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Afia in the Land of Wonders
In her stunning literary debut, Mia Araujo presents a gorgeous reimagining of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, spinning a new story that is accompanied by arresting, ethereal illustrations about twin sisters and how one must venture outside the safety of their home, into the wilderness, in order to find herself and true happiness.
Afia has always felt like half of a whole. Her twin sister, Aya, is perfectly happy with fulfilling their family's expectations of them. But Afia dreams of exploring the world beyond her secluded cliffside home of Dafra. She dreams of adventure.
When she meets a charming shape-shifter named Bakame, who dazzles her with promises of a magical land called Ijabu, Afia decides to take her destiny into her own hands. Although it will mean leaving everything she has ever known behind, including her beloved sister, Afia follows Bakame into the forbidden forests surrounding Dafra, from which no one has ever returned.
Filled with magical sights, a charismatic Queen and her intriguing court, Ijabu is everything that Afia has ever dreamed of. But she soon discovers that nothing is as it seems, and this fantasy world demands a terrible price. With the help of a mysterious trickster, Afia must evade the Queen's hunters and the lost dreamers of Ijabu, who wish to pull her deeper into their web.
Now, Afia must find the courage to survive while standing on her own--or risking losing herself completely to the wonders of Ijabu.
Debut author-illustrator Mia Araujo weaves an extraordinarily luminous and beautiful story, inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, about what it takes to find your true self, even if it means facing your deepest fears.
"Nothing short of an amazing adventure into a fantastic world, Mia Araujo has crafted a beautiful narrative, made all the more incredible by stunning visuals that overflow with heart and soul." -- David F. Walker, Eisner-award winning author of Bitter Root and The Second Chance of Darius Logan
Afia has always felt like half of a whole. Her twin sister, Aya, is perfectly happy with fulfilling their family's expectations of them. But Afia dreams of exploring the world beyond her secluded cliffside home of Dafra. She dreams of adventure.
When she meets a charming shape-shifter named Bakame, who dazzles her with promises of a magical land called Ijabu, Afia decides to take her destiny into her own hands. Although it will mean leaving everything she has ever known behind, including her beloved sister, Afia follows Bakame into the forbidden forests surrounding Dafra, from which no one has ever returned.
Filled with magical sights, a charismatic Queen and her intriguing court, Ijabu is everything that Afia has ever dreamed of. But she soon discovers that nothing is as it seems, and this fantasy world demands a terrible price. With the help of a mysterious trickster, Afia must evade the Queen's hunters and the lost dreamers of Ijabu, who wish to pull her deeper into their web.
Now, Afia must find the courage to survive while standing on her own--or risking losing herself completely to the wonders of Ijabu.
Debut author-illustrator Mia Araujo weaves an extraordinarily luminous and beautiful story, inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, about what it takes to find your true self, even if it means facing your deepest fears.
"Nothing short of an amazing adventure into a fantastic world, Mia Araujo has crafted a beautiful narrative, made all the more incredible by stunning visuals that overflow with heart and soul." -- David F. Walker, Eisner-award winning author of Bitter Root and The Second Chance of Darius Logan
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2025
13 people are currently reading
3492 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 5, 2025
3.75 rounded up — lyrical with beautiful illustrations, but lacking a little bit of the clean resolution and punch I hoped for in the ending.
February 8, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Scholastic for this ARC.
What drew me to request Afia in the Land of Wonders was the cover art itself. I am always drawn to books depicting POC as I feel it is important to show characters of different backgrounds for other potential readers to find themselves in them. Mia Araujo's opening remarks before the start of the book also brought up a fair idea: why are most western childhood stories focused specifically on the white, western perspective? Granted, times have changed and there is more access to fairytales and folktales from around the world due to the advent of the internet and modern age, but this is an idea I have been reflecting on more and more as I reach for new books in the store.
Afia in the Land of Wonders sets out to be a reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, but with a focus on West Africa. Araujo draws inspiration from multiple cultures, but does not appear to commit to one particular tribe or region for the focus of the book which does bother me a little. The illustrations are lovely, but could do more with research into the textile designs often employed in West Africa rather than making them feel a little generic. As an ARC, however, most of the illustrations were rough sketches and had yet to be finalized and I wanted to see more of the complete work in the gorgeous colors to bring more of the story to life.
Overall, I felt Afia in the Land of Wonders was an easy, breezy read and I only have one minor gripe: the main character feels too young to be 16 and it made a lot of her actions feel disconnected from her current level of maturity. Her actions did not match a teenager and felt more like it belonged to a tween. Middlegrade was an appropriate category based on the reading level, but I would argue for the main character to be aged down to match the curiosity and lack of awareness of how their actions affect others. The side characters had compelling arcs that due to the nature of the book, could not be explored much but I still appreciated.
Finally, it does sit a little weird with me how at the end of the story I discovered Araujo is Argentinian and writing a book inspired by West Africa. Considering how Argentina is one of the most white countries in the west, due to the history of the country, it's a choice to put it lightly.
What drew me to request Afia in the Land of Wonders was the cover art itself. I am always drawn to books depicting POC as I feel it is important to show characters of different backgrounds for other potential readers to find themselves in them. Mia Araujo's opening remarks before the start of the book also brought up a fair idea: why are most western childhood stories focused specifically on the white, western perspective? Granted, times have changed and there is more access to fairytales and folktales from around the world due to the advent of the internet and modern age, but this is an idea I have been reflecting on more and more as I reach for new books in the store.
Afia in the Land of Wonders sets out to be a reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, but with a focus on West Africa. Araujo draws inspiration from multiple cultures, but does not appear to commit to one particular tribe or region for the focus of the book which does bother me a little. The illustrations are lovely, but could do more with research into the textile designs often employed in West Africa rather than making them feel a little generic. As an ARC, however, most of the illustrations were rough sketches and had yet to be finalized and I wanted to see more of the complete work in the gorgeous colors to bring more of the story to life.
Overall, I felt Afia in the Land of Wonders was an easy, breezy read and I only have one minor gripe: the main character feels too young to be 16 and it made a lot of her actions feel disconnected from her current level of maturity. Her actions did not match a teenager and felt more like it belonged to a tween. Middlegrade was an appropriate category based on the reading level, but I would argue for the main character to be aged down to match the curiosity and lack of awareness of how their actions affect others. The side characters had compelling arcs that due to the nature of the book, could not be explored much but I still appreciated.
Finally, it does sit a little weird with me how at the end of the story I discovered Araujo is Argentinian and writing a book inspired by West Africa. Considering how Argentina is one of the most white countries in the west, due to the history of the country, it's a choice to put it lightly.
April 21, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley & Scholastic for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a stunning book!
It's especially fascinating to me how well Araujo used the Alice in Wonderland basis to create something new--and in my opinion--better than the original story. I truthfully don't like Alice and Wonderland, it's just too trippy for me. Araujo grounds it in reality and still uses the core aspect of the story but adds more heart to it regarding Afia and the story's "Chesire Cat". The characters were all very vibrant and full of personality!
Definitely recommend for elementary aged readers and readers of all ages.
What a stunning book!
It's especially fascinating to me how well Araujo used the Alice in Wonderland basis to create something new--and in my opinion--better than the original story. I truthfully don't like Alice and Wonderland, it's just too trippy for me. Araujo grounds it in reality and still uses the core aspect of the story but adds more heart to it regarding Afia and the story's "Chesire Cat". The characters were all very vibrant and full of personality!
