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Alice's Magic Garden: Before the Rabbit Hole . . .
Curiouser and curiouser!
In this imaginative prequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Alice finds herself at a gray, dreary boarding school that is decidedly up the rabbit hole. From the relentless clocks to the beastly students, Alice's world is void of color and cheer--until Alice finds a secret garden and begins tending its wilting inhabitants. When Alice's love touches an ordinary caterpillar, a lorry bird, and a white rabbit, magical things will happen--and that, as you know, is just the beginning of the story. Filled with literary allusions and clever nods to its classic roots, Alice's Magic Garden is a delightful prequel that begs an escape to the whimsy of Wonderland.
In this imaginative prequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Alice finds herself at a gray, dreary boarding school that is decidedly up the rabbit hole. From the relentless clocks to the beastly students, Alice's world is void of color and cheer--until Alice finds a secret garden and begins tending its wilting inhabitants. When Alice's love touches an ordinary caterpillar, a lorry bird, and a white rabbit, magical things will happen--and that, as you know, is just the beginning of the story. Filled with literary allusions and clever nods to its classic roots, Alice's Magic Garden is a delightful prequel that begs an escape to the whimsy of Wonderland.
- GenresPicture BooksFantasy
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Henry L. Herz
30 books138 followersHenry Herz wrote the traditionally published picture books: MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES (Pelican, 2015; Best Picture Book at SoCal SCBWI Editor’s Day), WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY (Pelican, 2016), MABEL AND THE QUEEN OF DREAMS (Schiffer, 2016; Finalist, Foreword Indies Best Picture Book), LITTLE RED CUTTLEFISH (Pelican, 2016), CAP’N REX & HIS CLEVER CREW (Sterling, 2017), GOOD EGG AND BAD APPLE (Schiffer, 2018), HOW THE SQUID GOT TWO LONG ARMS (Pelican, 2018), ALICE’S MAGIC GARDEN (Familius, 2018), 2 PIRATES + 1 ROBOT (Kane Miller, 2019), I AM SMOKE (Tilbury House, 2021, ALA Children's Notable Book), I AM GRAVITY (Tilbury House, 2024), I AM LIGHT (Tilbury House, 2026), and I AM WIND (Tilbury House, 2026)
Henry’s short stories for children and adults will/have appeared in Daily Science Fiction, Weird Tales, Pseudopod, Metastellar, Highlights for Children, Ladybug Magazine, and anthologies from Albert Whitman & Co., Blackstone Publishing, Brigid’s Gate Press, Air and Nothingness Press, Baen Books, Titan Books, and elsewhere. He has curated and edited eight anthologies.
Henry’s short stories for children and adults will/have appeared in Daily Science Fiction, Weird Tales, Pseudopod, Metastellar, Highlights for Children, Ladybug Magazine, and anthologies from Albert Whitman & Co., Blackstone Publishing, Brigid’s Gate Press, Air and Nothingness Press, Baen Books, Titan Books, and elsewhere. He has curated and edited eight anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 3, 2018
I love all things Alice, and Alice's Magic Garden is no exception. This story takes place before Alice goes down the rabbit hole. She's in a boring boarding school where nothing is happy or colorful. Everyone is mean. One day Alice discovers a magic garden where things aren't only more colorful inside the garden; they also make Alice's whole world more colorful and happier.
This is a book that all Alice in Wonderland fans need in their lives. I love the illustrations that accompany the story. They bring life to the book, and even the youngest of fans can follow along by looking at the pictures.
This is a book that all Alice in Wonderland fans need in their lives. I love the illustrations that accompany the story. They bring life to the book, and even the youngest of fans can follow along by looking at the pictures.
June 2, 2023
This was a delightfully written and illustrated book , that is the imagined retelling of Alice In Wonderland. This book has the most beautiful illustrations throughout, the contrast between the gray and then the colorfull is stunning! I really enjoyed the imagined prequel to Alice In Wonderland but I really would have loved a bit more of a magical element to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2018
What a lovely children's picture book with a slightly different take on how Alice came to her amazing experience in the garden. A sweet story of friendship, and how apt the bullies never become anything more than black-and-white caricatures of the "mean girls."
