Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: 100 years edition
#1 of 7 in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Series
What’s inside...
Journey with Alice down the rabbit hole into a whimsical world filled with peculiar characters and nonsensical rules in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. Encounter the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts in a land where eating mushrooms can alter your size, and playing croquet involves flamingos. Originally told to three little girls on a rowboat trip, this beloved children’s tale, complete with 42 original illustrations by Sir John Tenniel, has captured the hearts of both children and adults with its unique play on logic.
In 'Dracula', when Count Dracula travels from Transylvania on a Russian ship, crew members mysteriously vanish. As Dracula continues his rampage after docking, Abraham Van Helsing is called upon to stop him. Armed with crosses, garlic, and a wooden stake, Van Helsing's quest to hunt Dracula and newly turned vampires becomes a perilous journey, challenging everything he knows about evil and redemption.
Character compass
Alice
White Rabbit
Cheshire Cat
Queen Of Hearts
Discussion points
What do you think Alice felt when she first fell down the rabbit hole? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
Why do you think the Cheshire Cat keeps disappearing and reappearing? How would you feel if someone you were talking to kept doing that?
If you could have tea with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
What do you think about the Queen of Hearts and her rules? What rules would you make if you were the queen or king of your own wonderland?
How do you think the story would change if Alice decided to stay in Wonderland? Would you stay if you were Alice?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that spark imagination and personal reflection, helping children connect with the characters and setting.
Discuss the characters' decisions and actions, and ask your child what they would do differently, fostering critical thinking.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the story, enhancing their creative thinking skills.
Link themes from the book to real-life situations or feelings that your child can relate to, making the story more relevant and engaging for them.
Read together and use different voices for each character to make the reading experience more immersive and playful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Alice’s journey begins with her curious pursuit of the White Rabbit, leading her into Wonderland. This depicts the value of exploring the unknown and learning from new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and learn actively, promoting cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Identity
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Alice often ponders who she is, especially as she physically changes sizes. This highlights the theme of self-discovery and the importance of understanding one’s identity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to reflect on their own attributes and feelings, aiding in their emotional and self-concept development.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Alice's ability to adapt to unpredictable situations in Wonderland, such as joining a mad tea party or playing croquet with the Queen, shows the importance of flexibility and adapting to changing scenarios.
Real-World Application: Helps children learn to adjust in different situations, be it at school or in social settings, enhancing their ability to cope with changes and challenges.
Example Lesson: Questioning Authority
Explanation: Alice often challenges the nonsensical rules and the authority figures in Wonderland, showing critical thinking and the importance of questioning illogical or unfair practices.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think critically about rules and authority, and to speak up against unfairness, fostering a sense of justice and ethical reasoning.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite encountering bizarre and often frustrating characters, Alice persists in navigating through Wonderland, demonstrating resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to persist through difficulties, whether in solving a tough academic problem or dealing with social struggles, building their resilience and determination.