Definitely recommend for elementary aged readers and readers of all ages.
December 8, 2025
A beautifully illustrated, creative retelling.
As a retelling lover, I was very impressed by how the author utilized aspects from Alice in Wonderland as a foundation for the story, while also making something completely new. I was also a fan of how the writing style stayed very simple yet descriptive.
My biggest struggle was how disjointed this story felt? And I know that might sound like a silly complaint to have about a Wonderland inspired book of all things, but I'm not talking about the whimsy and weirdness (which were very defined parts of the book.) I'm talking about the structure of the book itself, a good example being the middle grade age rating and the sixteen year old main character (who truthfully acted much younger than sixteen.) There were a lot of moments where it felt like the story couldn't really decide what it wanted to be. This also showed up in awkward pacing, with a long set-up and then very rushed end sequence.
All in all, despite my complaints, it's a beautiful book and I do think it's a fun read. (Though maybe a bit too dark at times for a younger demographic.)
As a retelling lover, I was very impressed by how the author utilized aspects from Alice in Wonderland as a foundation for the story, while also making something completely new. I was also a fan of how the writing style stayed very simple yet descriptive.
My biggest struggle was how disjointed this story felt? And I know that might sound like a silly complaint to have about a Wonderland inspired book of all things, but I'm not talking about the whimsy and weirdness (which were very defined parts of the book.) I'm talking about the structure of the book itself, a good example being the middle grade age rating and the sixteen year old main character (who truthfully acted much younger than sixteen.) There were a lot of moments where it felt like the story couldn't really decide what it wanted to be. This also showed up in awkward pacing, with a long set-up and then very rushed end sequence.
All in all, despite my complaints, it's a beautiful book and I do think it's a fun read. (Though maybe a bit too dark at times for a younger demographic.)
May 29, 2025
This was a wonderful retelling of Alice in Wonderland. I highly recommend the audiobook, if you’re so inclined. The narrator voiced each character very well.
May 21, 2025
My experience with most Alice's Adventures in Wonderland retellings and reimaginings has been a bit lackluster. Most fail to capture the essence of Carroll's world or else try to inject too much modernity into it. So when this attempt to retell Alice appeared on my reading radar, I was hesitant to try it. But the gorgeous artwork and promise of a unique take on a classic story intrigued me, so I gave it a go. But is it a worthwhile venture into a new version of Wonderland, or is it a directionless descent down the rabbit hole?
Afia in the Land of Wonders by Mia Araujo, is a standalone YA fantasy retelling of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland with a West African twist. Here, readers are introduced to Afia, who lives with her family in the village of Dafra. While her parents assume she will one day take her place among them as a crystal merchant, alongside her twin sister Aya, Afia has other dreams. One day, during a visit to the market, she meets a merchant who regales her with tales of a magical realm called Ijabu. Following her desire to blaze her own trail, Afia takes him up on his offer to show her the world and ventures to a realm of wonders where she becomes a guest in a queen's palace. But it doesn't take Afia long to realize Ijabu is a world of both wonder and illusion. When she discovers secrets behind the palace's walls, Afia falls headlong into danger. Will her brave heart be enough to see her safely home?
I paid a hefty price tag for this book considering its size. But that's because it's a fully illustrated work of art - and in color, too. So it's worth every penny on that front. Araujo designed the illustrations herself, and it's always a plus when an author not only devotes the time to pen a book but also brings it to life through visual images. You really do need to see this book to appreciate the level of care that went into it and the labor of love it obviously was.
But a book's cover and visuals are just the icing, and sometimes under it is just dry cake. So what kind of cake resides beneath this book's layers of colorful frosting? In continuing with the baked goods theme, I'd compare it to a standard sheet cake: a delicious treat but nothing mind-blowing.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland has been adapted a plethora of times, from modern versions to imaginative outings. This novel is one of the latter, which I liked. It's creative, it certainly feels different, and it avoids becoming a color-by-numbers retelling of the original portal fantasy. Two attributes contributing to this sense of originality are the story's West African backdrop and the loose connections to Alice. While I have a few complaints about the former's inclusion, it at least provides a different perspective.
I would call this novel a loose retelling: the entire Alice narrative framework doesn't get a remodel here, but there are some creative variations on recognizable elements, such as a gazelle in place of a white rabbit, a boy donning a cat mask in place of the Cheshire Cat, a tea party conducted by a sorcerer in place of a Mad Hatter, and an even more brutal Queen. There are plenty of good, small twists on these elements and more that add dimension to either certain side characters or the realm of Ijabu itself. Fans of all things Alice will catch these Easter eggs, but they're cleverly reworked in a way that feels fresh and fitting for the story at hand.
Afia is a good heroine who is a little more decisive than the original Alice. She's brave but not foolhardy and knows when it's time to stop adventuring and lean into her survival skills and start being more pragmatic. Along with seeing the journey through Ijabu as a lightly veiled metaphor for growing up, we also witness Afia seek to define herself as a solitary person. Because she's one-half of a set of twins, she's used to being compared to her sister. While I wanted to see more of the sisterly dynamic here, as what we're treated to early on tugs the heart, it's by no means squandered and feels warm and genuine.
In terms of the book's appearance (i. e. heavily illustrated with large print and thick pages), I was expecting this to be a middle grade read. However, I sense this is more appropriate for the younger side of the YA spectrum (ages 13 to 15) given the underlying dark tone the novel assumes at times and some of its more introspective themes about finding one's self apart from familial identity. Those musings feel more at home among teen readers, though, given the book's aesthetics, that audience would probably be younger teens.
Granted, there were a few things I took slight umbrage with that prevented me from rating this book higher. As hinted earlier, I don't think the novel's West African inspirations were leaned into as heavily as they could have been. I enjoy perusing fantasy based on or borrowing from non-Western myths, so I was expecting this to rely upon West African folklore while using Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as the narrative's backbone. However, much to my disappointment, the West African adornments feel like window dressings, as, were it not for the illustrations, the story and characters could have inhabited any invented world that just happened to sound "ethnic." Even the author's note indicates nothing here borrows directly from West African myth or lore, which is a bit of a letdown. By way of comparison, this book's West African allusions are akin to the Russian vibes permeating Leigh Bardugo's Grisha trilogy: the story is inspired by West African culture and myth rather than West African culture and myth influencing the story.
Furthermore, while this book is a standalone, it ends abruptly and leaves dangling loose ends in the wake of its rushed pacing. When it comes to one-and-done novels like this, I expect almost all the story's threads will be wrapped up. However, in this book, there were still characters whose fates were never expanded upon or else were never given much time to justify their presence. In the end, Afia gets the ending she deserves, but it raises questions such as how her family will treat her now that she's dared to venture into forbidden lands after essentially running off and abandoning them. There is some sort of closure, but a more solidified ending would have been welcomed.