September 9, 2018
Points for cleverness in this picture book premise: a prequel to the traditional ALICE IN WONDERLAND adventures. Could serve to develop interest in the classic tale.
September 28, 2018
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
I love when I find a twist on a classic story that is new and fresh! Herz’s story about how Alice’s garden came to be is so unique and definitely different than I’d ever heard or read before. While it holds true to the magic and silliness of Carroll’s original, it also adds a nice lesson in the vein of kindness and happiness which will lead to some great discussions as well.
I’m also a huge fan of the illustrations. I loved how color was used to show the shift in Alice’s surroundings and the way the illustrator separated the real from the strange. Additionally, I truly loved the style of the artwork which, in my opinion, was a perfect style for the story: classic with a bit of whimsy.
I love when I find a twist on a classic story that is new and fresh! Herz’s story about how Alice’s garden came to be is so unique and definitely different than I’d ever heard or read before. While it holds true to the magic and silliness of Carroll’s original, it also adds a nice lesson in the vein of kindness and happiness which will lead to some great discussions as well.
I’m also a huge fan of the illustrations. I loved how color was used to show the shift in Alice’s surroundings and the way the illustrator separated the real from the strange. Additionally, I truly loved the style of the artwork which, in my opinion, was a perfect style for the story: classic with a bit of whimsy.
September 8, 2019
I'll preface this by saying that I'm not especially familiar with Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. And I saw the Disney movie a very long time ago. However, I am roughly familiar with the basics of the story and characters simply from literature exposure and pop culture, and I did read and love Marissa Mayer's Heartless, for what it's worth. It's possible that all of this may affect my perception of the book slightly. That said . . .
First, the illustrations were a delight. The contrast between the grey boarding school and the colorful garden was striking. I feel the art captured the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland well. I loved the story's message of kindness, friendship, and resilience. And I loved the concept of Alice finding solace in tending a garden (I have a lot of questions about the garden and how she planted flowers, though)—it reminded me of The Secret Garden, one of my favorite classic stories.
However, the story didn't always feel especially cohesive, and the prose didn't always read like a picture book to me. It sort of feels like the story had been longer and more fleshed out but that a lot was cut back without smoothing over the transitions. I didn't feel that the text and illustrations played off each other quite as seamlessly as many picture books I've read. Perhaps part of that was the page turns/breaks, which felt off—the physical scene/setting would sometimes shift on the same page or even in the same paragraph (for example, from the lunch room to the classroom), but I think the visual cue of the scene visually changing (the art and actual page) would have been helpful and might have improved the story's flow and cohesion as well as the interconnectedness of the art and text.
As for the prose, it's not that it wasn't nice, but it didn't seem fitting for a picture book—it felt more appropriate for an older audience than this type of picture book would normally serve. Each word in a picture book needs to feel especially purposeful and essential, not to mention meaningful, as each word carries a heavier load of story than in other book formats. I didn't feel that way about this book. The story and prose, in my view, would have felt more appropriate as more of a novel/storybook with illustrations interspersed—geared toward a slightly older reader—rather than as a highly visual picture book containing little text. (Of course, the story would need to be fleshed back out—if my hypothesis about cutting the story back is correct—for that to make sense, otherwise you'd have a booklet of only a few pages.) The vocabulary feels too elevated; if a parent were to read this to their young child, which is most often what's happening with picture books, I think a lot of words in the story would either confuse or bore a child. In general, I don't necessarily think children's literature needs to dumb down language for children. But some of the word choice did not seem age appropriate for a picture book.
Also, I didn't realize this story was imagined as a prequel to Alice in Wonderland until I came here to Goodreads to review the book. That may be related to my relative unfamiliarity with Alice in Wonderland, so I don't necessarily pass this as a judgment either way. But if this is intended as a prequel, I feel that the very end should have been a major "aha!" moment when the reader familiar with Alice in Wonderland would recognize that this story's end leads right us into Alice in Wonderland, even if not immediately.
