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Alice With a Why: Return to Wonderland
Return to Wonderland in this extraordinary reimagining of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, by one of our most brilliant storytellers
England, 1919. Alyce – with a Y – lives with her grandmother, the original Alice, having lost her father during the great war. When a mysterious invitation to a tea party hits her square in the face, Alyce realises her grandmother’s strange stories of a place called Wonderland might have some truth to them after all.
But the land Alyce finds herself in feels different to the Wonderland of her grandmother’s stories – for it is trapped in its own war. The Sun King and the Queen of the Moon are fighting over a stolen hour, and soon Alyce is tasked with setting it right. With the help of the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and a Sailor Fox, Alyce will have to solve Wonderland’s problems and, eventually, find her way back home.
An enchanting adventure through Wonderland, and featuring new characters as well as old favourites, Alice With a Why is both a celebration of Lewis Carroll’s beloved original story, and a modern masterpiece.
England, 1919. Alyce – with a Y – lives with her grandmother, the original Alice, having lost her father during the great war. When a mysterious invitation to a tea party hits her square in the face, Alyce realises her grandmother’s strange stories of a place called Wonderland might have some truth to them after all.
But the land Alyce finds herself in feels different to the Wonderland of her grandmother’s stories – for it is trapped in its own war. The Sun King and the Queen of the Moon are fighting over a stolen hour, and soon Alyce is tasked with setting it right. With the help of the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and a Sailor Fox, Alyce will have to solve Wonderland’s problems and, eventually, find her way back home.
An enchanting adventure through Wonderland, and featuring new characters as well as old favourites, Alice With a Why is both a celebration of Lewis Carroll’s beloved original story, and a modern masterpiece.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2025
28 people are currently reading
1011 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 30, 2025
This is a gorgeous, wonderful imagining of a new Alyce - the original Alice's granddaughter ("with a why" as she is described!) - on her own journey through Wonderland.
I haven't read the original Alice books for years, but I have watched various versions of the films in recent times thanks to having a daughter at the right age for them. Even though I can't say I remember the writing style all that well of the originals, I feel that the author got the tone just right for this. It's whimsical and nonsensical, but also witty. The strange thing is that some of the little jokes, like Alyce searching for the "Time Being", would have seemed like nonsense to me if I'd read it as a child, but as a grown up, they're like little in-jokes. I'm sure there are ones that I missed in there too!
This Alyce has heard her grandmother's tales of adventure in Wonderland but isn't quite sure she can be believed. That is, until she finds a strange invitation and tumbles after a paper boat into a new world herself. The new Alyce meets a few of the old cast of characters, including the Mad Hatter, March Hare, Dormouse, the Mock Turtle and Cheshire Cat, but she also meets some new friends, including a wise fox who accompanies her on her journey. This journey is, like the original Alice's, somewhat accidental where each step makes sense at the time - including finding the Time Being, helping the Sun King and Queen of the Moon find a truce in their war, and searching for the right papers to allow her passage through the land.
Unfortunately as my version was an advance copy from Netgalley, I didn't have the illustrations -the author actually refers to them at points, speaking to the reader directly (which is a lovely touch and very fun!). I'd love to get my hands on a physical copy in the future to see the illustrations and to share it with my daughter. She's just turned 6 and I feel like she would be just on the edge of the age where she might enjoy it, but it's one of those stories that gets better with time.
This is a lovely, faithful new rendering of a classic which I highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.
I haven't read the original Alice books for years, but I have watched various versions of the films in recent times thanks to having a daughter at the right age for them. Even though I can't say I remember the writing style all that well of the originals, I feel that the author got the tone just right for this. It's whimsical and nonsensical, but also witty. The strange thing is that some of the little jokes, like Alyce searching for the "Time Being", would have seemed like nonsense to me if I'd read it as a child, but as a grown up, they're like little in-jokes. I'm sure there are ones that I missed in there too!
This Alyce has heard her grandmother's tales of adventure in Wonderland but isn't quite sure she can be believed. That is, until she finds a strange invitation and tumbles after a paper boat into a new world herself. The new Alyce meets a few of the old cast of characters, including the Mad Hatter, March Hare, Dormouse, the Mock Turtle and Cheshire Cat, but she also meets some new friends, including a wise fox who accompanies her on her journey. This journey is, like the original Alice's, somewhat accidental where each step makes sense at the time - including finding the Time Being, helping the Sun King and Queen of the Moon find a truce in their war, and searching for the right papers to allow her passage through the land.