Lastly, the story harbors some potentially problematic messages. The most predominant is the classic but cliched "follow your heart" mantra only with an underlying implication that one should do so even if it leads to risky territory. Afia, who is normally a smart character, commits this offense by chasing a total stranger's promise to show her the world. This is unlike Alice's Adventures in Wonderland where the title character benignly pursues the White Rabbit on a whim of sheer curiosity, not because the rabbit promised to show Alice wonders untold if she stole away with him into the night, leaving her family and friends behind. Likewise, when allowed to be carried further, the whole "follow your heart" thread in this novel implies it's better to seek your own desires than think of the good of others. Afia's frustration at being confined to operating her family's crystal business is understandable and leads to a classic "I want" moment. Yet she knows following her desires will break her sister's heart (and her family's by proxy). Yet she does it anyway. Thus, by following her heart, Afria appears selfish though, to be fair, she realizes this mistake in the end and attempts to rectify it.
Another problematic message here is about disregarding rules and doing whatever one wishes. This theme is expounded upon by a boy who insists to Afia that one doesn't have to follow rules, especially if they're ridiculous. Unfortunately, neither Afia nor anyone else contradicts him, leaving readers with the open-ended idea of it's okay to disobey if you don't like the "rules" someone has placed upon you, regardless whether those "rules" are morally sound or not. In Afia's case, her family's "rule" is their children will carry on their crystal trade. Afia doesn't desire this, so it's okay for her to go her own way because her family's demands are "ridiculous." This raises a question of objective versus subjective truth that I'm sure the author didn't intend. Regardless, these sloppy and sloppily-executed morals place a stain on an otherwise passable tale of fancy.
Overall, Afia in the Land of Wonders attempts to breathe new life into a classic story that's been retold and reimagined many times over the years and, to be fair, it generally succeeds. Given its brevity, rapid-fire delivery, and reliance upon illustrations, it feels tailor-made for young YA readers though fans of all things Alice might wish to give it a go if for nothing more than to experience a unique twist on a classic. Furthermore, readers who appreciate visually appealing books might enjoy this for its collectable factor. In the end, while this novel wasn't quite as wonder-filled as I had hoped, it just might be wonderful enough for the right (younger) reader.
Content:
Language - None.
Violence - During a ceremony, some people are forced to drink a potion that turns them into shape-shifters. One character dons a gown with skulls adorning the hem. Afia witnesses the aftermath of a beheading, watching as the headless body is carried away and later buried (minus any graphic details). Later, she encounters a being who was once beheaded but dons a mask in place of a head. Numerous scenes of peril occur when Afia is in danger but escapes unscathed. There are murmurs in the village of people venturing into the neighboring forest and either never returning or else witness unknown horrors. Lastly, some characters lie and betray each other.
Sexual Content - None. Afia catches some courtiers "entwined" beneath some pillows but no further details are given. Some female characters are depicted wearing cultural garb that exposes shoulders or midriffs, but they're essentially covered up. Lastly, a boy is depicted in a few illustrations as apparently not wearing clothes, but nothing sensitive is shown as such renderings are either heavy shaded or in shadow.
Afia in the Land of Wonders by Mia Araujo, is a standalone YA fantasy retelling of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland with a West African twist. Here, readers are introduced to Afia, who lives with her family in the village of Dafra. While her parents assume she will one day take her place among them as a crystal merchant, alongside her twin sister Aya, Afia has other dreams. One day, during a visit to the market, she meets a merchant who regales her with tales of a magical realm called Ijabu. Following her desire to blaze her own trail, Afia takes him up on his offer to show her the world and ventures to a realm of wonders where she becomes a guest in a queen's palace. But it doesn't take Afia long to realize Ijabu is a world of both wonder and illusion. When she discovers secrets behind the palace's walls, Afia falls headlong into danger. Will her brave heart be enough to see her safely home?
I paid a hefty price tag for this book considering its size. But that's because it's a fully illustrated work of art - and in color, too. So it's worth every penny on that front. Araujo designed the illustrations herself, and it's always a plus when an author not only devotes the time to pen a book but also brings it to life through visual images. You really do need to see this book to appreciate the level of care that went into it and the labor of love it obviously was.
But a book's cover and visuals are just the icing, and sometimes under it is just dry cake. So what kind of cake resides beneath this book's layers of colorful frosting? In continuing with the baked goods theme, I'd compare it to a standard sheet cake: a delicious treat but nothing mind-blowing.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland has been adapted a plethora of times, from modern versions to imaginative outings. This novel is one of the latter, which I liked. It's creative, it certainly feels different, and it avoids becoming a color-by-numbers retelling of the original portal fantasy. Two attributes contributing to this sense of originality are the story's West African backdrop and the loose connections to Alice. While I have a few complaints about the former's inclusion, it at least provides a different perspective.
I would call this novel a loose retelling: the entire Alice narrative framework doesn't get a remodel here, but there are some creative variations on recognizable elements, such as a gazelle in place of a white rabbit, a boy donning a cat mask in place of the Cheshire Cat, a tea party conducted by a sorcerer in place of a Mad Hatter, and an even more brutal Queen. There are plenty of good, small twists on these elements and more that add dimension to either certain side characters or the realm of Ijabu itself. Fans of all things Alice will catch these Easter eggs, but they're cleverly reworked in a way that feels fresh and fitting for the story at hand.
Afia is a good heroine who is a little more decisive than the original Alice. She's brave but not foolhardy and knows when it's time to stop adventuring and lean into her survival skills and start being more pragmatic. Along with seeing the journey through Ijabu as a lightly veiled metaphor for growing up, we also witness Afia seek to define herself as a solitary person. Because she's one-half of a set of twins, she's used to being compared to her sister. While I wanted to see more of the sisterly dynamic here, as what we're treated to early on tugs the heart, it's by no means squandered and feels warm and genuine.
In terms of the book's appearance (i. e. heavily illustrated with large print and thick pages), I was expecting this to be a middle grade read. However, I sense this is more appropriate for the younger side of the YA spectrum (ages 13 to 15) given the underlying dark tone the novel assumes at times and some of its more introspective themes about finding one's self apart from familial identity. Those musings feel more at home among teen readers, though, given the book's aesthetics, that audience would probably be younger teens.
Granted, there were a few things I took slight umbrage with that prevented me from rating this book higher. As hinted earlier, I don't think the novel's West African inspirations were leaned into as heavily as they could have been. I enjoy perusing fantasy based on or borrowing from non-Western myths, so I was expecting this to rely upon West African folklore while using Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as the narrative's backbone. However, much to my disappointment, the West African adornments feel like window dressings, as, were it not for the illustrations, the story and characters could have inhabited any invented world that just happened to sound "ethnic." Even the author's note indicates nothing here borrows directly from West African myth or lore, which is a bit of a letdown. By way of comparison, this book's West African allusions are akin to the Russian vibes permeating Leigh Bardugo's Grisha trilogy: the story is inspired by West African culture and myth rather than West African culture and myth influencing the story.
Furthermore, while this book is a standalone, it ends abruptly and leaves dangling loose ends in the wake of its rushed pacing. When it comes to one-and-done novels like this, I expect almost all the story's threads will be wrapped up. However, in this book, there were still characters whose fates were never expanded upon or else were never given much time to justify their presence. In the end, Afia gets the ending she deserves, but it raises questions such as how her family will treat her now that she's dared to venture into forbidden lands after essentially running off and abandoning them. There is some sort of closure, but a more solidified ending would have been welcomed.
