Book Thoughts: Alice in a Winter Wonderland (Brett)

• a retelling of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (by Lewis Carroll), set in Alaska
• details in illustrations are outstanding
• text can be a bit confusing (see below)

Type: oversized picture book
Ages: 4-8
Author: Jan Brett

More Thoughts on Alice in a Winter Wonderland

My family and I had the privilege of meeting Jan Brett a couple weeks after this book was released. She spoke about its contents, pointing out little things we never would have noticed, and even demonstrated her drawing techniques!

The artwork (which took her two years to complete) is outstanding. She craftily combines details from Carroll’s original story with Alaska-specific nature. All the animals in the book can be found in Alaska or might have been if they are extinct (such as the Great auk). For parents who know Carroll’s book, please note that the caterpillar is not smoking a hookah in Brett’s book–he’s playing an instrument! (Do you know why we see a double bass in some of her books? Hehe.)

Speaking of pictures, the handout given to children at the in-person event has a bit of misguided information. For biblical science, please allow me to point you to Answers in Genesis rather than Jan Brett. 🙂 This handout has drawings, labels and notes for the more unique animals seen in the book, which is super cool!

Unusual Animals in Jan Brett’s Alice in Winter Wonderland Book

• mock turtle
• snowy owl
• siberian husky
• wooly mammoth
• gryphon
• musk ox
• great auk
• horned puffin
• snow bunting
• dall’s sheep
• snowshoe hare
• wooly bear larva
• Canada jay
• saber-toothed cat
• collared pica

To expand on my text comment in the bullet points, I will say that the story is very confusing and nonsensical to begin with. Brett actually does a pretty good job turning it into a picture book length, but be aware of this fact. Go more slowly through it when reading aloud to your child. Take time to soak up each scene. It’s odd but has charm!

Below are a few of my favorite books by Jan Brett. (Any linked title will take you to its review.)

Berlioz the Bear (buy here)
Gingerbread Baby (buy here)
Goldilocks and the Three Bears (buy here)
Home for Christmas (buy here)
The Mitten (buy here)
Mossy (buy here)
The Snowy Nap (buy here)
The Twelve Days of Christmas (buy here)

Happy reading!