From Wonderland with Love
Code Name: Alice, book #1
by Jeffrey Westhoff
Fantasy
Funny
Mystery
Suspense
Thriller
* * * * Stars (Great!)
While reminiscing about her adventures in Wonderland and Looking-Glass, Alice is once again surprised by the White Rabbit, who has come to enlist her aid in a matter of National Security! When she left Wonderland, the Knave of Hearts had been accused of stealing tarts and managed to sneak away in all of the commotion and hubub of his trial. Apparently, the TARTS in question was not a tasty pastry, but instead a weapon of mass destruction. Alice, should she choose to accept her mission (spoiler: she does), will have to go deep into the heart of Looking-Glass land and find both the Knave and TARTS and bring them to justice. With some help from the Caterpillar, who provides Alice with some very fancy gadgets.
For Alice afficionados, this is a fun romp through the familiar stomping grounds of Lewis Carroll’s imagination, with a twist of James Bond (shaken not stirred). Alice is perhaps not the most likely or competent spy, but she uses her wits and determination and it’s clear she believes strongly in her mission and cares deeply for her friends. Jeffrey Westhoff (author) makes this return to Wonderland (and Looking-Glass) a most pleasurable journey. Ooh! And there’s a sequel in the works: “Tinker, Tailor, Hatter, Spy!” For upper elementary and middle school readers (and any fans of Alice who may also like spy novels).
Reviewed by YA Librarian
