Review Detail

Alice in a Winter Wonderland by Jan Brett is a delightful reimagining of my favorite book and movie, Alice in Wonderland.

In this version, Alice finds herself in a sparkling Alaskan tundra where she spots a white rabbit checking his pocket watch before hopping down a crevasse. Curious as ever, she follows him down the rabbit hole, but quickly discovers she is too big to fit. After drinking a mysterious potion, she shrinks and encounters a caterpillar before meeting the whimsical Mad Hatter. Soon, Alice stumbles upon the Queen of Hearts, who has transformed into a humorous owl, and must play the strangest game with the deck of animals, each wearing a playing card. The twists and surprises along the way kept me smiling, especially seeing the owl declare "off with your head" in a funny, unexpected way.

I read this book to a few children after we finished the original Alice in Wonderland story and they absolutely loved the wintery twist. The illustrations are breathtaking, filled with intricate details that bring the Alaskan animals to life while keeping the spirit of the classic tale. The story perfectly balances adventure and imagination, and it stands out as its own unique version while honoring the original.

I would recommend this book to children aged four and older, especially those who enjoy animal characters and whimsical adventures. It is perfect for reading aloud while snuggled up with a blanket and a warm cup of hot chocolate. This version of Alice’s adventure is sure to enchant readers both young and old.