Book Review: Alice in Verse by J.T. Holden, Illus. by Andrew Johnson

Title: Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland
Author: J.T. Holden
Illustrator: Andrew Johnson
Reading Level: Young Adult - Good for all ages
Publisher: Candleshoe Books
Hardcover, 83 pages
Date Published: February 11, 2011

Description (Taken from Goodreads): 
Who really stole the Queen's tarts? Whatever did become of the Walrus & the Carpenter after their nefarious jot down the briny beach with the little Oysters? Is there truly any sense to be found in nonsense at all?

Come follow Alice down the rabbit-hole once again as Lewis Carroll's timeless classic is reimagined through the lyrical language of Wonderland...where a Caterpillar dispenses an indelible lesson, a Cat offers safe haven and (fairly) sound advice, and a Hatter and Hare throw a mad tea party before matching wits at the trial of the century!

Alice in Verse is a whimsical, slightly dark look into Lewis Carroll’s classic world that perfectly captures the wonderment of Wonderland. Fans of the original will be thrilled by author J.T. Holden’s expansion of some of their favorite happenings in Wonderland, while new readers will thoroughly enjoy the clever rhyming storytelling.

Those who have never read the Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass may be a little confused at first about what exactly is going on, but it’s easy to get sucked into the story and fall into its pages. Holden’s verse is pitch-perfect and meant to be read aloud. The Cheshire cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Hare have some of the best moments in this book filled with great moments.

The illustrations work magic in giving readers a new visual for a world we’ve become so accustomed too. Seeing the Cheshire cat as more of a mischievous Siamese just fits.

Alice in Verse is a short, quick read, but well worth it. The book is a keeper for sure and something to be shared. Do not miss it.

Opening line: 

How doth the morning sunlight breach

The shade beneath the thickets,

Along the bank, across the reach,

To sill the song of crickets. ~ pg. 1

Favorite lines/passages:

If you really must go, then it’s best you should know
That to find you need only to seek –
But in seeking and finding, you may need reminding:
Once found, is what’s sought worth a peek? ~ pg. 22

‘If a story is sad at the end, is it bad
To conclude with a happy beginning?
If apart from the start, it will tug at the heart,
Should one start at the part that’s most winning?’ ~ pg. 26

*This review is my honest opinion and I received no monetary compensation from it.

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