Unfortunately as my version was an advance copy from Netgalley, I didn't have the illustrations -the author actually refers to them at points, speaking to the reader directly (which is a lovely touch and very fun!). I'd love to get my hands on a physical copy in the future to see the illustrations and to share it with my daughter. She's just turned 6 and I feel like she would be just on the edge of the age where she might enjoy it, but it's one of those stories that gets better with time.
This is a lovely, faithful new rendering of a classic which I highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.
July 11, 2025
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.
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.
September 10, 2025
I love many (children's) classics and the two original stories about a girl named Alice ending up in a place called Wonderland where she meets the strangest beings and has the most weird but awesome adventures firmly belong in that category.
This is a continuation, kinda.
Alice is a grandmother now and has cared for soldiers during WWI. Sadly, that war cost her own son's life. So now, for reasons, her granddaughter - Alyce - is staying with her. But what could they talk about now that the house is no longer a hospital and they are the only two left?!
Well, fortunately (depending on whom you’re asking) an invitation arrives that transports "the wrong Alice" to Wonderland where we meet many of the old companions as well as some new ones.
As it turns out, war can not only happen in our world and Alyce is asked to find a way to stop the to-and-fro between the Sun King and Queen of the Moon. This leads her on a quest along which she is more often confused than not but also learns vital lessons and makes friends.
Some of this story is as silly as Wonderland should be, though it simultaneously felt a little less imaginative than the original. However, the bits about the war(s) felt quite nice if a bit simplistic at times - Lewis Carroll wrote something that didn't assume children were any less intelligent / capable than adults (rather the contrary) while this story was definitely toned down.
Nevertheless, the writing and flow to the story were quite nice and just look at how lovely this edition is:
Here are examples of the artwork:
So yes, while this was in no way like the original(s), it was a respectful nod and one that might hook plenty of (young and old) readers, opening a door into a wonder(ful )land which is the best thing about stories anyway.
This is a continuation, kinda.
Alice is a grandmother now and has cared for soldiers during WWI. Sadly, that war cost her own son's life. So now, for reasons, her granddaughter - Alyce - is staying with her. But what could they talk about now that the house is no longer a hospital and they are the only two left?!
Well, fortunately (depending on whom you’re asking) an invitation arrives that transports "the wrong Alice" to Wonderland where we meet many of the old companions as well as some new ones.
As it turns out, war can not only happen in our world and Alyce is asked to find a way to stop the to-and-fro between the Sun King and Queen of the Moon. This leads her on a quest along which she is more often confused than not but also learns vital lessons and makes friends.
Some of this story is as silly as Wonderland should be, though it simultaneously felt a little less imaginative than the original. However, the bits about the war(s) felt quite nice if a bit simplistic at times - Lewis Carroll wrote something that didn't assume children were any less intelligent / capable than adults (rather the contrary) while this story was definitely toned down.
Nevertheless, the writing and flow to the story were quite nice and just look at how lovely this edition is:
Here are examples of the artwork:
So yes, while this was in no way like the original(s), it was a respectful nod and one that might hook plenty of (young and old) readers, opening a door into a wonder(ful )land which is the best thing about stories anyway.
September 2, 2025
Alyce with a Y lives with her grandmother the original Alice after the death of her father in the Great War. Alyce thinks all her grandmothers stories about Wonderland are made up, they couldn’t possibly be real right? When a mysterious invitation to tea turns up, Alyce realises her grandmothers stories might just possibly be true. But the Wonderland Alyce finds herself in is very different to the Wonderland of her grandmothers stories, as there is war afoot. The Sun King and The Queen of the Moon are at war over a stolen hour and the citizens of Wonderland are at their mercy and it’s up to Alyce to find a way to stop it.
Let’s get this out of the way and I will tell you that the fox was my favourite character, the way in which he stood by Alyce throughout all of her adventures and trails was so endearing. I did enjoy this book but it didn’t have the magic of the original, hence why I have only given it 4 stars. I think it was a clever idea to send Alice’s granddaughter to Wonderland and have her experience her own adventure so that it brings grandmother and granddaughter closer. Like with the original at some points I had absolutely no idea what was going on but I think that’s the point, isn’t it? As nothing is supposed to make sense in Wonderland. I enjoyed reading about favourite characters from the first book, the Mad Hatter, the Match, the Cheshire Cat and more. Overall I would highly recommend this book.