Lastly, the story harbors some potentially problematic messages. The most predominant is the classic but cliched "follow your heart" mantra only with an underlying implication that one should do so even if it leads to risky territory. Afia, who is normally a smart character, commits this offense by chasing a total stranger's promise to show her the world. This is unlike Alice's Adventures in Wonderland where the title character benignly pursues the White Rabbit on a whim of sheer curiosity, not because the rabbit promised to show Alice wonders untold if she stole away with him into the night, leaving her family and friends behind. Likewise, when allowed to be carried further, the whole "follow your heart" thread in this novel implies it's better to seek your own desires than think of the good of others. Afia's frustration at being confined to operating her family's crystal business is understandable and leads to a classic "I want" moment. Yet she knows following her desires will break her sister's heart (and her family's by proxy). Yet she does it anyway. Thus, by following her heart, Afria appears selfish though, to be fair, she realizes this mistake in the end and attempts to rectify it.
Another problematic message here is about disregarding rules and doing whatever one wishes. This theme is expounded upon by a boy who insists to Afia that one doesn't have to follow rules, especially if they're ridiculous. Unfortunately, neither Afia nor anyone else contradicts him, leaving readers with the open-ended idea of it's okay to disobey if you don't like the "rules" someone has placed upon you, regardless whether those "rules" are morally sound or not. In Afia's case, her family's "rule" is their children will carry on their crystal trade. Afia doesn't desire this, so it's okay for her to go her own way because her family's demands are "ridiculous." This raises a question of objective versus subjective truth that I'm sure the author didn't intend. Regardless, these sloppy and sloppily-executed morals place a stain on an otherwise passable tale of fancy.
Overall, Afia in the Land of Wonders attempts to breathe new life into a classic story that's been retold and reimagined many times over the years and, to be fair, it generally succeeds. Given its brevity, rapid-fire delivery, and reliance upon illustrations, it feels tailor-made for young YA readers though fans of all things Alice might wish to give it a go if for nothing more than to experience a unique twist on a classic. Furthermore, readers who appreciate visually appealing books might enjoy this for its collectable factor. In the end, while this novel wasn't quite as wonder-filled as I had hoped, it just might be wonderful enough for the right (younger) reader.
Content:
Language - None.
Violence - During a ceremony, some people are forced to drink a potion that turns them into shape-shifters. One character dons a gown with skulls adorning the hem. Afia witnesses the aftermath of a beheading, watching as the headless body is carried away and later buried (minus any graphic details). Later, she encounters a being who was once beheaded but dons a mask in place of a head. Numerous scenes of peril occur when Afia is in danger but escapes unscathed. There are murmurs in the village of people venturing into the neighboring forest and either never returning or else witness unknown horrors. Lastly, some characters lie and betray each other.
Sexual Content - None. Afia catches some courtiers "entwined" beneath some pillows but no further details are given. Some female characters are depicted wearing cultural garb that exposes shoulders or midriffs, but they're essentially covered up. Lastly, a boy is depicted in a few illustrations as apparently not wearing clothes, but nothing sensitive is shown as such renderings are either heavy shaded or in shadow.
May 4, 2025
Ｅｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Afia in the Land of Wonders is a spinning retelling of Alice in Wonderland, but with an African American perspective. The amazing illustrations depict twin sisters, and the story follows one sister's journey from the safety of her home into the wilderness, where she finds herself and true happiness.
This story is well-written and easy to read and understand. Highly recommended for middle school-aged children.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Scholastic for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Afia in the Land of Wonders is a spinning retelling of Alice in Wonderland, but with an African American perspective. The amazing illustrations depict twin sisters, and the story follows one sister's journey from the safety of her home into the wilderness, where she finds herself and true happiness.
This story is well-written and easy to read and understand. Highly recommended for middle school-aged children.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Scholastic for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
June 11, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
I found this book by chance when I was looking for an audiobook that was short and easy to follow. It's a reimagining of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, with an African twist! 🔮🪄
I really enjoyed the story because I'd actually forgotten so much of the plot from my days of reading / watching Alice in Wonderland as a kid. I still can't tell you which parts were wholly different from the original, but I did pick up on some iconic scenes like the mad hatter's tea party, the mischievous Cheshire cat etc all delivered differently but very much recognisable. 💜
A wholesome little story to be enjoyed by all ages.
I found this book by chance when I was looking for an audiobook that was short and easy to follow. It's a reimagining of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, with an African twist! 🔮🪄
I really enjoyed the story because I'd actually forgotten so much of the plot from my days of reading / watching Alice in Wonderland as a kid. I still can't tell you which parts were wholly different from the original, but I did pick up on some iconic scenes like the mad hatter's tea party, the mischievous Cheshire cat etc all delivered differently but very much recognisable. 💜
A wholesome little story to be enjoyed by all ages.
November 23, 2025
I’ve been a supporter of the author on Patreon for some time, now, and I bought the book as soon as she published it, as additional support, but I never got around to actually opening it. One of the main reason is that I thought this was going to be “Alice in Wonderland” with some bland quirks from the folklore of West Africa, and I had already seen some of the gorgeous illustrations.
Boy was I wrong.
“Afia in the Land of Wonders” is a beautiful and rich retelling that masterfully weaves the elements from the original story together with cornerstone elements of African folklore, and it works so well you won’t be able to tell them apart. The art is incredible, of course, I expected it, but it’ll stun you nonetheless.
A beautiful, beautiful surprise.
Boy was I wrong.
“Afia in the Land of Wonders” is a beautiful and rich retelling that masterfully weaves the elements from the original story together with cornerstone elements of African folklore, and it works so well you won’t be able to tell them apart. The art is incredible, of course, I expected it, but it’ll stun you nonetheless.
A beautiful, beautiful surprise.
September 23, 2025
Beautiful book, the authors art was stunning and such a great addition to bringing it to life. I really enjoyed the wonderland aspects woven in, yet it was less obvious of a retelling and I wasn’t aware before reading. Rather than expecting it to flow a certain way I was curious with each reference and then excited to see how the rest would be handled, similarly or uniquely!
I also really enjoyed listening to the audio version while reading, wonderfully read.
I also really enjoyed listening to the audio version while reading, wonderfully read.
June 18, 2025
For me, it was fine. I can think of many kids that would enjoy it, so I'll definitely be recommending it to my patrons. But I didn't get very into the story.
July 2, 2025
I really wanted to enjoy this, but it started off with me hating the protagonists mother (she's a total bitch,) and the reader's voice is so angry it disregulates my nervous system.
After it got gory / violent out of nowhere, I just couldn't finish it. (Even though I'm very familiar with Alice in Wonderland, the way this was handled was jarring and disturbing.
After it got gory / violent out of nowhere, I just couldn't finish it. (Even though I'm very familiar with Alice in Wonderland, the way this was handled was jarring and disturbing.
September 20, 2025
Kind of crazy that I was drawn to the cover of this retelling of Alice in Wonderland the same year Bob and I read that one together. I saw what looked like a Cheshire cat, and I loved the artwork throughout the book. This retelling wasn’t as nonsensical as the original - and it included inspiration from the kingdoms of West Africa of the tenth through sixteenth centuries. I liked it better, and it flew by quicker, too. Kudos to Mia Araujo on her debut book!