Overall, a cute story idea with great illustrations. I did mostly enjoy reading it. Execution was so-so, unfortunately.
First, the illustrations were a delight. The contrast between the grey boarding school and the colorful garden was striking. I feel the art captured the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland well. I loved the story's message of kindness, friendship, and resilience. And I loved the concept of Alice finding solace in tending a garden (I have a lot of questions about the garden and how she planted flowers, though)—it reminded me of The Secret Garden, one of my favorite classic stories.
However, the story didn't always feel especially cohesive, and the prose didn't always read like a picture book to me. It sort of feels like the story had been longer and more fleshed out but that a lot was cut back without smoothing over the transitions. I didn't feel that the text and illustrations played off each other quite as seamlessly as many picture books I've read. Perhaps part of that was the page turns/breaks, which felt off—the physical scene/setting would sometimes shift on the same page or even in the same paragraph (for example, from the lunch room to the classroom), but I think the visual cue of the scene visually changing (the art and actual page) would have been helpful and might have improved the story's flow and cohesion as well as the interconnectedness of the art and text.
As for the prose, it's not that it wasn't nice, but it didn't seem fitting for a picture book—it felt more appropriate for an older audience than this type of picture book would normally serve. Each word in a picture book needs to feel especially purposeful and essential, not to mention meaningful, as each word carries a heavier load of story than in other book formats. I didn't feel that way about this book. The story and prose, in my view, would have felt more appropriate as more of a novel/storybook with illustrations interspersed—geared toward a slightly older reader—rather than as a highly visual picture book containing little text. (Of course, the story would need to be fleshed back out—if my hypothesis about cutting the story back is correct—for that to make sense, otherwise you'd have a booklet of only a few pages.) The vocabulary feels too elevated; if a parent were to read this to their young child, which is most often what's happening with picture books, I think a lot of words in the story would either confuse or bore a child. In general, I don't necessarily think children's literature needs to dumb down language for children. But some of the word choice did not seem age appropriate for a picture book.
Also, I didn't realize this story was imagined as a prequel to Alice in Wonderland until I came here to Goodreads to review the book. That may be related to my relative unfamiliarity with Alice in Wonderland, so I don't necessarily pass this as a judgment either way. But if this is intended as a prequel, I feel that the very end should have been a major "aha!" moment when the reader familiar with Alice in Wonderland would recognize that this story's end leads right us into Alice in Wonderland, even if not immediately.
Overall, a cute story idea with great illustrations. I did mostly enjoy reading it. Execution was so-so, unfortunately.
July 9, 2018
Alice's Magic Garden by Henry Herz introduces readers to Alice long before she ever went to Wonderland or Through the Looking Glass. Alice is miserable living in a stuffy, grey boarding house. The food is terrible and none of the girls like her.
One day, Alice finds a secret garden hidden on the grounds of the boarding house. She delights in tending to the garden every day. Little does she know that her small acts of kindness are about to change her life in big and colorful ways.
This book is a magically fun read, especially for those who are already in love with Lewis Carroll's cast of creative characters. I enjoyed getting to see Alice's character blossom, much like her enchanted garden. Once mild and meek, she emerges as a bold and confident young lady.
I also liked seeing the White Rabbit and Caterpillar take on a more serious and mindful role. Instead of being absent minded and silly, they are totally present in the moment and even show signs of being thoughtful and caring instead of cantankerous. To me, this gives the characters more depth as well as a more prominent purpose for being in the story.
Natalie Hoopes' illustrations are stunning. I love how the illustrations have a Wizard of Oz feel to them. Before Alice finds the garden, her world is black, white, and grey. After continuously tending the garden, only her world bursts into color. This is a great visualization of how her world is to change even further once she finds the Rabbit's hole.
I love Hoopes' artistic style. She puts so much detail into every page. Her color palate is remarkable. The cool blues coupled with the pink and purple pastels really pop against the lush greenery of the garden.
Readers of all ages will delight in this magical prequel. Children will especially be captivated by the gorgeous illustrations and hilarious characters. Parents will also enjoy hunting for literary Easter eggs from Carroll's original classic hidden throughout the book.