Let’s get this out of the way and I will tell you that the fox was my favourite character, the way in which he stood by Alyce throughout all of her adventures and trails was so endearing. I did enjoy this book but it didn’t have the magic of the original, hence why I have only given it 4 stars. I think it was a clever idea to send Alice’s granddaughter to Wonderland and have her experience her own adventure so that it brings grandmother and granddaughter closer. Like with the original at some points I had absolutely no idea what was going on but I think that’s the point, isn’t it? As nothing is supposed to make sense in Wonderland. I enjoyed reading about favourite characters from the first book, the Mad Hatter, the Match, the Cheshire Cat and more. Overall I would highly recommend this book.
July 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
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This book was amazingg
I would have given it 5stars but its just not the kind of books I like to read
I preferred this book than Alice in Wonderland
It was rly quick to read but that was veryy good
I rly liked the story and things happened that i didn’t expect
The writing style was simple and easy to read
And Alyce did not annoy me which is good lol
I usually only read books with romance but this one didnt need the romance and the fantasy was rlyy good
This book was creative (the magic stuff since its the world of alice jn wonderland)
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If u want a short book to read without romance u should read it :)
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This book was amazingg
I would have given it 5stars but its just not the kind of books I like to read
I preferred this book than Alice in Wonderland
It was rly quick to read but that was veryy good
I rly liked the story and things happened that i didn’t expect
The writing style was simple and easy to read
And Alyce did not annoy me which is good lol
I usually only read books with romance but this one didnt need the romance and the fantasy was rlyy good
This book was creative (the magic stuff since its the world of alice jn wonderland)
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If u want a short book to read without romance u should read it :)
May 13, 2025
This story is light and entertaining. It feels like it’s been ages since I last read something that actually reignited my love for reading. A quick and easy read!
This isn’t Alice’s story but it’s Alyce. Alyce with a Y. She’s Alice’s granddaughter. At first, the story was a little confusing, but the more you read, the more things start to make sense.
Alyce had only ever heard about her grandma’s adventures in Wonderland. Just like us, we’ve all heard of Alice in Wonderland, a timeless tale that’s been told over and over again.
But now, the author gives us the granddaughter’s version. It’s like seeing the story from our modern-day perspective. Alyce doesn’t really believe the stories her grandma told her… until one day, she ends up experiencing it all for herself.
That’s why the book is titled Alyce: Return to Wonderland. The one returning isn’t Alice, but Alyce with a Y.
In Wonderland, everyone keeps misunderstanding why she says “Alyce with a why.” They questioning if it has why, there should be what, where and when 😂 What she means is her name is spelled with a Y, not an I. But it’s pronounced just like her grandma’s.
Follow Alyce’s journey through Wonderland. No spoilers here, but trust me, this adventure is completely different from the original Alice tale. And it all begins with a misdelivered invitation…
This isn’t Alice’s story but it’s Alyce. Alyce with a Y. She’s Alice’s granddaughter. At first, the story was a little confusing, but the more you read, the more things start to make sense.
Alyce had only ever heard about her grandma’s adventures in Wonderland. Just like us, we’ve all heard of Alice in Wonderland, a timeless tale that’s been told over and over again.
But now, the author gives us the granddaughter’s version. It’s like seeing the story from our modern-day perspective. Alyce doesn’t really believe the stories her grandma told her… until one day, she ends up experiencing it all for herself.
That’s why the book is titled Alyce: Return to Wonderland. The one returning isn’t Alice, but Alyce with a Y.
In Wonderland, everyone keeps misunderstanding why she says “Alyce with a why.” They questioning if it has why, there should be what, where and when 😂 What she means is her name is spelled with a Y, not an I. But it’s pronounced just like her grandma’s.
Follow Alyce’s journey through Wonderland. No spoilers here, but trust me, this adventure is completely different from the original Alice tale. And it all begins with a misdelivered invitation…
June 22, 2025
Whimsical and true to the original.
Wonderful characters (old and new).
Adorably daft rhymes.
Chapter 14 is absolutely beautiful. 🦊
A gorgeous ending too. ☀️
And, of course, the best illustrations possible. They are so cute and quirky. 🥰
A physical copy is a must as it would be a wonderful keepsake. And a story you’ll love and cherish forever. 😍
I honestly don’t think I need to say anymore.
Wonderful characters (old and new).
Adorably daft rhymes.