January 13, 2025
Rating: 4.5 Stars
The characters in this enchanting narrative each possess distinct personalities, talents, and intricate backstories that contribute to the richness of the tale. While every character holds a unique story waiting to be told, only a select few find the opportunity to share their experiences within this mesmerizing wonderland. Among them, sisters Aya and Afia share a profound and powerful bond that resonates deeply with twins and siblings alike, illustrating the complexities and joys of familial relationships. Afia, in particular, emerges as a remarkable main character—she is strong, brave, curious, and filled with love, yet her flaws and vulnerabilities render her relatable and authentic. This blend of strengths and weaknesses allows readers to see themselves in her, fostering a connection that enhances the overall experience of the story.
In addition to the central characters, the supporting cast—including the enigmatic Queen, her courtly advisors, and the intriguing masked boy whom Afia encounters in the queen's garden—enriches the narrative, transforming it into an imaginative, wondrous, and immersive experience for readers. Each supporting character brings their own flavor to the tale, adding depth and complexity to the world that Afia navigates. The atmosphere is undeniably fantastical, creating an ambiance that makes readers feel as if they have stepped into a wonderland brimming with spirits, magic, and hidden wonders waiting to be discovered.
The writing throughout the book is a masterful blend of descriptive, realistic, whimsical, and emotional prose. This style not only draws readers into the characters' lives but also allows them to forge a connection with the emotions and experiences depicted. As the plot unfolds, it becomes increasingly intriguing and relatable, exploring the universal desire to forge one's own path in life, often in the face of external expectations and pressures. This theme resonates deeply, beautifully narrating a story of family bonds that remain unbreakable despite the challenges faced.
The vibrant illustrations by Mia Araujo serve as a stunning complement to the text, capturing not only the magic and wonder of the story but also its underlying emotions and themes. Inspired by Araujo's love for Lewis Carroll's timeless classic, Alice in Wonderland, the book weaves in elements from this beloved tale while infusing Araujo's unique twist and personal touches. This creative approach results in a distinctive fantasy that delves into the various wonderlands present in children's and middle-grade literature, offering a fresh perspective that feels both familiar and new.
Mia Araujo's Afia in the Land of Wonders stands out as a middle-grade fantasy that pays homage to a cherished children's classic, featuring vibrant and emotionally resonant illustrations that enhance the storytelling experience. The themes of self-identity, the quest for personal fulfillment, and the unbreakable strength and love of sibling relationships—especially the unique bond shared between twins—are woven throughout the narrative. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys novels inspired by classics such as Alice in Wonderland, as it offers beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life, all while exploring central themes of family connection and the journey of self-discovery. This enchanting tale promises to captivate readers of all ages, inviting them to lose themselves in a world where imagination knows no bounds.
Thank you to Netgalley, Scholastic, and Mia Araujo for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters in this enchanting narrative each possess distinct personalities, talents, and intricate backstories that contribute to the richness of the tale. While every character holds a unique story waiting to be told, only a select few find the opportunity to share their experiences within this mesmerizing wonderland. Among them, sisters Aya and Afia share a profound and powerful bond that resonates deeply with twins and siblings alike, illustrating the complexities and joys of familial relationships. Afia, in particular, emerges as a remarkable main character—she is strong, brave, curious, and filled with love, yet her flaws and vulnerabilities render her relatable and authentic. This blend of strengths and weaknesses allows readers to see themselves in her, fostering a connection that enhances the overall experience of the story.
In addition to the central characters, the supporting cast—including the enigmatic Queen, her courtly advisors, and the intriguing masked boy whom Afia encounters in the queen's garden—enriches the narrative, transforming it into an imaginative, wondrous, and immersive experience for readers. Each supporting character brings their own flavor to the tale, adding depth and complexity to the world that Afia navigates. The atmosphere is undeniably fantastical, creating an ambiance that makes readers feel as if they have stepped into a wonderland brimming with spirits, magic, and hidden wonders waiting to be discovered.
The writing throughout the book is a masterful blend of descriptive, realistic, whimsical, and emotional prose. This style not only draws readers into the characters' lives but also allows them to forge a connection with the emotions and experiences depicted. As the plot unfolds, it becomes increasingly intriguing and relatable, exploring the universal desire to forge one's own path in life, often in the face of external expectations and pressures. This theme resonates deeply, beautifully narrating a story of family bonds that remain unbreakable despite the challenges faced.
The vibrant illustrations by Mia Araujo serve as a stunning complement to the text, capturing not only the magic and wonder of the story but also its underlying emotions and themes. Inspired by Araujo's love for Lewis Carroll's timeless classic, Alice in Wonderland, the book weaves in elements from this beloved tale while infusing Araujo's unique twist and personal touches. This creative approach results in a distinctive fantasy that delves into the various wonderlands present in children's and middle-grade literature, offering a fresh perspective that feels both familiar and new.
Mia Araujo's Afia in the Land of Wonders stands out as a middle-grade fantasy that pays homage to a cherished children's classic, featuring vibrant and emotionally resonant illustrations that enhance the storytelling experience. The themes of self-identity, the quest for personal fulfillment, and the unbreakable strength and love of sibling relationships—especially the unique bond shared between twins—are woven throughout the narrative. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys novels inspired by classics such as Alice in Wonderland, as it offers beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life, all while exploring central themes of family connection and the journey of self-discovery. This enchanting tale promises to captivate readers of all ages, inviting them to lose themselves in a world where imagination knows no bounds.
Thank you to Netgalley, Scholastic, and Mia Araujo for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 31, 2025
Afia has always felt like half of a whole. Her twin sister, Aya, is perfectly happy with fulfilling their family's expectations of them. But Afia dreams of exploring the world beyond her secluded cliffside home of Dafra. She dreams of adventure.
When she meets a charming shape-shifter named Bakame, who dazzles her with promises of a magical land called Ijabu, Afia decides to take her destiny into her own hands. Although it will mean leaving everything she has ever known behind, including her beloved sister, Afia follows Bakame into the forbidden forests surrounding Dafra, from which no one has ever returned.
Filled with magical sights, a charismatic Queen and her intriguing court, Ijabu is everything that Afia has ever dreamed of. But she soon discovers that nothing is as it seems, and this fantasy world demands a terrible price. With the help of a mysterious trickster, Afia must evade the Queen's hunters and the lost dreamers of Ijabu, who wish to pull her deeper into their web.
Now, Afia must find the courage to survive while standing on her own--or risking losing herself completely to the wonders of Ijabu.
Debut author-illustrator Mia Araujo weaves an extraordinarily luminous and beautiful story, inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, about what it takes to find your true self, even if it means facing your deepest fears.
Argentian-American artist and author Araujo borrows from African mythologies to create a new take on Alice in Wonderland. The art is stunning and reminds me very much of Beyonce's "The Gift" visual album. The story is immersive and pulls the reader in on an adventure that I believe younger readers will enjoy. I recommend this book to partner with Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures on Wonderland for classroom or book club analysis.
I received an advanced reader copy from Netgalley. This book is expected to publish on April 15, 2025.
When she meets a charming shape-shifter named Bakame, who dazzles her with promises of a magical land called Ijabu, Afia decides to take her destiny into her own hands. Although it will mean leaving everything she has ever known behind, including her beloved sister, Afia follows Bakame into the forbidden forests surrounding Dafra, from which no one has ever returned.
