it so much. An absolute privilege to read and review this one.
I can't wait to get my hands on the special edition physical copy to add to my Alice in Wonderland collection.

Anna James - author of the brilliant Pages & Co series- has taken her wonderful imagination and stepped into the world of Lewis Carroll by bringing us a new version of Alice in Wonderland.

But this is a new Alyce (yes with a Y)- this is the granddaughter of the original Alice who finds herself living her grandmother at Specula House. Set in 1919 , Alyce's father has died in World War I and she is stying with her grandmother. The house was used as a hospital in the war

Upon discovering an invitation between the pages of a book Alyce soon finds herself in Wonderland after falling out of a paper boat; but upon a rival she finds she has a problem to solve - The Queen of the Moon and The Sun King are engaged in a battle - the King has stolen an hour from the Queen.

Alyce needs to go in search of The Time Being to find her way home and solve the problems of Wonderland Meeting up with lots of familiar characters- the Mad Hatter, The Mock Turtle, Dormouse, Alyce has to find the right route - she is joined by a wise fox.

Anna James has recreated Wonderland but with a twist- loyal to the original but with a new twist, this is a wonderful fantasy adventure- perfect as a bedtime read or a class story time- surreal, magical, full of of humour and wisdom.

A fantastical winner full of nostalgia for parents and new delights for younger readers.