Chapter 14 is absolutely beautiful. 🦊
A gorgeous ending too. ☀️
And, of course, the best illustrations possible. They are so cute and quirky. 🥰
A physical copy is a must as it would be a wonderful keepsake. And a story you’ll love and cherish forever. 😍
I honestly don’t think I need to say anymore.
May 29, 2025
4.5
Wonderland has reopened and awaits its Alyce.
A real new adventure full of logic, illogic, friendships, wordplay opponents and a lot of strange creatures! And above all the magic we are used to from Alice in Wonderland. And there may or may not be a moral to the story.
All in all, a great retelling about Alice's granddaughter and entirely in the style we are used to from Wonderland. Especially thanks to the playful writing style. While the original story doesn't really have a plot, this one does. And in this journey, you find yourself in numerous corners of the land where no story has ever been told.
I read this book without the accompanying illustrations! However, I want to re-read this to discover the full story with all the pictures.
This was an ARC ebook thanks to Netgalley.
Wonderland has reopened and awaits its Alyce.
A real new adventure full of logic, illogic, friendships, wordplay opponents and a lot of strange creatures! And above all the magic we are used to from Alice in Wonderland. And there may or may not be a moral to the story.
All in all, a great retelling about Alice's granddaughter and entirely in the style we are used to from Wonderland. Especially thanks to the playful writing style. While the original story doesn't really have a plot, this one does. And in this journey, you find yourself in numerous corners of the land where no story has ever been told.
I read this book without the accompanying illustrations! However, I want to re-read this to discover the full story with all the pictures.
This was an ARC ebook thanks to Netgalley.
July 16, 2025
This is enchanting. If you love Alice in Wonderland you should read this book. It centers around Alyce, who is the granddaughter of the original Alice. She finds herself in wonderland and runs into many of the same characters and some new ones as well. This is a children’s/middle grade book but I loved it too. The writing style is very similar to the original Alice in Wonderland. Alice even makes an appearance in this book. I picked up a copy from the UK as this will not be published in the US until Jan 2026.
March 13, 2025
A beautifully whimsical story which sees Alyce, the granddaughter of Alice, stumble upon Wonderland and it’s residents in a state of turmoil amidst a constant tug of war between night and day, and it falls to her to track down the root of the problem and get things back to how they should be! Funny, magical, and a gorgeous follow up to the original books, I am very much looking forward to seeing the finished copy in all its glory and I will definitely be getting a copy! Highly recommended for a fabulous slice of childhood escapism!
July 24, 2025
This book is beautiful to look at and written beautifully with wonderful illustrations but just like the original Alice books I very much did not enjoy the nonsense parts. I love Anna's books and she gets the Carroll writing style perfect but it just was not for me.
August 5, 2025
this was so charming. i am a sucker for absolutely anything based in wonderland and i'm so glad i decided to read this. i remember reading some of anna james' pages & co series as a kid, and i absolutely loved them, so i'm unsurprised by the fact i loved this too.
i loved the concept, and i especially liked the alice and alyce scenes because they felt perfectly wonderland. i think the book was written with the perfect amount of wonderland peculiarities that the original has, which is definitely not easy to get right without it seeming too forced.
i loved the concept, and i especially liked the alice and alyce scenes because they felt perfectly wonderland. i think the book was written with the perfect amount of wonderland peculiarities that the original has, which is definitely not easy to get right without it seeming too forced.
March 30, 2025
3.5
Alice With a Why is an upcoming middle-grade novel by Anna James. As a fan of her Bookwanderers series, I was eager to read this new adventure. The story follows Alyce, who lives with her grandmother, the original Alice, until a mysterious invitation from the Mad Hatter and his friends arrives. Though meant for Alice, it is Alyce who ends up in Wonderland, only to find the whimsical world in trouble once again.
This is a short middle-grade book, almost novella-length. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the characters and the story. A significant factor may have been that my advanced reader copy lacked the illustrations, which are meant to enhance the experience. Despite this, I would love to revisit the finished version with the artwork included. One (un)expected outcome of reading this book was that it inspired me to finally pick up Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, a classic I had never read before.
Alice With a Why is an upcoming middle-grade novel by Anna James. As a fan of her Bookwanderers series, I was eager to read this new adventure. The story follows Alyce, who lives with her grandmother, the original Alice, until a mysterious invitation from the Mad Hatter and his friends arrives. Though meant for Alice, it is Alyce who ends up in Wonderland, only to find the whimsical world in trouble once again.
