Alice in Wonderland is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. We’re used to books taking us to different worlds, but Lewis Carroll arguably created the ultimate magical land in Wonderland.
If you liked Alice in Wonderland (and, let’s face it, who doesn’t?) then take a look at our recommendations for the next book on your to-be-read pile…
The Roundhill by Dick King-Smith
Did you know Alice was based on a real family friend of Lewis Carroll’s, Alice Liddell? In this spooky short novel, a young boy named Evan meets a mysterious little girl who bears a strong resemblance to Alice, on the hill near his home. Why does she talk in such old-fashioned language? And how come she keeps disappearing?
The Complete Nonsense of Edward Lear
Some of the best parts of Alice in Wonderland are the zany, nonsensical poems, like The Walrus and The Carpenter and Jabberwocky. If you enjoy those poems as much as we do, you’ll love Edward Lear! Most famous for The Owl and the Pussycat, he is the true master of nonsense poetry. You’ll laugh until you cry!
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Wonderland has its scary parts, and in Coraline, Neil Gaiman creates a land which is dark, gloomy and downright scary. Coraline has just moved into her new house when she discovers a door that leads her to the Other World where she has a very sinister Other Mother who has buttons instead of eyes! Will she ever escape?
Tom’s Midnight Garden by Phillipa Pearce
Tom is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle in a house with no garden. Every night the clock strikes thirteen, and when Tom investigates, he finds himself in a beautiful garden with a little girl named Hatty. The garden isn’t there the rest of the time- so where is it? And who is Hatty? Is she a ghost - or is Tom? This beautiful, magical story has been a classic for fantasy lovers for over 60 years.
For teens:
I, Coriander by Sally Gardner
Coriander lives in London in the 17th century. Trying on a mysterious present of silver shoes eventually leads her to a topsy-turvy fairy land, where nothing is quite as it seems. This atmospheric read is perfect for YA fantasy fans, and its surreal land that somehow mirrors our own is reminiscent of Wonderland.
Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder
Philosophy is rife in Wonderland, and those who enjoy picking about the puzzles of logic in the books will love Sophie’s World. The perfect introduction to philosophy for teenagers, Sophie is led from Plato and Aristotle to Jean Paul Sartre by her teacher Alberto. Mind-boggling, frustrating and unputdownable.
The Story of Alice by Robert Douglas-Fairhurst
This non-fiction book is a new companion to all things Alice. Learn about the history behind the books - from Lewis Carroll’s friendship with Alice Liddell to the reviews that they received when they were first published.
Splintered by AG Howard
A YA retelling of the Alice story, Splintered is perfect for those who want to return to Wonderland. Alyssa hears voices of bugs and flowers, as did her mother, who was put in a mental hospital. She’s a direct descendant of Alice Liddell, and before long she finds herself entering a dark and frightening Wonderland. Best of all, it’s a series, so you’ll soon find yourself hooked!