Filled with magical sights, a charismatic Queen and her intriguing court, Ijabu is everything that Afia has ever dreamed of. But she soon discovers that nothing is as it seems, and this fantasy world demands a terrible price. With the help of a mysterious trickster, Afia must evade the Queen's hunters and the lost dreamers of Ijabu, who wish to pull her deeper into their web.
Now, Afia must find the courage to survive while standing on her own--or risking losing herself completely to the wonders of Ijabu.
Debut author-illustrator Mia Araujo weaves an extraordinarily luminous and beautiful story, inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, about what it takes to find your true self, even if it means facing your deepest fears.
Argentian-American artist and author Araujo borrows from African mythologies to create a new take on Alice in Wonderland. The art is stunning and reminds me very much of Beyonce's "The Gift" visual album. The story is immersive and pulls the reader in on an adventure that I believe younger readers will enjoy. I recommend this book to partner with Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures on Wonderland for classroom or book club analysis.
I received an advanced reader copy from Netgalley. This book is expected to publish on April 15, 2025.
September 11, 2025
This was short and sweet in the best way. It was a good retelling of Alice in Wonderland while giving its own spin on things. Even though I'm not part of the culture this is representing, I could still understand everything that was going on. I especially liked the changes to the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter. The art is absolutely gorgeous. I would say this is a good read for any kid, whether or not they know Alice's story.
If I have to pick on any part of this book, it would be the ending. Most of the book details Afia's adventures and how she grows through the journey. The ending felt very abrupt to me after the pacing of the rest of the book. It didn't even feel fully finished. It was just a little unsatisfying to not get a full reunion between the sisters, especially since so much of this story has a theme of siblings separating and working to reunite. It's a hopeful ending, I just wish the author had given maybe one or two more pages for the sisters to actually unite again and maybe Afia tells her sister her story or something. Just some indication that the sisters are connecting.
Aside from that, it was nice. I am far older than the target demographic, but I liked the story enough. It had some great imagination and fun characters. I knew going in that the Cheshire Cat equivalent would be my favorite, and he did not disappoint. The artwork was so gorgeous and the best part of the book. The story could almost be told just from the visuals. It gives all the characters such personality and sets the tone for the atmosphere.
I personally think the language of the book and the quick chapters make it fall under elementary school to the low end of middle grade. I enjoyed it and I'm way beyond the target demographic, but if I were to give it to any kid, I'd aim for the young end as I think older kids would want more of a challenge. The art, of course, is worth it at any age!
If I have to pick on any part of this book, it would be the ending. Most of the book details Afia's adventures and how she grows through the journey. The ending felt very abrupt to me after the pacing of the rest of the book. It didn't even feel fully finished. It was just a little unsatisfying to not get a full reunion between the sisters, especially since so much of this story has a theme of siblings separating and working to reunite. It's a hopeful ending, I just wish the author had given maybe one or two more pages for the sisters to actually unite again and maybe Afia tells her sister her story or something. Just some indication that the sisters are connecting.
Aside from that, it was nice. I am far older than the target demographic, but I liked the story enough. It had some great imagination and fun characters. I knew going in that the Cheshire Cat equivalent would be my favorite, and he did not disappoint. The artwork was so gorgeous and the best part of the book. The story could almost be told just from the visuals. It gives all the characters such personality and sets the tone for the atmosphere.
I personally think the language of the book and the quick chapters make it fall under elementary school to the low end of middle grade. I enjoyed it and I'm way beyond the target demographic, but if I were to give it to any kid, I'd aim for the young end as I think older kids would want more of a challenge. The art, of course, is worth it at any age!
January 8, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Afia lives with her parents, who are crystal merchants, and her twin sister in the city of Dafra, in West Africa. When children come of age in their community, they have an initiation rite, and are introduced to their inherited trade. Afia and Aya go to the market to purchase jewelry for the event, and Afia, who is balking at spending the rest of her life in Dafra, meets a young carver who offers to take her away to a land of wonders if she meets him at midnight. She doesn't, but after an unpleasant evening with her parents, she runs away from the initiation ceremony. She finds the young man, Bakame, in the woods, which is usually off limits. He takes her on a perilous journey to Queen Ukiwa and introduces her to a life of unparalleled luxury. This comes at a price, Afia finds out, and when she uncovers the cruelty of the queen and the cost of the lifestyle, she runs away and begins a treacherous journey back to her family in Dafra.
It took me about a third of the book to realize that this was a reimagining of Carroll's Alice in Wonderland; when Afia is offered a cake that says "Eat Me"! There are a lot of parallels after that, with a Cheshire cat type character, Ojike, a teaparty, and the Queen saying "Off with their heads!"
The real draw of this book, which the author spent many years writing and illustrating, are the gorgeous pictures. This is set in a West African kingdom, and draws from 10th-16th century history and folklore. I can see this being popular with fans of Diane Zahler's or E.D. Baker's work, but feels much more like a classic such as D'Aulaire's Greek Myths or Napoli's Treasury of Norse Mythology. I just wish this had been around ten years ago, when different versions of Cinderella were taught in the 7th grade, and the 6th grade did a huge world folklore unit.
Afia lives with her parents, who are crystal merchants, and her twin sister in the city of Dafra, in West Africa. When children come of age in their community, they have an initiation rite, and are introduced to their inherited trade. Afia and Aya go to the market to purchase jewelry for the event, and Afia, who is balking at spending the rest of her life in Dafra, meets a young carver who offers to take her away to a land of wonders if she meets him at midnight. She doesn't, but after an unpleasant evening with her parents, she runs away from the initiation ceremony. She finds the young man, Bakame, in the woods, which is usually off limits. He takes her on a perilous journey to Queen Ukiwa and introduces her to a life of unparalleled luxury. This comes at a price, Afia finds out, and when she uncovers the cruelty of the queen and the cost of the lifestyle, she runs away and begins a treacherous journey back to her family in Dafra.
It took me about a third of the book to realize that this was a reimagining of Carroll's Alice in Wonderland; when Afia is offered a cake that says "Eat Me"! There are a lot of parallels after that, with a Cheshire cat type character, Ojike, a teaparty, and the Queen saying "Off with their heads!"
The real draw of this book, which the author spent many years writing and illustrating, are the gorgeous pictures. This is set in a West African kingdom, and draws from 10th-16th century history and folklore. I can see this being popular with fans of Diane Zahler's or E.D. Baker's work, but feels much more like a classic such as D'Aulaire's Greek Myths or Napoli's Treasury of Norse Mythology. I just wish this had been around ten years ago, when different versions of Cinderella were taught in the 7th grade, and the 6th grade did a huge world folklore unit.
March 31, 2025
Afia in the Land of Wonders is a stunning reimagining of one of my favorite stories. Mia created a phenomenal world with breathtaking illustrations throughout. I cannot wait to see the finished book and all of the completed artwork.
I loved reading Afia’s story and how it played out. At its heart, this is about siblings and finding oneself. The author is a twin and she shows the bound between siblings with multiple relationships in the book. This is the heart of the story and so beautiful.
My favorite part of this book was the strangeness of The Land of Wonders called Ijabu. I love that Mia drew inspiration from Wonderland, Western African culture, and folklore. There are so many reminiscent characters of those from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but the best part was seeing the differences. The shapeshifting aspect was such a clever way to bring the creatures into this story. Ojike is my favorite take I have read of the Cheshire Cat. His scenes are some of the best in the book. I loved everything about his character and storyline, which pulls on the heartstrings.