This is a short middle-grade book, almost novella-length. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the characters and the story. A significant factor may have been that my advanced reader copy lacked the illustrations, which are meant to enhance the experience. Despite this, I would love to revisit the finished version with the artwork included. One (un)expected outcome of reading this book was that it inspired me to finally pick up Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, a classic I had never read before.
May 29, 2025
When I discovered this book I knew I had to have it. I collect Alice in Wonderland books and I also collect all possible retellings. Considering the author and how amazing her Bookwanderer books were I had high expectations. I was even more excited when I discovered this book on Netgalley. Luckily Harper Collins granted me a copy and I could start reading.
This was everything I had hoped it would be and maybe even a little bit more. It's not easy to write a sequel to the original Alice in Wonderland story. That's partly because the writing of the original book is insanely creative and the logic completely bonkers. This book comes insanely close! I've been laughing out loud so often and everything that happened was so logical and illogical at once!
I also loved the plot of this book. I know, the original Alice in Wonderland story doesn't really have much of a plot. This one does and it works. It allows Alyce to travel through Wonderland, to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and to make her own friends and enemies. And it allows us to revisit this amazing world while also discovering new parts of it.
I also can't wait to get my physical copy. This digital arc didn't include the artwork yet and I can't wait to see some of those new characters and settings come to life! I hope that, partly because of this book, a lot of new readers will discover the amazing world of Wonderland and I hope that those who read this book first, will get curious enough to also pick up the original!
This was everything I had hoped it would be and maybe even a little bit more. It's not easy to write a sequel to the original Alice in Wonderland story. That's partly because the writing of the original book is insanely creative and the logic completely bonkers. This book comes insanely close! I've been laughing out loud so often and everything that happened was so logical and illogical at once!
I also loved the plot of this book. I know, the original Alice in Wonderland story doesn't really have much of a plot. This one does and it works. It allows Alyce to travel through Wonderland, to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and to make her own friends and enemies. And it allows us to revisit this amazing world while also discovering new parts of it.
I also can't wait to get my physical copy. This digital arc didn't include the artwork yet and I can't wait to see some of those new characters and settings come to life! I hope that, partly because of this book, a lot of new readers will discover the amazing world of Wonderland and I hope that those who read this book first, will get curious enough to also pick up the original!
January 24, 2025
There is no other writer that captures the magic of Children’s Literature quite like Anna James.
Over the many years many an author have tried to capture the wonder of Alice or the whimsy of Lewis Carroll, a vast majority have fallen short, except for Anna James.
Alice With A Why Will provide the magic of reading aloud at bedtime, each chapter is a love letter to Children’s Literature and, of course, brings Alice once again to life.
I will often as a bookseller pointed out what books I think will stand the test of time, I now know more than ever that Alice With A Why shall be one of those, shared most fondly between family members. As I know at nearly twenty-eight years of age, I shall be sharing and remembering this story of each Alice with my nearly eighty-one year old grandmother for years to come.
Thank you Anna for another beautiful book.
Over the many years many an author have tried to capture the wonder of Alice or the whimsy of Lewis Carroll, a vast majority have fallen short, except for Anna James.
Alice With A Why Will provide the magic of reading aloud at bedtime, each chapter is a love letter to Children’s Literature and, of course, brings Alice once again to life.
I will often as a bookseller pointed out what books I think will stand the test of time, I now know more than ever that Alice With A Why shall be one of those, shared most fondly between family members. As I know at nearly twenty-eight years of age, I shall be sharing and remembering this story of each Alice with my nearly eighty-one year old grandmother for years to come.
Thank you Anna for another beautiful book.
May 27, 2025
Alice with a Why by Anna James is a delightful and imaginative reimagining of a timeless classic. Set in the aftermath of World War I, the story introduces us to Alyce—a curious and resilient twelve-year-old whose life is steeped in grief and longing. When she stumbles into the fabled Wonderland, once visited by her grandmother (the original Alice), the adventure truly begins.
Anna James skillfully blends the surreal charm of Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland with a new emotional depth. The world is familiar yet refreshed, filled with lyrical riddles, quirky characters, and beautifully bizarre moments that echo the original but offer a unique voice of their own. The tension between the Sun King and Queen of the Moon adds a compelling narrative layer, giving Alyce’s quest a real sense of purpose.
What truly stands out is the book's exploration of grief, healing, and legacy. Alyce's emotional journey feels authentic and well-paced, and young readers will find her courage relatable. The prose is poetic without being overly dense, and the illustrations by Matthew Land bring the story to vibrant life.
