Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Illustrated by Arthur Rackham
#1 of 7 in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Series
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What’s inside...
Arthur Rackham's illustrations paint Alice's fantasy world in dark, ethereal tones in this enchanting edition of Lewis Carroll's beloved children's story. Tumbling down a rabbit hole, young Alice finds herself in an incredibly strange fantasy land full of curious characters. Lewis Carroll's 1865 children's book is one of the most well-known stories of all time. This edition of the beloved tale is accompanied by haunting illustrations from one of the greatest artists of the Golden Age of Illustration, Arthur Rackham. His portrayal of Wonderland is as disturbing as it is enchanting. A dark world painted in hues of brown, green, and grey, Rackham's illustrations give a beautiful and ethereal nature to the mysterious realm. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (commonly shortened to Alice in Wonderland) is an 1865 fantasy novel written by English mathematician Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. It tells of a girl named Alice falling through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar, anthropomorphic creatures. The tale plays with logic, giving the story lasting popularity with adults as well as with children. It is considered to be one of the best examples of the literary nonsense genre. Its narrative course and structure, characters and imagery have been enormously influential in both popular culture and literature, especially in the fantasy genre.
Discussion points
What do you think Alice felt when she fell down the rabbit hole? How would you feel in a similar situation?
Why do you think the characters in Wonderland act so differently from people in the real world?
If you could have a tea party like Alice, who would you invite and what would you talk about?
What do you think is the most interesting rule in Wonderland? How does it compare to our rules?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Alice’s decisions and adventures, drawing parallels to their own experiences.
Discuss the humorous and bizarre aspects of Wonderland, and explore your child's perspective on humor.
Use the vivid illustrations by Arthur Rackham as a visual aid to deepen the conversation about the setting and characters.
After reading a chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next and if they would do anything differently if they were Alice.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Alice's brave pursuit of the White Rabbit and her decision to explore Wonderland illustrates the importance of curiosity and exploring the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore new subjects and interests, ask questions, and engage with their surroundings to foster a love of learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, Alice's choices, such as eating certain foods or engaging in conversations, lead to various changes and challenges, teaching the consequences of one's actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that their choices have effects on themselves and others, promoting thoughtful decision-making in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Problem Solving
Explanation: Alice frequently finds herself in unpredictable situations that require quick thinking and adaptability, such as handling the rapid changes in her size.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adapting to new challenges and situations, enhancing their problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of difficulties.
Example Lesson: The Value of Patience
Explanation: Alice's interactions with various creatures, who often behave in confusing or frustrating ways, teach her the importance of patience and understanding.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be patient with others who may be different from them or when facing challenging circumstances, fostering empathy and tolerance.
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Acceptance
Explanation: The story portrays Alice's journey of self-discovery as she navigates Wonderland, sometimes questioning her identity and learning to accept herself.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to embrace their unique qualities and feel confident in who they are, which is crucial for their personal development and self-esteem.