There are also many dark aspects of this story, which I won’t spoil here. It surprised me with the direction it took. This was mixed along with whimsical descriptions that created a world that draws you in along with the characters. I love how the magical market from the first couple of chapters has the reader just as invested in seeing more of the world as Afia.
This is perfect for fans of Wonderland but also distinct enough to draw in fantasy lovers uninterested in a retelling.
*Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for my ARC of this wonderful book. All opinions are my own.*
I loved reading Afia’s story and how it played out. At its heart, this is about siblings and finding oneself. The author is a twin and she shows the bound between siblings with multiple relationships in the book. This is the heart of the story and so beautiful.
My favorite part of this book was the strangeness of The Land of Wonders called Ijabu. I love that Mia drew inspiration from Wonderland, Western African culture, and folklore. There are so many reminiscent characters of those from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but the best part was seeing the differences. The shapeshifting aspect was such a clever way to bring the creatures into this story. Ojike is my favorite take I have read of the Cheshire Cat. His scenes are some of the best in the book. I loved everything about his character and storyline, which pulls on the heartstrings.
There are also many dark aspects of this story, which I won’t spoil here. It surprised me with the direction it took. This was mixed along with whimsical descriptions that created a world that draws you in along with the characters. I love how the magical market from the first couple of chapters has the reader just as invested in seeing more of the world as Afia.
This is perfect for fans of Wonderland but also distinct enough to draw in fantasy lovers uninterested in a retelling.
*Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for my ARC of this wonderful book. All opinions are my own.*
March 21, 2025
All her life, Afia has lived in her twin sister Aya's shadow in the town of Dafra, which they are forbidden to leave. Afia is sixteen, so her ewende is fast approaching–the ceremony that will officially transition her into an adult member of society. However, a fateful meeting with a mysterious artisan brings Afia’s secret desires to the surface, and she questions the future that has been laid out before her. For the first time in her life, Afia follows her own heart into an unknown world from which she may never escape. This clever retelling of Alice in Wonderland does a beautiful job of intertwining traditional African customs with the enigmatic world of Wonderland. The imagery incorporated throughout the novel helps readers to visualize Afia in her surroundings, and the illustrations give the novel a depth beyond what the words alone can do. Together, the words and illustrations invite readers into Afia’s adventure in a robust and unique way. As the story progresses, Afia transitions from a character who is often reliant upon others into a young woman who is embracing her own individual identity, and readers familiar with Alice in Wonderland will appreciate both the parallels and diversions from the original story. Though the presentation of the book is consistent with stories for middle grade readers, the content is best suited to mature audiences. Whimsical and wondrous, this novel is an excellent addition to library collections tailored to readers who enjoy tales rich in fantasy and intrigue.
July 7, 2025
Afia has always lived in the shadow of her twin sister Aya, Aya, who fits neatly into their family’s expectations, while Afia aches for more. More than Dafra, more than rules, more than staying put. So when a charming shapeshifter named Bakame offers her a glimpse of Ijabu, a magical land full of dazzling sights and glittering possibilities, she takes the leap.
At first, Ijabu is everything Afia has longed for: wild, beautiful, intoxicating. But beneath the shimmer lies something darker. There’s a Queen with too much power, dreamers who’ve forgotten who they are, and a creeping sense that magic always demands something in return.
Araujo’s writing is lyrical and atmospheric, pulling you deep into Afia’s emotional world as much as the enchanted one she steps into. The themes freedom vs. belonging, wonder vs. illusion, self vs. family are handled with so much care and emotional honesty. And Afia? She’s the kind of heroine who stumbles, doubts, but still pushes forward. You feel her yearning, her fear, her slow, powerful awakening.
This is a story for readers who love magical realism with real emotional stakes, and who crave the bittersweet, transformative power of a girl finding her voice in a world that keeps trying to silence it.
Perfect for fans of:
🌿The Hazel Wood
🌙The Girl Who Drank the Moon
🐚Lush worldbuilding and magical creatures
🌀Trickster figures, queens with secrets, and sister bonds tested by distance
At first, Ijabu is everything Afia has longed for: wild, beautiful, intoxicating. But beneath the shimmer lies something darker. There’s a Queen with too much power, dreamers who’ve forgotten who they are, and a creeping sense that magic always demands something in return.
Araujo’s writing is lyrical and atmospheric, pulling you deep into Afia’s emotional world as much as the enchanted one she steps into. The themes freedom vs. belonging, wonder vs. illusion, self vs. family are handled with so much care and emotional honesty. And Afia? She’s the kind of heroine who stumbles, doubts, but still pushes forward. You feel her yearning, her fear, her slow, powerful awakening.
This is a story for readers who love magical realism with real emotional stakes, and who crave the bittersweet, transformative power of a girl finding her voice in a world that keeps trying to silence it.
Perfect for fans of:
🌿The Hazel Wood
🌙The Girl Who Drank the Moon
🐚Lush worldbuilding and magical creatures
🌀Trickster figures, queens with secrets, and sister bonds tested by distance
July 23, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Not only did I love the story, I loved the audio narrator as well. She pulled me into the journey with Afia immediately and voiced all of the characters perfectly!
🫑- This is a middle grade book, written for 9-12 year olds. There’s no romance, only adventure and understanding yourself. It’s appropriate for the age range for sure.
I stumbled into this one on Libby. I saw the pretty cover, “available now” and clicked "borrow". As soon as I heard “produced by scholastic” I knew what I had gotten myself into. My decision to stick it out was the right one! Afia is 16 year old girl who sees life from her small perspective in Dafra. She longs to see more and do more, but her twin sister wants to fulfill their role at the family shop. The story follows Afia as she learns to see past her fear and come to terms with the life she now lives. What life is that? Well, read and you’ll see.
The Alice in the Wonderland aspect of it was woven into the book in a way that's obvious but not annoyingly so. You kind of get excited when you see how the cat, queen, or caterpillar is portrayed in Araujo’s world. The tone was fun and lighthearted while the themes of the book feel mature in a way. The perfect “coming-of-age” story. I took a step back into the books I used to read, and do not regret it at all. I can see this being some kids' entry into reading for fun.
“If you can blame yourself for your mistakes, then you can at least give yourself credit for your triumphs."
🫑- This is a middle grade book, written for 9-12 year olds. There’s no romance, only adventure and understanding yourself. It’s appropriate for the age range for sure.
I stumbled into this one on Libby. I saw the pretty cover, “available now” and clicked "borrow". As soon as I heard “produced by scholastic” I knew what I had gotten myself into. My decision to stick it out was the right one! Afia is 16 year old girl who sees life from her small perspective in Dafra. She longs to see more and do more, but her twin sister wants to fulfill their role at the family shop. The story follows Afia as she learns to see past her fear and come to terms with the life she now lives. What life is that? Well, read and you’ll see.
The Alice in the Wonderland aspect of it was woven into the book in a way that's obvious but not annoyingly so. You kind of get excited when you see how the cat, queen, or caterpillar is portrayed in Araujo’s world. The tone was fun and lighthearted while the themes of the book feel mature in a way. The perfect “coming-of-age” story. I took a step back into the books I used to read, and do not regret it at all. I can see this being some kids' entry into reading for fun.