The only slight drawback is that at times the whimsical language and abstract plot points may be a bit hard to follow, especially for younger readers unfamiliar with the original Wonderland tales. However, that minor issue doesn’t detract much from the overall charm and impact of the novel.
In all, Alice with a Why is a worthy companion to its inspiration—both nostalgic and new. It's a magical read for those ready to explore Wonderland through fresh eyes.
Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.
Anna James skillfully blends the surreal charm of Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland with a new emotional depth. The world is familiar yet refreshed, filled with lyrical riddles, quirky characters, and beautifully bizarre moments that echo the original but offer a unique voice of their own. The tension between the Sun King and Queen of the Moon adds a compelling narrative layer, giving Alyce’s quest a real sense of purpose.
What truly stands out is the book's exploration of grief, healing, and legacy. Alyce's emotional journey feels authentic and well-paced, and young readers will find her courage relatable. The prose is poetic without being overly dense, and the illustrations by Matthew Land bring the story to vibrant life.
The only slight drawback is that at times the whimsical language and abstract plot points may be a bit hard to follow, especially for younger readers unfamiliar with the original Wonderland tales. However, that minor issue doesn’t detract much from the overall charm and impact of the novel.
In all, Alice with a Why is a worthy companion to its inspiration—both nostalgic and new. It's a magical read for those ready to explore Wonderland through fresh eyes.
Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.
June 26, 2025
Alice with a Why is a richly explored middle grade novel that brings you back to the adventures and magic. This is a reimagining of the classic "Alice's adventures in Wonderland" but with a twist.
Alyce with a Y lives with her grandmother who happens to be the original Alice who had adventures in the Wonderland. When an invitation dramatically lands in her possession for tea party, Alyce finds herself in a Wonderland that's completely different from the stories she has heard from her grandmother.
There's a mission for Alyce. The Sun king and the Moon Queen are at war with each other over a stolen hour. It becomes quite important to solve this mystery because if is not, there will be chaos unleashed.
Can Alyce get to the bottom of all this with the help of the sailor fox, Hatter and Cheshire Cat?
This was such an incredible book with fast-paced narration that kept me glued to its pages. The adventures Alyce had were amazing and I found myself immersed in them profoundly. The author writing style and creativity definitely gives you that charming, nostalgic experience of reading Wonderland stories where everyday is magic and filled with surprises. I love the twists and turns that were dexterously placed, it was genius!
I cannot wait to read the second book in the series.
Alyce with a Y lives with her grandmother who happens to be the original Alice who had adventures in the Wonderland. When an invitation dramatically lands in her possession for tea party, Alyce finds herself in a Wonderland that's completely different from the stories she has heard from her grandmother.
There's a mission for Alyce. The Sun king and the Moon Queen are at war with each other over a stolen hour. It becomes quite important to solve this mystery because if is not, there will be chaos unleashed.
Can Alyce get to the bottom of all this with the help of the sailor fox, Hatter and Cheshire Cat?
This was such an incredible book with fast-paced narration that kept me glued to its pages. The adventures Alyce had were amazing and I found myself immersed in them profoundly. The author writing style and creativity definitely gives you that charming, nostalgic experience of reading Wonderland stories where everyday is magic and filled with surprises. I love the twists and turns that were dexterously placed, it was genius!
I cannot wait to read the second book in the series.
April 19, 2025
This review is solely on the writting as sadly the illustrations were not included in the eARC. And I do think this illustrations would enhance the read more, given the placement mentions, and indications. So will have to wait and see the finished book for the illustrations.
The two Alice's (Alice and Alyce) is a interesting way to revisit Wonderland, we had the typical twist and play on words, the nonsense with then later makes sense. It was like reading Alice in Wonderland but this time on a different adventure.
So Alyce recieves an invitation that was ment for her grandmother Alice who originally ventured to Wonderland. Anna James takes elements and characters from the original and adds new challenges, troubles and adventure and we get to see some out but also meet some new characters
The two Alice's (Alice and Alyce) is a interesting way to revisit Wonderland, we had the typical twist and play on words, the nonsense with then later makes sense. It was like reading Alice in Wonderland but this time on a different adventure.
So Alyce recieves an invitation that was ment for her grandmother Alice who originally ventured to Wonderland. Anna James takes elements and characters from the original and adds new challenges, troubles and adventure and we get to see some out but also meet some new characters
July 5, 2025
Alice in wonderland has always been one of my favourites and this book brilliantly honours the original.
