For the young reader who loves classic fairy tales but wonders if there's more to the story, this book offers a captivating, interactive reimagining of a familiar princess.
A parent might reach for this book when their imaginative child feels misunderstood or is struggling to adapt to a new, more rigid environment. Presented as the 'true' scrapbook of Princess Alyss (the 'real' Alice in Wonderland), this book follows a young royal who flees a violent coup in her magical kingdom only to be stranded in Victorian London. It powerfully explores loneliness, grief, and the struggle to hold onto one's identity when everyone else says you are wrong. For kids who love fairy tales but are ready for more complexity, this interactive book validates imagination as a source of resilience and strength, making it a great choice for a child navigating a big move or feeling like an outsider.
The main villain and her top assassin, a humanoid cat, are menacing and may be frightening.
Sad ThemesIntense
The story deals directly with themes of grief, trauma, loneliness, and being a refugee.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the violent death of parents and the trauma of being a refugee. The approach is fantastical, but the emotional core of grief, loss, and PTSD is presented directly. The resolution is hopeful, serving as a prequel and setup for the main novel series, where Alyss begins her journey to reclaim her identity and her throne.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is an 8 to 11 year old who has outgrown simpler fairy tales and craves a more complex, darker fantasy. It is perfect for a highly imaginative child who sometimes feels that their inner world is not valued or understood by peers or adults. It would also resonate with a child coping with a major life upheaval that makes them feel like a stranger in their own life.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the opening scenes depicting Aunt Redd's attack. The violence is not graphic, but the murder of Alyss's parents is a central, traumatic event. It's also helpful to explain the scrapbook format, as it is not a traditional linear narrative, which could confuse some readers initially. It is best read with the understanding that it is part of a larger story. A parent hears their child say, "Nobody gets me," or sees their creative, vibrant child becoming withdrawn after starting a new school or moving to a new town. The child might be accused of 'daydreaming' too much and is struggling with pressure to conform.
Age Experience
A younger reader (7-8) will be fascinated by the interactive scrapbook elements, the beautiful illustrations, and the core 'lost princess' story. An older reader (9-11) will better appreciate the darker themes, the psychological depth of Alyss's trauma, the social commentary on Victorian conformity versus Wonderland's creativity, and the intricate world-building.
What Makes It Special
Its scrapbook format is wholly unique, using letters, maps, and 'artifacts' to create an immersive, tactile reading experience that makes the fantasy feel historical and real. By re-framing a beloved classic as a 'true story,' it uniquely appeals to a child's sense of wonder and their desire to believe that magic is real.
Read plot summary
This book is presented as a scrapbook and companion to 'The Looking-Glass Wars' series, detailing the 'true' story of Alice in Wonderland. Princess Alyss Heart, heir to the throne of Wonderland, is forced to flee through the Pool of Tears during a violent coup led by her evil Aunt Redd, who murders her parents. She lands in Victorian London, where her stories of her home are dismissed as fantasy. Alone and traumatized, she is adopted and forced to suppress her powerful imagination to survive, until a royal guard from her past finds her and calls on her to return and fight for her kingdom.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In Wonderland, Alyss's imagination is a source of power. In London, it is a source of trouble. Why do you think the same quality was treated so differently in two places?
2
The book is designed like a scrapbook. How did seeing Alyss's drawings, journal entries, and letters change the way you experienced her story, compared to a regular novel?
3
Alyss is told over and over that her memories are not real. How does she manage to hold on to the truth of who she is? Have you ever had to believe in yourself when someone else doubted you?
4
When Hatter Madigan finds Alyss, she has to choose between her familiar life in London and a dangerous return to Wonderland. What factors do you think made her decision so difficult?