“If you can blame yourself for your mistakes, then you can at least give yourself credit for your triumphs."
February 15, 2026
૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა sometimes you just want to connect with your inner child and reach for that feeling of sitting in your favorite corner of your sixth grade classroom huddled up with your friends, reading your latest library book pick ♡
i would've adored this as a kid! it's so charming and deeply validating of children and their inner emotional worlds in a way that feels sincere rather than overly sentimental.
based off of historical west african dynasties this was stunning to look at. unique nods to alice in wonderland but i felt a bit of peter pan as well. stay in neverland and never grow up!! ~ i would’ve loved for this to be even more whimsical and fantastical. the prose felt a bit safe. the pacing wasn’t great. however, this was stunning and comforting despite its flaws.
the author is argentinian! to have a non-black woman put this much tenderness, time, creativity, LOVE and effort into this story is magical ♡ !! a clear labor of love as the author has been working on this since 2012, i have gratitude for this project.
💘💌 the illustrations throughout this book are stunning and i’m pleased to see araujo sells prints.
cw/tw: death, child death, violence, abandonment
i would've adored this as a kid! it's so charming and deeply validating of children and their inner emotional worlds in a way that feels sincere rather than overly sentimental.
based off of historical west african dynasties this was stunning to look at. unique nods to alice in wonderland but i felt a bit of peter pan as well. stay in neverland and never grow up!! ~ i would’ve loved for this to be even more whimsical and fantastical. the prose felt a bit safe. the pacing wasn’t great. however, this was stunning and comforting despite its flaws.
the author is argentinian! to have a non-black woman put this much tenderness, time, creativity, LOVE and effort into this story is magical ♡ !! a clear labor of love as the author has been working on this since 2012, i have gratitude for this project.
💘💌 the illustrations throughout this book are stunning and i’m pleased to see araujo sells prints.
cw/tw: death, child death, violence, abandonment
October 2, 2025
Afia naively follows a stranger away from the safety of home in the expectation of traveling to exciting new places. She has rarely spoken to her parents about her dreams because her mother is dismissive of anything not connected to the family's crystal mining business. Even Afia's twin, Aya, does not understand the lure of the unknown and exotice to Afia's curiosity. Afia's guide to a new world betrays her to the queen, also a twin, one who pines for her sister. With the help of a ghost, Afia must resist the queen's macabre influence and set matters right within the kingdom in order to survive and follow her dream. In the process, Afia becomes her own person, not someone relying on her twin or other people to protect her and make decisions for her. Afia in the Land of Wonders is a gorgeously illustrated retelling of Alice in Wonderland with several twists, notably the setting of a generalized West Africa. Readers familiar with Alice will be excited to recognize subtly different characters from the original and to read the ways in which Araujo's tale diverges from Carroll's.
December 17, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this book. It started out strong, with a mysterious stranger and tension as we wonder if Afia will choose to leave her home and her sister. I enjoyed the oddities and parallels to "Alice in Wonderland"--Araujo did an excellent job with her descriptions and the illustrations were beautiful. I do wish, however, that Afia had more self-awareness or depth to her. It felt like as the story went on, she was just going in circles without really thinking things through (such as considering that she might need food before leaving the palace and stashing some away to take with her), which became tedious to read. I would not recommend this book to teen or adult readers, but I think elementary aged students would enjoy it.
July 20, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Afia in the Land of Wonders is a beautiful, whimsical twist on the classic Alice in Wonderland, but with a vibrant African-inspired setting and deeply meaningful messages. Araujo’s descriptions brought the world to life so vividly, and the illustrations were stunning—colorful, expressive, and full of energy. The story was filled with quirky oddities and clever parallels to the original tale, but it never felt like a copy. Instead, it stood on its own as something fresh and imaginative. The pacing was just right, keeping the reader engaged while gently weaving in messages about identity, courage, and self-discovery that are perfect for its middle grade audience. I was especially impressed that this is a debut! Grant did a wonderful job creating an engaging and magical story that also reflects beautiful cultural representation. What a fun, empowering, and visually rich read. Well done!
December 8, 2025
I received an ARC for this book and MAN I am blown away. All I really had were Araujo's sketches for the most part and still this story hit so wonderfully. You can tell a lot of thought has been put in this book and the care for this story shines through. This whole world was wonderful and anyone, not just Alice in Wonderland lovers, will adore this book. I wouldn't say that this is a retelling of Alice; it is a reimagining of the story, taking only some parts of the story to craft a beautiful new one, with more darkness than Alice, but also heart and magic. Highly recommend, especially for older middle school and young high school students with some of the more violent aspects of the story.
March 9, 2026
This book was beautiful, imaginative, and a wonderful vibrant retelling!
The story follows Afia as she sets out on her own, away from her secluded city, her controlling mother, and her twin sister. She leaves her home and ventures into a magical land full of spirits, rose gardens, mushroom forests, and a beautiful but terrifying queen. In order to find her way, she will have to trust herself more than ever before.
I highly recommend reading the physical copy of the book as the illustrations are amazing!!! Seriously, Mia Araujo has an incredible talent. The illustrations are detailed, beautiful, and accentuate the story with visuals.
A wonderful retelling set in African traditions and folklore.
The story follows Afia as she sets out on her own, away from her secluded city, her controlling mother, and her twin sister. She leaves her home and ventures into a magical land full of spirits, rose gardens, mushroom forests, and a beautiful but terrifying queen. In order to find her way, she will have to trust herself more than ever before.
I highly recommend reading the physical copy of the book as the illustrations are amazing!!! Seriously, Mia Araujo has an incredible talent. The illustrations are detailed, beautiful, and accentuate the story with visuals.
A wonderful retelling set in African traditions and folklore.
September 16, 2025
Afia and Aya are twins on the cusp of deciding what path they’ll take in adulthood. Aya is content to stay in her village, continuing her mom’s crystal business. Afia, on the other hand, dreams of venturing outside the confines of Dafra. Charmed by a shape-shifter, she makes a last minute decision to flee and follow him to the magical land of Ijabu. The dark side of the dazzling fantasy world is soon revealed. Who can Afia trust to get out?
Super captivating 𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 retelling! I was initially worried it would be too mature for my kids since the main character is a teenager, but it was fine! We all enjoyed the audio, but I do hate we missed out on the gorgeous illustrations!
Super captivating 𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 retelling! I was initially worried it would be too mature for my kids since the main character is a teenager, but it was fine! We all enjoyed the audio, but I do hate we missed out on the gorgeous illustrations!
November 10, 2025
Afia in the Land of Wonders is a beautiful and heartfelt story that feels both fresh and clearly inspired by Alice in Wonderland. While it carries echoes of Carroll’s whimsy, it stands completely on its own as a tale of self-discovery—about learning who we are, what we want, and how to embrace the journey that leads us there.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous—vibrant, detailed, and full of life. Every page feels like stepping into a dream painted in color and emotion. It’s a wonderful blend of storytelling and art, making Afia in the Land of Wonders a truly enchanting and inspiring read.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous—vibrant, detailed, and full of life. Every page feels like stepping into a dream painted in color and emotion. It’s a wonderful blend of storytelling and art, making Afia in the Land of Wonders a truly enchanting and inspiring read.
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