I honestly couldn’t stop smiling whilst turning each page. Back in Wonderland we follow Alyce, the original Alice’s granddaughter, as she meets some well known characters and some delightful new ones.
It has the same tone and whimsy as the original, full of joy and riddles. It felt like sitting down with an old friend. I only wish it had been longer. A must read for an Alice in Wonderland fan
I honestly couldn’t stop smiling whilst turning each page. Back in Wonderland we follow Alyce, the original Alice’s granddaughter, as she meets some well known characters and some delightful new ones.
It has the same tone and whimsy as the original, full of joy and riddles. It felt like sitting down with an old friend. I only wish it had been longer. A must read for an Alice in Wonderland fan
June 18, 2025
This was a great take on the Alice in Wonderland story, where the book follows Alyce, the granddaughter of The Alice, on her unexpected adventures in Wonderland.
This was a fun read and I actually enjoyed it more than the original story. I liked how Alyce got dragged into a war between day and night and how she interacted with the various characters from the original.
A lovely middle grade read.
This was a fun read and I actually enjoyed it more than the original story. I liked how Alyce got dragged into a war between day and night and how she interacted with the various characters from the original.
A lovely middle grade read.
July 15, 2025
If anyone tells me that Alice with a Why is the sequel to Alice in Wonderland, I would have trusted them in a heartbeat. That is how truly wonderful this book is, a fitting read for an Alice in Wonderland lover like I am!
The story takes place two generations after Alice went to wonderland. Alyce, Alice’s granddaughter, had always thought her grandmother to be telling her weird stories as she grew up. When she was made to stay with her grandmother after her father’s death, Alyce did not really know how to converse with her grandmother. An invitation to a tea party slapped into her face (quite literally) and before she knew it, she fell with a splash into Wonderland, off to an adventure that she did not quite understand the purpose of.
I had a lovely time nibbling this book in pieces. It was adorable, funny, and so characteristically whimsical like the original Alice book 💗 Readers are reunited with well-known characters like Mad Hatter, Hare, Dormouse, the Caterpillar and more, and there were newly introduced ‘fun’ characters as well! My favourite among them is the Fox, who stayed with Alyce throughout her mind-boggling experience with all these mad creatures—he’s truly the best boi, the loveliest friend 💕
Just as much as I loved Alice, I love this Alyce girl too. She has much courage and brilliance in her, and I like the way she tried her best to be patient and fair to others. I would have just sat on the ground bawling if I was her, or probably become a queen of hearts myself (off with someone’s head ♦️) with all the fuss and stress from these Wonderlanders. But Alyce did her best, and the ending was quite bittersweet in my opinion, but it was a wonderful closure still.
I will be telling my grandchildren and their grandchildren that this is the continuation to Alice in Wonderland ᡣ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶𐭩 ♡
Thank you so much Times Reads for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.
The story takes place two generations after Alice went to wonderland. Alyce, Alice’s granddaughter, had always thought her grandmother to be telling her weird stories as she grew up. When she was made to stay with her grandmother after her father’s death, Alyce did not really know how to converse with her grandmother. An invitation to a tea party slapped into her face (quite literally) and before she knew it, she fell with a splash into Wonderland, off to an adventure that she did not quite understand the purpose of.
I had a lovely time nibbling this book in pieces. It was adorable, funny, and so characteristically whimsical like the original Alice book 💗 Readers are reunited with well-known characters like Mad Hatter, Hare, Dormouse, the Caterpillar and more, and there were newly introduced ‘fun’ characters as well! My favourite among them is the Fox, who stayed with Alyce throughout her mind-boggling experience with all these mad creatures—he’s truly the best boi, the loveliest friend 💕
Just as much as I loved Alice, I love this Alyce girl too. She has much courage and brilliance in her, and I like the way she tried her best to be patient and fair to others. I would have just sat on the ground bawling if I was her, or probably become a queen of hearts myself (off with someone’s head ♦️) with all the fuss and stress from these Wonderlanders. But Alyce did her best, and the ending was quite bittersweet in my opinion, but it was a wonderful closure still.
I will be telling my grandchildren and their grandchildren that this is the continuation to Alice in Wonderland ᡣ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶𐭩 ♡
Thank you so much Times Reads for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 23, 2025
Alice With a Why: Return to Wonderland by Anna James is a superb retelling of Alice in Wonderland. This time it is the original Alice's granddaughter who mistakes an invitation to a tea party meant for her grandmother and winds up with her own adventures in Wonderland. I love that we meet many of the original characters as well as new ones. A great tribute to Lewis Carroll.