One day, Alice finds a secret garden hidden on the grounds of the boarding house. She delights in tending to the garden every day. Little does she know that her small acts of kindness are about to change her life in big and colorful ways.
This book is a magically fun read, especially for those who are already in love with Lewis Carroll's cast of creative characters. I enjoyed getting to see Alice's character blossom, much like her enchanted garden. Once mild and meek, she emerges as a bold and confident young lady.
I also liked seeing the White Rabbit and Caterpillar take on a more serious and mindful role. Instead of being absent minded and silly, they are totally present in the moment and even show signs of being thoughtful and caring instead of cantankerous. To me, this gives the characters more depth as well as a more prominent purpose for being in the story.
Natalie Hoopes' illustrations are stunning. I love how the illustrations have a Wizard of Oz feel to them. Before Alice finds the garden, her world is black, white, and grey. After continuously tending the garden, only her world bursts into color. This is a great visualization of how her world is to change even further once she finds the Rabbit's hole.
I love Hoopes' artistic style. She puts so much detail into every page. Her color palate is remarkable. The cool blues coupled with the pink and purple pastels really pop against the lush greenery of the garden.
Readers of all ages will delight in this magical prequel. Children will especially be captivated by the gorgeous illustrations and hilarious characters. Parents will also enjoy hunting for literary Easter eggs from Carroll's original classic hidden throughout the book.
July 24, 2018
A clever, imaginative prequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Alice's Magic Garden will inspire readers who haven't yet discovered Carroll's works, and give familiar readers a curious glimpse into the potential life of Alice, before the rabbit hole.
This could be a great addition to school units focusing on Carroll. The repetition of the idea that kindness is magical is a nice, relatable theme (especially in our current world) that will make the story accessible to younger children as well as older readers.
The illustrations of the school and bullies in gray tones are neatly juxtaposed with the colorful world of Alice. Stylistically, several pages employ a bookplate-looking box around the words. While this does add beauty and depth to the pages where it encompasses the text entirely, when it is used to highlight only partial sections of text it becomes more of a distraction.
Overall: 4.5 stars rounded to 5
Thank you to Familius for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book.
This could be a great addition to school units focusing on Carroll. The repetition of the idea that kindness is magical is a nice, relatable theme (especially in our current world) that will make the story accessible to younger children as well as older readers.
The illustrations of the school and bullies in gray tones are neatly juxtaposed with the colorful world of Alice. Stylistically, several pages employ a bookplate-looking box around the words. While this does add beauty and depth to the pages where it encompasses the text entirely, when it is used to highlight only partial sections of text it becomes more of a distraction.
Overall: 4.5 stars rounded to 5
Thank you to Familius for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book.
July 9, 2018
Author Henry Herz, illustrator Natalie Hoopes and publisher Familius have done an absolutely beautiful job with this heartwarming prequel to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The references to Carroll’s characters and other story elements will charm those who have enjoyed the original tale and encourage those who haven’t read it to do so.
“It is my hope,” says Henry Herz in his “Author’s Note” at the back of the book, “that readers … will feel a connection to Carroll’s tale.” To help that happen, he has provided a list of characters and other elements shared between Alice’s Magic Garden: Before the Rabbit Hole and her Adventures in Wonderland.
This book will be the perfect introduction to reading Carroll’s book to my granddaughters, something I’ve been meaning to do for a while now. Magic Garden creates a spirited personality and a backstory for Alice and a colorful world from which to begin her travels.
August 25, 2018
Before Alice ever fell down the rabbit hole she lived a colorless life at a boarding school where the other girls didn’t like her and made her life miserable. Then she discovered the magic garden, sparkling in all the glorious colors of the rainbow, and some secret benefactors that, through her acts of kindness, became her friends.
Author Henry Herz crafts a charming and magical tale of Alice in her younger years. Simply told, he shares through his character’s how kindness wins the day. And the warm, alluring illustrations of Natalie Hoopes will have you pausing to indulge in the delicate details.
If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Alice before, you’ll recognize some of the character’s in these pages. If you haven’t, you’ll delight in making their acquaintance.
