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The sequel is usually never as good as the original. Unfortunately that is the case of Alice Through the Looking-Glass and What She Found There, the follow up to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and one of my daughter’s favorite books. That is not to say that Through the Looking Glass isn’t a good book, it just does not reach the same level as the original. Through the Looking-Glass published in 1871 (six years after Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) and deals with Alice’s journey to another fantasy world (it is unclear if it is the same as the first Wonderland). Unlike the first time where Alice entered Wonderland by following the White Rabbit down a hole, this time she enters the magical world through a mirror (hence the title). Below is my review of what I think is the best illustrated edition of Alice Through the Looking-Glass available today.
The Palazzo / Welbeck Edition of Alice Through the Looking-Glass
As always, knowing my audience, I wanted an edition with a ton of colorful illustrations to keep my daughter’s attention. Since I already owned the Sterling edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland which was illustrated by Robert Ingpen, for the sake of continuity I ended up with this edition also illustrated by Robert Ingpen and published at the time by Palazzo Editions Ltd and now offered by Welbeck Editions. While I have not personally read the Welbeck Edition, I believe it is more or less the same based on the images I have seen online.
Like the Sterling edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the Palazzo edition is unabridged (which I prefer). And again, similar to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, as many of the twelve chapters are self-contained adventures; it is possible to skip a chapter or two if the story isn’t holding your child’s attention. However, as the whole book revolves around a chess game, to get the full picture you technically need to read the book in its entirety (assuming you can follow the chess moves).
“What is the use of a book . . . without pictures?”
Again, like the the Sterling edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, one of the greatest strengths of this book is almost every page has an illustration. In fact, only five spreads in the 191 page book do not contain some sort of illustration. While, this is not bad for such a long book, it is four more text-only spreads than the Sterling edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Unfortunately the Palazzo edition of Through the Looking Glass did not come with a book ribbon. I am not sure if the Welbeck Edition includes one.
Another factor I consider when buying children books is can I comfortably read the book at a distance so my daughter can follow along and look at the pictures. Again the Palazzo edition (really any children’s book illustrated by Robert Ingpen) is perfect for reading aloud. The text is large enough that it can be seen from a distance. The somewhat larger text also ensures there aren’t too many words on any given page, so you never have to wait too long for the next picture. This is especially important when trying to keep a toddler’s attention.
Comparison of Alice Through the Looking-Glass to the Movie Adaptations
Those of you familiar with the 1951 Disney animated movie Alice in Wonderland will recognize a few of the characters. The talking flowers, the Walrus and the Carpenter, Tweedledum and Tweedledee all make an appearance. The Mad Hatter and the March Hare are also present (or at least some version of them). However, most of the characters and stories from Disney’s film come from the the first book.
Please note, the 2010 and 2016 live action movies staring Johnny Depp are only loosely based on the books. While that movies have their strengths, following Carroll’s stories is not one of them.
In addition to the above mentioned movies, Disney Junior has a new show out called Alice’s Wonderland Bakery that young children may enjoy. If your child has already been exposed to this show, they may be more apt to sit through and enjoy the story. By way of example, my daughter saw Disney’s Mary Poppins before we read the book, and I found her more engaged when we got around to reading P. L. Travers’ classic novel.
Alice Through the Looking-Glass as a Read-Aloud Book
My major issue with Through the Looking Glass is that it is not as accessible as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The first book exceled at being simple enough for children to enjoy, yet still remaining interesting for adults. Through the Looking Glass, on the other hand, is a bit too complicated for a child. For example, it requires the audience to have a background in chess to fully appreciate it. Unfortunately most young children know little about chess. While even toddlers appreciate mad tea parties; even most adults do not understand chess. That’s not to say a young child still won’t enjoy the stories and poems. I just would make sure my audience already likes Alice.
Like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, one strength of Through the Looking Glass is the length of its chapters. When reading aloud (especially at bedtime) you’re often looking for a good place to stop. The chapters of Through the Looking Glass are short enough that that should never be a problem. In addition, due to the nature of the story, entire chapters can be left out if need. It is also worth noting for bedtime readers, there isn’t anything too scary in the book. However, some children might find some illustrations, such as Jabberwocky a bit intense.
When picking books to read to my daughter is does the book have cultural significance. Basically is it a book that she “should” read at some point in her life. While not as universal as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass still has a place in Western culture. For example, many English classes (including my senior year English class) still teach Jabberwocky. However, this book is best for older children, newborns, or those that already love Alice.
My Pick for the Best Illustrated Edition of Alice Through the Looking-Glass
Alice Through the Looking-Glass – Robert Ingpen Edition
This Robert Ingpen Edition is the version I read to my daughter. The drawings are amazing and there are plenty. It’s a perfect read-aloud edition.
Other Illustrated Editions of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to Consider
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Alice Through the Looking Glass – MinaLima Edition
This MinaLima Edition contains both of Lewis Carroll’s classic stories with interactive elements. Depending on the age of your child this could be a positive or a negative.
The Complete Alice – MacMillan Edition
This MacMillian Edition contains both Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Alice Through the Looking Glass. It includes the original illustrations from Sir John Tenniel that have been colorized. Although it has fewer illustrations than the Sterling Edition, they are the traditional drawings.
Alice Through the Looking-Glass – Helen Oxenbury Edition
This Helen Oxenbury Edition contains the unabridged version of Alice Through the Looking Glass. It is illustrated by Helen Oxenbury and has a brighter look then some of the other editions. There is also a Helen Oxenbury version of the first book, although it is harder to find.
As always, I’ll end with one of my favorite excerpts from the book.
Alice laughed. “There’s no use trying,” she said: “one can’t believe impossible things.”
“I daresay you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