July 22, 2025
Alice With a Why is a worthy continuation of Carroll's Alice books, with a new conundrum and the reappearance of some of the original characters and some new ones - notably the Fox -, with excellent turns of phrases, especially for the Time Being, so definitely a must-read for all Alice fans
July 26, 2025
I was so ready to be salty about this, and by jove she went and did it.
This is fabulous, wacky, wonderful and curious. Alice with a Why is a treat for readers of any age - especially grown up readers who love Alice.
The storytelling is fresh, yet holds the same spirit as Carroll. I have no other way of explaining it.
This is fabulous, wacky, wonderful and curious. Alice with a Why is a treat for readers of any age - especially grown up readers who love Alice.
The storytelling is fresh, yet holds the same spirit as Carroll. I have no other way of explaining it.
June 4, 2025
Loved the writing, the characters, the wordplay. Anna James is phenomenal. Unfortunately this book didn’t hit it for me as I really wanted Alyce to have more of an adventure. It was nonetheless very beautiful and wholesome!!
June 9, 2025
3 stars for me (as the non target audience for this book)
However ...
5 stars for the craft and how it would be received by the intended target audience of this book.
However ...
5 stars for the craft and how it would be received by the intended target audience of this book.
August 3, 2025
a must read for fans of Alice in Wonderland - I adore Anna James' writing
August 8, 2025
Very whimsical. Captured the vibe of the original quite nicely, except for the nonsense bit.
The original was insanely nonsensical. This one, not so much. The Duchess would be pleased though.
The original was insanely nonsensical. This one, not so much. The Duchess would be pleased though.
June 23, 2025
I should have paid more attention when requesting this as I entirely missed the fact it was a middle grade children's book. That said it was a good revisit/continuation of the well known and beloved story of Wonderland with a new Alyce taking over as the main character and new inhabitants to interact with. There is the same confusing riddle/play on words communication present from the classic story but with new locals and lore. I really liked the story of where stars came from. A good book for younger readers who enjoyed the CS Lewis original story. The main problem with reading this as an ARC is that the illustrations were missing but highlighted as to where they were due to go - I can only imagine they add another layer to the story.
June 10, 2025
I love Alice in Wonderland, so when I saw this a few months ago, I pre-ordered it without thinking too much about it. But here's the thing - my love of Alice really grew as an adult, rather than me devouring the books as a child. I remember having the two books as a child, in beautiful hardback editions, with colour plates as well as the traditional illustrations, but I think I grew to appreciate them more as I grew. The books are quite surreal, absurd, and there is a lot of word play which can get lost on younger readers. So, although they are children's books, I can understand when children are a little bemused by them. And I think this may be the case with "Alice With a Why."
This story sees Alyce - the granddaughter to our original Alice - discover the strange land that her grandmother told her stories about, but she thought were made up. We see familiar characters from the original tale, along with new additions.
The book is beautifully created. My edition had sprayed edges. There are also illustrations. And the cover is gorgeous. James has stayed quite true to the original Alice stories, and this is no bad thing. Having said that, I think for some children this may turn out to be a bit of a barrier for them. I hope that there will be enough who either love the Alice stories, and so come to this, or who are fans of James, and come to this that way.
Personally, for me, there was just something missing which I couldn't quite put my finger on. Perhaps I was reading it whilst trying to judge it from my younger perspective (whether that is fair of me, or not). So although this will go on my Alice shelf, it isn't one that I will be coming back to.
This story sees Alyce - the granddaughter to our original Alice - discover the strange land that her grandmother told her stories about, but she thought were made up. We see familiar characters from the original tale, along with new additions.
The book is beautifully created. My edition had sprayed edges. There are also illustrations. And the cover is gorgeous. James has stayed quite true to the original Alice stories, and this is no bad thing. Having said that, I think for some children this may turn out to be a bit of a barrier for them. I hope that there will be enough who either love the Alice stories, and so come to this, or who are fans of James, and come to this that way.
Personally, for me, there was just something missing which I couldn't quite put my finger on. Perhaps I was reading it whilst trying to judge it from my younger perspective (whether that is fair of me, or not). So although this will go on my Alice shelf, it isn't one that I will be coming back to.
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