Did I enjoy Alice’s Magic Garden? Yes, it bedazzled me. Would I recommend it? Most certainly!
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Author Henry Herz crafts a charming and magical tale of Alice in her younger years. Simply told, he shares through his character’s how kindness wins the day. And the warm, alluring illustrations of Natalie Hoopes will have you pausing to indulge in the delicate details.
If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Alice before, you’ll recognize some of the character’s in these pages. If you haven’t, you’ll delight in making their acquaintance.
Did I enjoy Alice’s Magic Garden? Yes, it bedazzled me. Would I recommend it? Most certainly!
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
July 12, 2018
I thought the story of Alice's Magic Garden:Before the Rabbit Hole...created intriguing concepts for the reader. The lovely garden's magic examples really helped Alice to solve her problems. The bright and telling illustrations truly added an element of soft and pure images. This was evident in my favorite page, where Alice is tending her embellished garden. The characters that became her unconditional friends not only transformed themselves but Alice, too. The one part that did not ring true is in the final page, final scene. It just doesn't match the rest of the plot.
I recommend this winning and endearing story to children and their parents and teachers. This book will be in libraries and librarians will love to read it aloud. It's a magically set story that readers can embrace, perhaps even more than the Alice in Wonderland story. I sincerely think so.
I recommend this winning and endearing story to children and their parents and teachers. This book will be in libraries and librarians will love to read it aloud. It's a magically set story that readers can embrace, perhaps even more than the Alice in Wonderland story. I sincerely think so.
November 25, 2018
Henry Herz's Alice's Magic Garden has a very sweet and warm message of kindness & friendship. It's a perfect prequel to Alice's Adventure in Wonderland. My favorite bit of the story is how the three friends, the rabbit, caterpillar & the griphon, stay with her until the very end.
"And indeed, her friends brought Alice to wonder for the rest of her days."
Natalie Hoopes really did a great job, as the every pages are just so pleasing in the eyes. I especially love the visual symbolism that goes with the story. It's where Alice was drawn in a gray dull tone at first, and slowly transforms to full colors.
I really recommend this book to young readers!
"And indeed, her friends brought Alice to wonder for the rest of her days."
Natalie Hoopes really did a great job, as the every pages are just so pleasing in the eyes. I especially love the visual symbolism that goes with the story. It's where Alice was drawn in a gray dull tone at first, and slowly transforms to full colors.
I really recommend this book to young readers!
July 9, 2018
A gentle, sweetly written introduction to Carroll's Alice and her Wonderland rich with whimsical references to the original that invite explanation and discussion while reading. Herz's words are a thoughtful meditation on the illuminating power of kindness and its returns, and Hoopes' vintage-inspired illustrations transport us from Alice's grey everyday reality to a colourful garden wonderland, letting us explore Carroll's classic in miniature. A gorgeous way to begin one's journey down the rabbit hole!
July 15, 2018
What a marvelous tale from our dear Alice of Wonderland fame! Alice's life before her adventures in Wonderland paint a sad picture, a dreary life among children who do not recognize her gifts or appreciate her gestures. But her inspiring nature of kindness leads to delightful surprises. The darling illustrations transport the reader into Alice's worlds, capturing her travails and her triumphs in rich color. The writing reminds us that a little kindness goes a long way. Every fan of Alice should own this book!
August 17, 2018
I was privileged to receive an ARC of this beautiful picture book. I'm a huge fan of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and it was actually my favorite childhood book.
This different take on Alice is wonderfully well done and deals with the serious issue of bullying and shows how kindness has some truly awesome rewards. The pictures are excellent and the transition between muted monochrome to the colors of Wonderland very well done.
An enthusiastic five star read that will enchant children and their parents equally.
This different take on Alice is wonderfully well done and deals with the serious issue of bullying and shows how kindness has some truly awesome rewards. The pictures are excellent and the transition between muted monochrome to the colors of Wonderland very well done.
An enthusiastic five star read that will enchant children and their parents equally.
July 28, 2018
Alice's Magic Garden by Henry Herz introduces readers to Alice long before she ever went to WONDERLAND. Alice IS LIVING a sad, a dreary life among sad, dreary children who do not recognize Alice's gifts or kindness. This book is not only a great way to discuss prequels, it is also a nice introduction to discussions on bullying. Natalie Hoopes whimsical and beautiful illustrations complement the story.
August 20, 2018
A wonderful imagining of little Alice's even younger days and how kindness, love, and understanding has the power to transform. Readers will be delighted with the abundance of illustrations depicting her black and gray world filling in with more color than the biggest rainbow, and cherish the story taking our fair leading lady from mere bystander to active participant in her happily ever after...no matter how wacky it may end up.
July 3, 2018
Henry Herz's storytelling and Natalie Hoopes' illustrations automatically capture the essence of Alice in Alice's Magic Garden. Herz tells a story, before the rabbit hole, that will most certainly warm your heart and put a smile on your face. Familiar friends and faces grace the story with their presence in Hoopes' soft, sweet illustrations. Fans of Alice, this story is a MUST!
July 26, 2018
Henry Herz weaves a delightfully engaging story for all those who wonder about Alice “before the rabbit hole…” It’s a well thought out prequel to the original and a story where kindness begets kindness and good prevails.
Natalie Hoopes illustrations are whimsical and beautiful. Y
ou can get your copy soon. ALICE'S MAGIC GARDEN: BEFORE THE RABBIT HOLE... releases September 1, 2018.
Natalie Hoopes illustrations are whimsical and beautiful. Y
ou can get your copy soon. ALICE'S MAGIC GARDEN: BEFORE THE RABBIT HOLE... releases September 1, 2018.
August 1, 2018
Have you ever wondered what Alice was like BEFORE the craziness of Wonderland? Well look no further. This story explores Alice’s time in boarding school and first discovery of the joys to be found gardening. The artwork is delightful with a delicate touch of whimsy that suits the story perfectly. I highly recommend this story.
September 4, 2018
Though filled with fun parallels to Lewis Carroll's original, this story stands on its own as a meaningful tale of friendship. The language is beautiful, transporting us visually--a la MGM's The Wizard of Oz--from black and white to color. "...the drab, dusty rooms even smelled grey." "Flowers burst forth like the freckles on Alice's sun-kissed nose." Lovely. Recommended.
October 3, 2018
Alice’s Magic Garden is a fun prequel to Alice in Wonderland. With clever writing and plot, this story takes you back before Alice goes down the rabbit hole. She is in a dreary black and white boarding school when she discovers a garden. She tends to it with love and magical things begin to happen. It’s a great complement to the classic story.
September 9, 2018
A unique alternate take on the original classic that tells it's own story while borrowing elements and characters from said classic. The watercolor and pencil styled illustrations from Natalie Hoopes are beautiful and tie the story together very well. Overall a very pleasant read!
September 11, 2018
I loved reading this book to my kids. I loved the images and colors. I read this at the perfect time. This book is about kindness, and my kids had Kindness day at their school the next day after reading this.
September 21, 2018
With beautiful illustrations and lovely references to the classic book, "Alice in Wonderland," this book sweeps the reader into another place and time with the gentle reminder that sometimes when we feel all alone, we really aren't.
December 17, 2018
In this Alice-in-Wonderland spinoff, takes place when Alice is at a grey, mean boarding school with grey, mean people. She finds solace, color, and magic in the outdoors and the garden she tends.
Illustrations are good.
Illustrations are good.
July 8, 2018
A wonderfully illustrated, heart-warming tale of friendship, kindness, and finding happiness.
July 15, 2018
This was a wonderful prequel! I loved how the elements of the story we all know were woven though. "Kindness is a curious thing...." It certainly is.
September 4, 2018
Obviously, I'm a little biased (I'm the illustrator!) but I think it's great. Henry did a great job creating a sweet story about friendship. It's also little reminiscent of The Secret Garden, which I found charming. Recommended for any Lewis Carroll enthusiasts or if you are interested in Victorian England.
January 27, 2022
Interesting idea told simply. Beautifully coloured illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews