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The Lost Wonderland Diaries #1
The Lost Wonderland Diaries
Something monstrous wants to exit Wonderland and enter the real world.
Lewis Carroll, author of the classic book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, secretly recorded the true story of his actual travels to Wonderland in four journals which have been lost to the world . . . until now.
Celia and Tyrus discover the legendary Lost Diaries of Wonderland and fall into a portal that pulls them into the same fantasy world as the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter. However, Wonderland has vastly changed. Some of the characters that Tyrus remembers from the book have been transformed into angry monsters.
Helped by the Cheshire Cat and a new character, Sylvan, a young rabbit, Celia and Tyrus desperately work to solve puzzles and riddles, looking for a way out of Wonderland. But the danger increases when the Queen of Hearts begins hunting them, believing the two young visitors hold the key to opening multiple portals to multiple worlds, and she will stop at nothing to capture them.
Will the crazed creatures of Wonderland escape into the real world? Can Celia and Tyrus stop them and save both worlds? Or will they be trapped in Wonderland forever?
Lewis Carroll, author of the classic book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, secretly recorded the true story of his actual travels to Wonderland in four journals which have been lost to the world . . . until now.
Celia and Tyrus discover the legendary Lost Diaries of Wonderland and fall into a portal that pulls them into the same fantasy world as the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter. However, Wonderland has vastly changed. Some of the characters that Tyrus remembers from the book have been transformed into angry monsters.
Helped by the Cheshire Cat and a new character, Sylvan, a young rabbit, Celia and Tyrus desperately work to solve puzzles and riddles, looking for a way out of Wonderland. But the danger increases when the Queen of Hearts begins hunting them, believing the two young visitors hold the key to opening multiple portals to multiple worlds, and she will stop at nothing to capture them.
Will the crazed creatures of Wonderland escape into the real world? Can Celia and Tyrus stop them and save both worlds? Or will they be trapped in Wonderland forever?
384 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2020
71 people are currently reading
3228 people want to read
About the author
J. Scott Savage
20 books535 followersJ Scott Savage is the author of 19 novels including the Mysteries of Cove series, the Farworld series, and the Case File 13 series, and the Lost Wonderland Diaries.
He has been writing books for over twenty years. His books have received various recognitions including Junior Library Selection, Starred reviews from PW and Kirkus, Amazon Book of the Month,
Barnes and Noble Select book, and several state award nominations.
He has visited over 2500 schools, dozens of writers conferences, and taught many writing classes. He has four children and seven grandchildren. He lives with his wife Jennifer in a windy valley of the Rocky Mountains.
He loves hearing from his readers at info@jscottsavage.com
He has been writing books for over twenty years. His books have received various recognitions including Junior Library Selection, Starred reviews from PW and Kirkus, Amazon Book of the Month,
Barnes and Noble Select book, and several state award nominations.
He has visited over 2500 schools, dozens of writers conferences, and taught many writing classes. He has four children and seven grandchildren. He lives with his wife Jennifer in a windy valley of the Rocky Mountains.
He loves hearing from his readers at info@jscottsavage.com
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July 17, 2020I sort of want to give myself a 1 star review because upon reading my own book, I found that I was able to predict everything that would happen. But I really love Alice in Wonderland and loved writing this book, so I'd gladly give it a five star review. Then again, authors always doubt their own work so, that seems pretty high for me to give my own book. So, maybe I just won't give it a star rating and instead say that I'm so glad I could share it with all my readers, and I hope you enjoy it!
Also, if you read it, make sure you read to the very, very, very end of the book. Like the very last page. It will be worth your while. ;)
Also, if you read it, make sure you read to the very, very, very end of the book. Like the very last page. It will be worth your while. ;)
April 16, 2020
There are a lot of unauthorized sequels and remakes of classics out there, and I understand the appeal, I really do! When you love a book, you want to make it go on forever! Or speculate about what would happen if it happened in the present day, or on the moon, etc. I mean, heck, I've redone four fairy tales myself! And written an homage to Dracula! But I'm very wary of rewrites/sequels of classics, as opposed to fairy tales, because I think all too often they're written by someone who didn't have a good understanding of the book. Sure, they loved it, but they didn't really get it. Or they hated a character or the ending, and their book is seeking vengeance (side-eyes everything written about Little Women). So, to be honest, when I saw that Scott was doing a spin on Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, I was a bit . . . wary. I loooove Lewis Carroll's books. I have the Jabberwocky memorized! I have been to Oxford and seen the tree the Cheshire Cat used to sit in, according to Dr. Dodgson, and seen the windows of the rooms where the Liddell family lived! And so when I was offered an advance copy, I . . . had to know.
WHEW.
It's very clear that Scott not only loves the books, but he GETS them. He gets Lewis Carroll/Charles Dodgson. His love of wordplay, which is so often missing from sequels and interpretations! The math! The names! The puns! What a delight! This is both an action-adventure and a wonderful exploration of Wonderland, and written with such sensitivity, too, toward the new main characters and the original characters! I handed it immediately to my 11yo daughter when I was done, she loves Alice, and I know she'll love this too!
WHEW.
It's very clear that Scott not only loves the books, but he GETS them. He gets Lewis Carroll/Charles Dodgson. His love of wordplay, which is so often missing from sequels and interpretations! The math! The names! The puns! What a delight! This is both an action-adventure and a wonderful exploration of Wonderland, and written with such sensitivity, too, toward the new main characters and the original characters! I handed it immediately to my 11yo daughter when I was done, she loves Alice, and I know she'll love this too!
January 24, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The Lost Wonderland Diaries is possibly one of the best re-telling/follow on stories of the Alice in Wonderland books.
When I came across this book on netgalley I jumped at the chance to read and review it, especially with Alice in Wonderland being one of my all time favourite books. I was not disappointed! This book sucks you in from the first page to the final sentence.
This book shows an undoubted level of knowledge and understanding by the author about Lewis Carroll and the wonderland story. J Scott Savage has an incredible talent with the same kind of word play, number play, rhymes and riddles as Lewis Carroll and really makes you feel it is written by non other than him too!
Such an incredible book that has made me fall even more in love with Alice in wonderland.
The Lost Wonderland Diaries is possibly one of the best re-telling/follow on stories of the Alice in Wonderland books.
When I came across this book on netgalley I jumped at the chance to read and review it, especially with Alice in Wonderland being one of my all time favourite books. I was not disappointed! This book sucks you in from the first page to the final sentence.
This book shows an undoubted level of knowledge and understanding by the author about Lewis Carroll and the wonderland story. J Scott Savage has an incredible talent with the same kind of word play, number play, rhymes and riddles as Lewis Carroll and really makes you feel it is written by non other than him too!
Such an incredible book that has made me fall even more in love with Alice in wonderland.
May 15, 2020
It took me a few pages to get into the story. It has this odd writing that Alice in Wonderland has too. I do like that very much, but it needs some time to get used to. Once we follow Celia and Tyrus (I love Tyrus!) into Wonderland, strange things start to happen immediately. I was SO into this story right away! I can't think of anything I disliked, honestly. I think the story was absolutely mesmerizing and so incredibly unique! I honestly think that I love this version more than the original Alice story, haha. It's such an adventure to go on. An Arithman Sea, literally feeling 'sluggish', two sides to The Dutchess, rabbit's with clocks everywhere, some jokes that were LIT, I just can't get enough of it. Every chapter had another thing going on and I thought the writing style couldn't be more enchanting than it was. Literally every page had quotable sentences, memorable characters, genious conversations or crazy stuff going on. It took me only a few days to read the whole book and I feel kind of empty now that it's finished. I can't think of an Alice in Wonderland inspired book that has outdone itself like this book has (and even outshined the original version, in my opinion!). I mean, our 'Alice' in this story has dylexia!? Amazing twist! (Not a spoiler, anyway!) There wasn't a thing I would've liked to see different. The characters felt so real, I loved the dynamics between Celia and Tyrus and I loved how they differed so much from each other but therefore completed each other in their journey together. We meet the characters we love and are so familiar with: the Mat Hatter, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, the Dutchess, the White Rabbit, the playing cards and so on, but all in a slightly different way than you know them in your heart. That's exactly why I love this book more than is good for me, haha. It's everything you hope for, but in an original way with a lot more in the most magical way possible. I'm in love!
I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for admitting me to read this e-ARC.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for admitting me to read this e-ARC.
August 29, 2020
Mr. Savage had a good idea, basing the story on the lost diaries of Charles Dodgson, who wrote using the pen name Lewis Carroll. Finding the diaries enabled Celia and Tyrus to travel to Wonderland, where there is trouble brewing and the inhabitants are looking for The Alice to save their world.
I am assuming that the author was attempting to capture the essence of the original Lewis Carroll books, to write another children’s book that could be an addendum to Carroll’s story. At times the efforts achieved their goals, mostly with the descriptions of scenes. There were some clever puns and word depictions of everyday phrases. I found these more entertaining than some of the conversations. Sometimes forced humor caused the book to fall flat and prevent it from living up to its potential.
There were many scenes when it felt like the scene was taken from the original book. Yes, the characters had changed (Celia and Tyrus substituted for Alice) and the dialogue was different, but using many of the elements from Lewis Carroll’s original did nothing to enhance this new tale. The original “Alice In Wonderland” was a whimsical story, a crazy dream that morphed into a nightmare. This new story fails to capture the original mood, and the inclusion of similar events that had first happened to Alice only made it worse.
“Alice In Wonderland” is one of those old stories that I remember from my childhood. I am usually forgiving of tales that borrow from a classic as long as the newer work has enough originality to impress me. Unfortunately, “The Lost Wonderland Diaries” seemed unable to capture that freshnessf. It is mildly entertaining but not enough to where I could picture it linking up with Lewis Carroll’s book. Three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for a complimentary electronic copy of this title.
I am assuming that the author was attempting to capture the essence of the original Lewis Carroll books, to write another children’s book that could be an addendum to Carroll’s story. At times the efforts achieved their goals, mostly with the descriptions of scenes. There were some clever puns and word depictions of everyday phrases. I found these more entertaining than some of the conversations. Sometimes forced humor caused the book to fall flat and prevent it from living up to its potential.
There were many scenes when it felt like the scene was taken from the original book. Yes, the characters had changed (Celia and Tyrus substituted for Alice) and the dialogue was different, but using many of the elements from Lewis Carroll’s original did nothing to enhance this new tale. The original “Alice In Wonderland” was a whimsical story, a crazy dream that morphed into a nightmare. This new story fails to capture the original mood, and the inclusion of similar events that had first happened to Alice only made it worse.
“Alice In Wonderland” is one of those old stories that I remember from my childhood. I am usually forgiving of tales that borrow from a classic as long as the newer work has enough originality to impress me. Unfortunately, “The Lost Wonderland Diaries” seemed unable to capture that freshnessf. It is mildly entertaining but not enough to where I could picture it linking up with Lewis Carroll’s book. Three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for a complimentary electronic copy of this title.
June 11, 2020
This book is the PERFECT Alice in Wonderland inspired middle grade novel I've had the pleasure to read. I heard the author talk about it at a conference in February, and I've been anxiously waiting to read it ever since. It did not disappoint.
Celia is such a relatable main character, and she has dyslexia. I absolutely loved the portrayal of her struggle with words and the little tricks she uses to help. I worked tutoring elementary school aged kids in reading and math for three years and came across a few who were dyslexic. I wish I'd been able to read this book with them.
Besides the lovable main character, the story was so charming. It felt very true to Lewis Carroll's world and was chock-full of word play, riddles, and quirky characters. Plus there were really fun text features that were very engaging. I found myself giggling multiple times throughout the book.
Add to all this a great plot and supporting cast of characters and this book is an all around winner. I can't wait to share it with my kids.
*A huge thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced review copy of this wonderful book.*
Celia is such a relatable main character, and she has dyslexia. I absolutely loved the portrayal of her struggle with words and the little tricks she uses to help. I worked tutoring elementary school aged kids in reading and math for three years and came across a few who were dyslexic. I wish I'd been able to read this book with them.
Besides the lovable main character, the story was so charming. It felt very true to Lewis Carroll's world and was chock-full of word play, riddles, and quirky characters. Plus there were really fun text features that were very engaging. I found myself giggling multiple times throughout the book.
Add to all this a great plot and supporting cast of characters and this book is an all around winner. I can't wait to share it with my kids.
*A huge thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced review copy of this wonderful book.*
October 25, 2020
Wowza!!!! I finished this so fast! In the acknowledgments in the back, the author mentions a conversation he had about there actually being diaries Carroll kept, & 4 really were missing! He is a genius for letting his mind go with the “what if....” this was a story just waiting to be told. I’m so glad it was told by this author. Such an amazing job. It gave me all the Carroll vibes-which it SHOULD have while we are in Wonderland. After all, it’s a world that was created by him, so the author had a hard task of trying to pull this off. Well he pulled it off, & beautifully. I think Carroll would be very impressed by this. Another main thing I loved was the dyslexia rep. Our main character has dyslexia. It’s not just mentioned once or twice & brushed aside either. It is apart of who she is. & being a kid, a very big part. Everything she has to deal with from school, to bullies, trouble w/what looks easier to everyone else, to her own self doubt. It’s ALOT. I knew a little bit, but not what all I learned from this. It’s made me want to do more research to understand even better. I loved Celia & Tyler. Tyler was so sweet, & I identified w/him a lot. While Celia is the “math nerd”, he is the “book nerd”. He loves books & escaping into them. Well he got to do that LITERALLY this time, w/Celia. Wonderland is in trouble & they are looking to these 2 to save it. I loved all of the characters, so many old favorites I got to see again by a new hand. I loved the plot, the creativeness, the adventure, all of it. I highly recommend this! It ended like there could be more. I hope there are MANY more. Soooo good! Beautifully gorgeous cover as well!!😍😍
October 5, 2020
A few years ago, I swore off reading spin-off books from my favorites. Too many just weren't true to the spirit of the original book and some even ended up ruining the original for me next time I went back to it.
I have always loved Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I know it well—too well. I wrote multiple papers on it in college and my copy is marred with highlights. So I wasn't going to read this book. There was no way the author would be able to nail a sequel to my satisfaction. But my sister gave this book a glowing review—and offered to lend me her copy. That's all it took to get me to break my resolution.
I don't regret it! The Lost Wonderland Diaries was written with a clear, deep understanding of the original. There are wordplays based on those from the original book as well as some new ones. The new characters, Celia and Tyrus, are easy to relate to. And the book even held a surprise or two for me at the end!
I have always loved Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I know it well—too well. I wrote multiple papers on it in college and my copy is marred with highlights. So I wasn't going to read this book. There was no way the author would be able to nail a sequel to my satisfaction. But my sister gave this book a glowing review—and offered to lend me her copy. That's all it took to get me to break my resolution.
I don't regret it! The Lost Wonderland Diaries was written with a clear, deep understanding of the original. There are wordplays based on those from the original book as well as some new ones. The new characters, Celia and Tyrus, are easy to relate to. And the book even held a surprise or two for me at the end!
July 27, 2020
The Lost Wonderland Diaries by J. Scott Savage
Background:
This is the second time I have released a review for this novel, and I would like to take some time to explain why that is. I didn’t finish this novel originally. I wrote a review based on the first forty pages or so and was disappointed from the perspective of an educator. I received a comment on my review soon after posting - it was from the author. He tactfully asked me to email him regarding my concerns.
I won’t go into my concerns with the novel at this time - they don’t matter anymore. What matters is the author’s response. J. Scott Savage genuinely wanted to write a novel with his middle grade readers in mind. He wanted it to be accurate and meaningful. He had a very specific audience in mind while he was writing, and he was absolutely determined to do right by them.
The two of us continued to email each other. He took my concerns and immediately set out to make changes which made my concerns disappear completely. After receiving an email about an updated version of the novel through NetGalley, I downloaded the novel again. Here is my modified review of J. Scott Savage’s The Lost Wonderland diaries.
Summary
Celia has always struggled to fit in, mostly because of her dyslexia. She often distances herself from her peers because of her struggles with reading. Unfortunately, her mother has recently accepted a new job as a head librarian, and Celia has no choice but to entertain herself in said library. She soon finds herself acquainted Tyrus, who finds himself an outcast because he would rather read than spend time with his peers.
At first, Celia wouldn’t consider herself friends with Tyrus. She just can’t get him to leave her alone. Together the two discover something called The Lost Wonderland Diaries written by Charles Dodgson or Lewis Carroll and are swept off to Wonderland to meet The Duchess, The Mad Hatter, and many others. Celia and Tyrus soon find out that they may be the only ones able to save Wonderland.
Thoughts:
It’s very important for me to state that I am a huge Alice in Wonderland fan. I love the original story, and I love how creative authors and film-makers have gotten with the original concept. That was the reason I originally requested an advanced copy of this novel. One of the most important concepts of the novel is identity. Alice is constantly questioning her identity in Carroll’s novels. She is confused because of her constantly changing size and her inability to remember things. At one point, she even convinces herself that she is someone else entirely. Savage couldn’t have utilized this concept in a better way. It isn’t just Celia who is having an identity crisis in this novel, everyone is.
Target Audience:
This is definitely a middle grade novel that will attract YA readers and adult readers as well. Students who are excelling at reading will love the adventure of this novel too.
Conclusion:
Yes, my rating of this novel is absolutely biased. It is not just about the book itself, but about my interactions with the author. J. Scott Savage is a genuinely great human being. We have had some great conversations about public education and public libraries.
My rating is also based on the novel though. This is a quick read because the action never stops. Celia and Tyrus don’t have time to slow down and neither do the readers. Creativity oozes out of this novel.
I can’t wait for this novel to officially be released so I can recommend it to others.
Rating: 5 Stars
A special thanks to NetGalley for jumpstarting this crazy journey I have found myself on. And of course, special thanks to J. Scott Savage, who writes with the intent of making the world a better place for readers of all ages.
Background:
This is the second time I have released a review for this novel, and I would like to take some time to explain why that is. I didn’t finish this novel originally. I wrote a review based on the first forty pages or so and was disappointed from the perspective of an educator. I received a comment on my review soon after posting - it was from the author. He tactfully asked me to email him regarding my concerns.
I won’t go into my concerns with the novel at this time - they don’t matter anymore. What matters is the author’s response. J. Scott Savage genuinely wanted to write a novel with his middle grade readers in mind. He wanted it to be accurate and meaningful. He had a very specific audience in mind while he was writing, and he was absolutely determined to do right by them.
The two of us continued to email each other. He took my concerns and immediately set out to make changes which made my concerns disappear completely. After receiving an email about an updated version of the novel through NetGalley, I downloaded the novel again. Here is my modified review of J. Scott Savage’s The Lost Wonderland diaries.
Summary
Celia has always struggled to fit in, mostly because of her dyslexia. She often distances herself from her peers because of her struggles with reading. Unfortunately, her mother has recently accepted a new job as a head librarian, and Celia has no choice but to entertain herself in said library. She soon finds herself acquainted Tyrus, who finds himself an outcast because he would rather read than spend time with his peers.
At first, Celia wouldn’t consider herself friends with Tyrus. She just can’t get him to leave her alone. Together the two discover something called The Lost Wonderland Diaries written by Charles Dodgson or Lewis Carroll and are swept off to Wonderland to meet The Duchess, The Mad Hatter, and many others. Celia and Tyrus soon find out that they may be the only ones able to save Wonderland.
Thoughts:
It’s very important for me to state that I am a huge Alice in Wonderland fan. I love the original story, and I love how creative authors and film-makers have gotten with the original concept. That was the reason I originally requested an advanced copy of this novel. One of the most important concepts of the novel is identity. Alice is constantly questioning her identity in Carroll’s novels. She is confused because of her constantly changing size and her inability to remember things. At one point, she even convinces herself that she is someone else entirely. Savage couldn’t have utilized this concept in a better way. It isn’t just Celia who is having an identity crisis in this novel, everyone is.
Target Audience:
This is definitely a middle grade novel that will attract YA readers and adult readers as well. Students who are excelling at reading will love the adventure of this novel too.
Conclusion:
Yes, my rating of this novel is absolutely biased. It is not just about the book itself, but about my interactions with the author. J. Scott Savage is a genuinely great human being. We have had some great conversations about public education and public libraries.
My rating is also based on the novel though. This is a quick read because the action never stops. Celia and Tyrus don’t have time to slow down and neither do the readers. Creativity oozes out of this novel.
I can’t wait for this novel to officially be released so I can recommend it to others.
Rating: 5 Stars
A special thanks to NetGalley for jumpstarting this crazy journey I have found myself on. And of course, special thanks to J. Scott Savage, who writes with the intent of making the world a better place for readers of all ages.
March 22, 2024
At Celia's mom's new place of work, she meets Tyrus. She first thought he was a book thief, stealing from the library. But it just turns out he's a bibliophile who carries around many of his own favorite books. The two of them stumble across one of Charles Dodgson's lost diaries in the library while trying to track down where a strange voice calling for help is coming from. They accidentally get sucked into the portal the diary opens to Wonderland. Who knew Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) based his stories on places he actually went thanks to mathematical doorways? But something is off with this place, Wonderland is in trouble. Many of the characters from the book have been driven crazy or gone evil. And something is attacking creatures in Wonderland. The rabbits believe the Alice will save them, and that Celia must be the Alice. But Celia just wants to get home. She has never cared for her great-great-great uncle's books, they just make her feel bad about her dyslexia and drive logic/math-loving mind crazy. Tyrus loves the books and wants to save Wonderland, but can he convince Celia to help?
This was an imaginative new twist on the revist Wonderland story. It was done very well. I liked how Savage changed characters, expanded on them, and even explained things like why the Mad Hatter and gang are having a neverending tea party. The logic and math games were a great addition to the Wonderland world (and allowed Savage to share about Dodgson being a math professor), and helps Celia show that despite dyslexia she has an amazing mind. Tyrus is socially awkward and has little experience with friends, so he feels like an outcast too. Both of them are starting at the same school and they are a good support system for each other. I felt like the mystery of what was causing Wonderland to go wrong was really well done. I'm glad I have the 2nd book in this series because I enjoyed my time in the world Savage imagined.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: The bad guys threaten Celia and Tyrus with harm, and some fantasy characters are destroyed (possibly killed, thanks to magic, even those beheaded aren't really necessarily dead). Celia and Tyrus do meet a whole bunch of decapitated creatures, but they are just fine and like trading heads.
Ethnic diversity: Celia is White and Tyrus is Black.
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: Celia's dyslexia is explained well and she talks about ways she adapts to work around her challenges. There are some deranged/legitimately crazy characters who have been driven mad by what is going on in Wonderland. The usual Wonderland weirdness is on full display. There's a husband and wife who do not respect each other much.
This was an imaginative new twist on the revist Wonderland story. It was done very well. I liked how Savage changed characters, expanded on them, and even explained things like why the Mad Hatter and gang are having a neverending tea party. The logic and math games were a great addition to the Wonderland world (and allowed Savage to share about Dodgson being a math professor), and helps Celia show that despite dyslexia she has an amazing mind. Tyrus is socially awkward and has little experience with friends, so he feels like an outcast too. Both of them are starting at the same school and they are a good support system for each other. I felt like the mystery of what was causing Wonderland to go wrong was really well done. I'm glad I have the 2nd book in this series because I enjoyed my time in the world Savage imagined.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: The bad guys threaten Celia and Tyrus with harm, and some fantasy characters are destroyed (possibly killed, thanks to magic, even those beheaded aren't really necessarily dead). Celia and Tyrus do meet a whole bunch of decapitated creatures, but they are just fine and like trading heads.
Ethnic diversity: Celia is White and Tyrus is Black.
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: Celia's dyslexia is explained well and she talks about ways she adapts to work around her challenges. There are some deranged/legitimately crazy characters who have been driven mad by what is going on in Wonderland. The usual Wonderland weirdness is on full display. There's a husband and wife who do not respect each other much.
November 17, 2020
The author/publisher provided a free copy of the book for review purposes - thank you! Receiving a review copy does not guarantee a positive review and therefore do not affect the opinion or content of the review.
For someone who admittedly hasn't read Alice in Wonderland, The Lost Wonderland Diaries really felt like I was reading the Lewis Carroll classic. J. Scott Savage captures the essence and writing style of what many of us associate with Alice in Wonderland. Sometimes it felt like there were many similar scenes, but for someone who hasn't read the original, I honestly can't say whether that would be bothersome or not.
It was predictable in the overall grand scheme of things, but I think if I handed this to middle school or late elementary school me, she would've taken the book and only come out at the end of the book.
The Lost Wonderland Diaries was a lot of fun to read as Savage has us following along Celia and Tyrus in their journey when they stumble upon one of Lewis Carroll's lost journals and get pulled into the world that inspired the classics. But unlike the classics, there is something more hostile that wants to break into the real world, and both Celia and Tyrus come across various puzzles they work together to solve so they can leave Wonderland.
The two of them undergo growth throughout the course of the story that was a joy to read, starting out as two kids unlikely to cross paths much less becoming friends. As they solve more puzzles and uncover a plot from the Queen of Hearts, they slowly become friends, recognizing each others' strengths. They go from just wanting to leave Wonderland to developing a relationship with the residents of the world and wanting to save them as well.
The Lost Wonderland Diaries is quick to read and entertaining, with plenty of wordplay and logic, perfect for younger readers.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts.
It was predictable in the overall grand scheme of things, but I think if I handed this to middle school or late elementary school me, she would've taken the book and only come out at the end of the book.
The Lost Wonderland Diaries was a lot of fun to read as Savage has us following along Celia and Tyrus in their journey when they stumble upon one of Lewis Carroll's lost journals and get pulled into the world that inspired the classics. But unlike the classics, there is something more hostile that wants to break into the real world, and both Celia and Tyrus come across various puzzles they work together to solve so they can leave Wonderland.
The two of them undergo growth throughout the course of the story that was a joy to read, starting out as two kids unlikely to cross paths much less becoming friends. As they solve more puzzles and uncover a plot from the Queen of Hearts, they slowly become friends, recognizing each others' strengths. They go from just wanting to leave Wonderland to developing a relationship with the residents of the world and wanting to save them as well.
The Lost Wonderland Diaries is quick to read and entertaining, with plenty of wordplay and logic, perfect for younger readers.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts.
June 15, 2021
"There are no mistakes," said the cat. "Only opportunities waiting to be discovered. Except for whoever thought calf's-foot jelly should be eaten. That was undoubtedly a mistake of the worst kind."
Well that was just a bucket of fun! I have to admit I didn't enjoy reading Alice in Wonderland (I know, don't come for me), but my problem with it was never Wonderland, it was Alice herself. So revisiting Wonderland with two new heroes was just the best. I loved following Celia and Tyrus, seeing them find who they really were, and becoming friends along the way.
Everything about Wonderland was just as wacky and whimsical as it should be, with some extra twists that kept me engaged the whole time. It felt like something from my childhood - an adventure with some extra education thrown in - and I can't recommend it enough for kiddos who love Wonderland in all its weirdness.
Four stars from me!
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
Well that was just a bucket of fun! I have to admit I didn't enjoy reading Alice in Wonderland (I know, don't come for me), but my problem with it was never Wonderland, it was Alice herself. So revisiting Wonderland with two new heroes was just the best. I loved following Celia and Tyrus, seeing them find who they really were, and becoming friends along the way.
Everything about Wonderland was just as wacky and whimsical as it should be, with some extra twists that kept me engaged the whole time. It felt like something from my childhood - an adventure with some extra education thrown in - and I can't recommend it enough for kiddos who love Wonderland in all its weirdness.
Four stars from me!
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
February 21, 2024
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Wonderland fans will love this new foray into the magical land. When Celia and Tyrus find Lewis Carroll’s missing diaries, they’re transported to Wonderland and must decide if they want to stick around to save it or head back to the safety of home. They encounter some of the same characters that Alice did on her journey (the Red Queen, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and more), but if anything, Wonderland seems even a bit madder than it did when Alice was there. Since Celia is dyslexic, being transported to a world from a storybook basically represents her worst nightmare, but in Wonderland she learns to trust in her strengths. By the time, she returns home, she’s gained newfound confidence and has conquered her self-consciousness about using the tools that help her in everyday life. Since Tyrus is a bookworm, the two make an unlikely pair at first, but they eventually realize that they don’t have to be completely alike to be friends. And to save Wonderland both of their strengths will be necessary. This is a fun twist on the original Wonderland!
Wonderland fans will love this new foray into the magical land. When Celia and Tyrus find Lewis Carroll’s missing diaries, they’re transported to Wonderland and must decide if they want to stick around to save it or head back to the safety of home. They encounter some of the same characters that Alice did on her journey (the Red Queen, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and more), but if anything, Wonderland seems even a bit madder than it did when Alice was there. Since Celia is dyslexic, being transported to a world from a storybook basically represents her worst nightmare, but in Wonderland she learns to trust in her strengths. By the time, she returns home, she’s gained newfound confidence and has conquered her self-consciousness about using the tools that help her in everyday life. Since Tyrus is a bookworm, the two make an unlikely pair at first, but they eventually realize that they don’t have to be completely alike to be friends. And to save Wonderland both of their strengths will be necessary. This is a fun twist on the original Wonderland!
April 3, 2020
As a fan of Lewis Carrol, curiosity drew me to this title. I recently read Alice in Wonderland with my high school daughter from a British literary standpoint, so it was fun to reenter the world of Wonderland with child like wonder. Scott Savage brings the world back to life in a fun and imaginative way. I loved all of his references to other great literature like A Wrinkle in Time, The Hobbit, and the Harry Potter books.
Two unlikely friends, Celia and Tyrus, stumble upon some lost diaries of Charles Dodgson, aka Lewis Carrol, and get transported to Wonderland, but things have changed. Just like the original Alice, this book is strange and can be dark at times. However, the light that shines through the beauty of Celia and Tyrus working together to save Wonderland surpasses it.
Scott Savage is a clever wordsmith and brings so much fun and whimsy to this tale. I can't wait to share it with my kids!
I received this book from Netgalley for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Two unlikely friends, Celia and Tyrus, stumble upon some lost diaries of Charles Dodgson, aka Lewis Carrol, and get transported to Wonderland, but things have changed. Just like the original Alice, this book is strange and can be dark at times. However, the light that shines through the beauty of Celia and Tyrus working together to save Wonderland surpasses it.
Scott Savage is a clever wordsmith and brings so much fun and whimsy to this tale. I can't wait to share it with my kids!
I received this book from Netgalley for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
January 28, 2022
I was so engaged in this books just as I was with mysteries of cove books. The story encouraged me to approach difficult situations and challenges with a more creative and logical Outlook. Savage's take on the wonderland story was definitely different then most wonderland books and I was not expecting that twist at the end. Through this book I was shown, that it's ok to be different when it comes to your intelligence. even thouy I may be a slow reader bad at spelling and tend to mix up my sentences, or numbers chart graphs and other equations tend to not make since to me and get all jumbled up in my head, it doesn't make me any less smarter. Everyone is different and has something that makes them fee less then everyone else. The two main character show that even though they have weakness in some subject they are still smart and that it's ok to embrace your difference from others. It ok to have to slow down and rely on thing most would not have to. This book is great for children and adults (like me) who struggles with certain educational and development skills. I was able to relate to the characters so much and was really up lifted from their journey. Just like his other books Savage took a simple story and made you sit at the edge of your chair as you watch the characters you relate to learn grow and overcome the things that keep them from loving ang except themselves for who they are and what they can do while getting stronger each step of the way.
November 19, 2020
I enjoyed this book from page one all the way to the end of the book! If you love Alice in Wonderland, then this is the book for you! Celia and Tyrus are outcasts that meet in a library, which forces them to go on an adventure similar to the movie Page Master. But in Wonderland. I was engaged through the entire book as wonderland's character came into contact with Celia, the math buff, and Tyrus, the bookworm.
August 28, 2020
Very fun tribute to Alice in Wonderland in which two kids go back to Wonderland where they find it in not so great condition and have to save it!
May 17, 2022
Super cute and a good (but not overbearing) moral.
August 22, 2020
I was able to preread this book and found it to be delightfully fun and witty. Readers of all ages will enjoy this book, especially those who have read the original Wonderland series from Lewis Carroll.
From the point of view of a dyslexia therapist, I think that individuals with dyslexia will find that J. Scott Savage has worked hard to accurately portray the dyslexia of one of the characters in this book and dyslexic students will be delighted to see themselves represented and see their strengths used to solve many of the riddles within this book.
Definitely check out this book!
From the point of view of a dyslexia therapist, I think that individuals with dyslexia will find that J. Scott Savage has worked hard to accurately portray the dyslexia of one of the characters in this book and dyslexic students will be delighted to see themselves represented and see their strengths used to solve many of the riddles within this book.
Definitely check out this book!
September 22, 2020
This was an utterly delightful read! I was completely drawn into the story from the beginning. I loved all the whimsical and fantasy aspects of the story. I've read a couple retellings or additions to Lewis Carroll's, Alice in Wonderland and have really enjoyed them. This one is another fantastic addition and feels like I was right back in Wonderland.
I really enjoyed how the author included information about Lewis Carroll, aka Charles Dodgson. It was fun to learn more about him. I thought it was rather clever how he wrote Celia's character with a connection to Charles Dodgson, therefore giving her more of an important role in Wonderland than she first realizes.
Every adventurer needs a good sidekick and friend, especially when venturing into a broken Wonderland. You never know what you're going to face but having someone by your side helps! Tyrus was such a fun character. He added some great humor to the book and the situations that he and Celia faced. I loved watching their friendship unfold throughout the story. It made me think of who I would want to take on such an adventure with me.
The riddles and tricks and characters and phrases throughout the book were delightful. I know I've said that word already but it's true. I had fun as the reader trying to figure them out right alongside Celia and Tyrus and trying to pull from my memory banks thoughts of Alice in Wonderland. I really loved seeing favorite characters of mine from Wonderland, as well as getting a little different perspective on others.
I've already recommended the book to several friends for them and their children to enjoy. One of my own kiddos read it as I was finishing it and it was a hit! I think this will be a much loved story by many, many readers! If you have a reader that you're looking for a gift for, I urge you to consider this one!
Content: Clean. Some moments of peril but nothing graphic.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I really enjoyed how the author included information about Lewis Carroll, aka Charles Dodgson. It was fun to learn more about him. I thought it was rather clever how he wrote Celia's character with a connection to Charles Dodgson, therefore giving her more of an important role in Wonderland than she first realizes.
Every adventurer needs a good sidekick and friend, especially when venturing into a broken Wonderland. You never know what you're going to face but having someone by your side helps! Tyrus was such a fun character. He added some great humor to the book and the situations that he and Celia faced. I loved watching their friendship unfold throughout the story. It made me think of who I would want to take on such an adventure with me.
The riddles and tricks and characters and phrases throughout the book were delightful. I know I've said that word already but it's true. I had fun as the reader trying to figure them out right alongside Celia and Tyrus and trying to pull from my memory banks thoughts of Alice in Wonderland. I really loved seeing favorite characters of mine from Wonderland, as well as getting a little different perspective on others.
I've already recommended the book to several friends for them and their children to enjoy. One of my own kiddos read it as I was finishing it and it was a hit! I think this will be a much loved story by many, many readers! If you have a reader that you're looking for a gift for, I urge you to consider this one!
Content: Clean. Some moments of peril but nothing graphic.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 30, 2020
I've always been a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland and was really excited when I first heard that J. Scott Savage was writing a new book based off the premise of Charles Dodgson AKA Lewis Carroll's Lost Diaries. It sounded like such a fun premise and I do enjoy reading portal fantasies, whether it's taking a trip with Alice down the rabbit hole, or being sucked into an unknown place. There's the hope of discovering a new world filled with magic and adventure. With the Lost Wonderland Diaries, I was expecting some similarities to Alice in Wonderland, you just have to include the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and defiantly the Cheshire Cat. While there are these elements, Savage does add his own spin to the story by having Celia and Tyrus travel to places like the Arithma Sea and Sesquipedalian Swamp. I found myself smiling and giggling far more times then I can count.
I so thoroughly enjoyed my read of The Lost Wonderland Diaries, it was just fantastic! It has this perfect blend of facts about Charles Dodgson's publications under the pen name Lewis Carroll and his life as a mathematician. A kind of mix of language and math, that spoke to my quirky and logic side with all of its puzzles and math. And the language, all these lovely big words like befuddlement and my new favorite, indubitably. Even the creative word placement on the page, how certain words were displayed on the page to convey the meaning of the word, like the staggering of one letter per line in the word "fell" to show it falling downward. Savage took all the parts from Alice in Wonderland that I love, tweaked it and added in two wonderful new main characters, Celia and Tyrus. Oh my how I so enjoyed this pair. Got to love Tyrus determination not to take no for an answer and how upbeat and positive he was that he and Celia were going to be friends. If you enjoyed the nonsensical aspects of stories like Alice in Wonderland and the classic feel of maybe The Phantom Tollbo0th, you should defiantly give The Lost Wonderland Diaries a read.
Favorite line: "There are no mistakes, only opportunities waiting to be discovered."
I so thoroughly enjoyed my read of The Lost Wonderland Diaries, it was just fantastic! It has this perfect blend of facts about Charles Dodgson's publications under the pen name Lewis Carroll and his life as a mathematician. A kind of mix of language and math, that spoke to my quirky and logic side with all of its puzzles and math. And the language, all these lovely big words like befuddlement and my new favorite, indubitably. Even the creative word placement on the page, how certain words were displayed on the page to convey the meaning of the word, like the staggering of one letter per line in the word "fell" to show it falling downward. Savage took all the parts from Alice in Wonderland that I love, tweaked it and added in two wonderful new main characters, Celia and Tyrus. Oh my how I so enjoyed this pair. Got to love Tyrus determination not to take no for an answer and how upbeat and positive he was that he and Celia were going to be friends. If you enjoyed the nonsensical aspects of stories like Alice in Wonderland and the classic feel of maybe The Phantom Tollbo0th, you should defiantly give The Lost Wonderland Diaries a read.
Favorite line: "There are no mistakes, only opportunities waiting to be discovered."
April 20, 2020
A brilliant combination of logic, imagination, and great storytelling makes for a phenomenal book that can be appreciated by all ages - I think Lewis Carroll would approve!
First, I love the premise of the book - the idea that Wonderland was a real place and that Lewis Carroll hid clues in his lost diaries to help future visitors navigate a world that has become broken and dangerous. But can Celia and Tyrus do anything to help without getting themselves killed in the process?
Second, I love the execution. Savage does an incredible job of weaving together the same principles of logic and imagination that Carroll valued in his work - capturing Carroll's style and the magic of the original Wonderland while letting his own voice and creativity shine to create something entirely new.
Finally, I love the characters and the lessons they learn. Celia and Tyrus must work together to pool their strengths of logic (Celia) and imagination (Tyrus) as they explore Wonderland to determine what has changed and how to survive. Their greatest pitfalls come when they're not acting together. And their greatest successes come when they learn to accept themselves for who they are - even those things they like the least about themselves.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to get a physical copy of my own!
First, I love the premise of the book - the idea that Wonderland was a real place and that Lewis Carroll hid clues in his lost diaries to help future visitors navigate a world that has become broken and dangerous. But can Celia and Tyrus do anything to help without getting themselves killed in the process?
Second, I love the execution. Savage does an incredible job of weaving together the same principles of logic and imagination that Carroll valued in his work - capturing Carroll's style and the magic of the original Wonderland while letting his own voice and creativity shine to create something entirely new.
Finally, I love the characters and the lessons they learn. Celia and Tyrus must work together to pool their strengths of logic (Celia) and imagination (Tyrus) as they explore Wonderland to determine what has changed and how to survive. Their greatest pitfalls come when they're not acting together. And their greatest successes come when they learn to accept themselves for who they are - even those things they like the least about themselves.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to get a physical copy of my own!
April 21, 2020
This book was received as an ARC from Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite books of all time and when I saw there was a book about Lewis Carroll's real diaries of wonderland I had to jump at the chance and read this book. Celia and Tyrus have found Lewis Carroll's lost diaries of wonderland and get transported in and realize that darkness has fallen over wonderland and it's now run by monsters. Now it's up to Celia and Tyrus to save wonderland and the real world in limited time or they will be trapped inside forever. My inner child was going crazy while reading this book and I know many of our library community will love it too.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. This is why we give this book 5 stars.
Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite books of all time and when I saw there was a book about Lewis Carroll's real diaries of wonderland I had to jump at the chance and read this book. Celia and Tyrus have found Lewis Carroll's lost diaries of wonderland and get transported in and realize that darkness has fallen over wonderland and it's now run by monsters. Now it's up to Celia and Tyrus to save wonderland and the real world in limited time or they will be trapped inside forever. My inner child was going crazy while reading this book and I know many of our library community will love it too.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. This is why we give this book 5 stars.
April 4, 2020
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for letting me have the chance to read and review this ARC. This is an amazing and wonderful story written by J. Scott Savage. I've read and enjoyed a few of his other books and I love this one so much!
Also to note here, I didn't think it was possible because of how much I have always disliked, rather strongly, Alice in Wonderland for as long as I can remember, but I have found a version of an Alice in Wonderland story that I like. I enjoyed this story so much, I don't feel like I hate Alice in Wonderland as much now and there were so many great aspects to this story. I can't recommend this story enough. I wish I'd had these books when I was younger, but hey, at least I get to read them now and I can share them with my kids as well.
I learned quite a bit from this story about dyslexia and things that I didn't even realize so this was a good eye-opener to some things and a good story to give me a different perspective into Alice In Wonderland stories that I didn't know I needed.
This story starts with Celia, who's sitting at the library doing homework and playing Minecraft on her phone etc. while her mom, who is the librarian is working and after her Mom assigns her books for her daily reading, which she doesn't like because of her dyslexia issues, Celia notices a boy her age sneaking around in the library.
Celia decides to follow the boy to try to find out what he's doing and catches him messing with the library books and calls him out on it. The boy introduces himself, his name is Tyrus, and we find out along with Celia that he's helping to shelve the returned library books because he loves books and the library so much!
Celia and Tyrus return to the front desk area and start talking and find out they're both new to the area and will both be new to the school that starts soon there so they start talking to each other about being friends and getting to know one another.
As Celia and Tyrus are talking, Celia's mother comes over and asks who he is, they talk with her for a minute and Celia decides to ask her mother if they can help shelve the library books since Tyrus likes doing it so much and her Mom gets all excited and sends them off to shelve library books.
While Celia and Tyrus are shelving the library books, they hear someone calling for help and follow the voice and end up in the office in the back where there's a chest that they have to figure out a puzzle to open it and then they go through the chest and come out the other side, falling down or is it up into Wonderland, where the adventure and fun really begins.
As Celia and Tyrus find themselves in Wonderland and meet various characters and find themselves at the Mad Hatter's tea party, you get a taste of the wonderful whimsy that comes with Wonderland and the character's personalities and stories and such. There is good and bad, both, in Wonderland, of course, and they meet the Queen of Hearts at the castle and while Tyrus is terrified of her, Celia feels like they could be friends until the Queen asks for their help with the chest that Charles Dodgson left behind because he had said that whoever came after him would know how to open the chest and save Wonderland from the haunted monstrosity that is terrorizing everyone.
When Celia says she's not the Alice, that she doesn't know how to open the chest or help, the Queen seems to lose it and through them in the dungeon and then the King pardons them and sends them on their way to find the key to come back to open the chest. They are also traveling with a companion, Sylvan, a rabbit, who was sent to get Celia to help save Wonderland.
As they travel through Wonderland, meeting others, solving puzzles and figuring things out for themselves about everything going on, the haunted monstrosity and themselves, they learn all sorts of things, have lots of fun and grow while having their adventure through Wonderland.
They learn how logic and imagination together make things better and how the two solve problems better together than apart or alone. They learn how to embrace and love themselves and who they are and to not discount themselves or their unique talents. They help others as they go on their quest to find the key to open the chest to save Wonderland and in helping others, help themselves.
This is a wonderful, whimsical, magical tale of a lovely Wonderland with great characters and a lot of good morals, lessons and things to learn and share for yourself, your kids, your family or whoever. I love these kinds of uplifting, feel good, fantastic, magical tales that you can simply enjoy or you can glean a lot of info, morals, and lessons from it as well.
Also, one of the things I enjoy looking at myself as well as with my kids or others is the reading guide they put in the back of these books that help you discuss things and further learn, research, enjoy and expound on the topics in the book as well.
Make sure you put this one on your list, preorder it and get ready for a new favorite awesome book! You don't want to miss this one!
Also to note here, I didn't think it was possible because of how much I have always disliked, rather strongly, Alice in Wonderland for as long as I can remember, but I have found a version of an Alice in Wonderland story that I like. I enjoyed this story so much, I don't feel like I hate Alice in Wonderland as much now and there were so many great aspects to this story. I can't recommend this story enough. I wish I'd had these books when I was younger, but hey, at least I get to read them now and I can share them with my kids as well.
I learned quite a bit from this story about dyslexia and things that I didn't even realize so this was a good eye-opener to some things and a good story to give me a different perspective into Alice In Wonderland stories that I didn't know I needed.
This story starts with Celia, who's sitting at the library doing homework and playing Minecraft on her phone etc. while her mom, who is the librarian is working and after her Mom assigns her books for her daily reading, which she doesn't like because of her dyslexia issues, Celia notices a boy her age sneaking around in the library.
Celia decides to follow the boy to try to find out what he's doing and catches him messing with the library books and calls him out on it. The boy introduces himself, his name is Tyrus, and we find out along with Celia that he's helping to shelve the returned library books because he loves books and the library so much!
Celia and Tyrus return to the front desk area and start talking and find out they're both new to the area and will both be new to the school that starts soon there so they start talking to each other about being friends and getting to know one another.
As Celia and Tyrus are talking, Celia's mother comes over and asks who he is, they talk with her for a minute and Celia decides to ask her mother if they can help shelve the library books since Tyrus likes doing it so much and her Mom gets all excited and sends them off to shelve library books.
While Celia and Tyrus are shelving the library books, they hear someone calling for help and follow the voice and end up in the office in the back where there's a chest that they have to figure out a puzzle to open it and then they go through the chest and come out the other side, falling down or is it up into Wonderland, where the adventure and fun really begins.
As Celia and Tyrus find themselves in Wonderland and meet various characters and find themselves at the Mad Hatter's tea party, you get a taste of the wonderful whimsy that comes with Wonderland and the character's personalities and stories and such. There is good and bad, both, in Wonderland, of course, and they meet the Queen of Hearts at the castle and while Tyrus is terrified of her, Celia feels like they could be friends until the Queen asks for their help with the chest that Charles Dodgson left behind because he had said that whoever came after him would know how to open the chest and save Wonderland from the haunted monstrosity that is terrorizing everyone.
When Celia says she's not the Alice, that she doesn't know how to open the chest or help, the Queen seems to lose it and through them in the dungeon and then the King pardons them and sends them on their way to find the key to come back to open the chest. They are also traveling with a companion, Sylvan, a rabbit, who was sent to get Celia to help save Wonderland.
As they travel through Wonderland, meeting others, solving puzzles and figuring things out for themselves about everything going on, the haunted monstrosity and themselves, they learn all sorts of things, have lots of fun and grow while having their adventure through Wonderland.
They learn how logic and imagination together make things better and how the two solve problems better together than apart or alone. They learn how to embrace and love themselves and who they are and to not discount themselves or their unique talents. They help others as they go on their quest to find the key to open the chest to save Wonderland and in helping others, help themselves.
This is a wonderful, whimsical, magical tale of a lovely Wonderland with great characters and a lot of good morals, lessons and things to learn and share for yourself, your kids, your family or whoever. I love these kinds of uplifting, feel good, fantastic, magical tales that you can simply enjoy or you can glean a lot of info, morals, and lessons from it as well.
Also, one of the things I enjoy looking at myself as well as with my kids or others is the reading guide they put in the back of these books that help you discuss things and further learn, research, enjoy and expound on the topics in the book as well.
Make sure you put this one on your list, preorder it and get ready for a new favorite awesome book! You don't want to miss this one!
June 16, 2020
Je voudrais d’abord remercier NetGalley et les éditions Shadow Mountain Publishing de m’avoir envoyé gratuitement ce livre en échange d’une critique honnête.
Je l’ai sélectionné car le résumé me faisait très très envie, un roman jeunesse avec des enfants qui basculent au Pays des Merveilles, et qui retrouvent les personnages les plus connus comme le Chat du Cheshire, le Chapelier Fou ou la Reine du Coeur, ça avait vraiment l’air top.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Note : 4.5 sur 5.
Et j’ai beaucoup aimé ma lecture. J’adore l’univers d’Alice au pays des merveilles, c’est un classique qui a une place toute particulière dans mon coeur. J’aime le livre, j’aime le Disney, j’aime le film de Burton. C’était vraiment un grand plaisir pour moi que de redécouvrir ce monde, et c’est pour ça que je lis pas mal de réécritures, c’est toujours très intéressant de voir des univers connus à travers les yeux d’un autre auteur que celui du livre d’origine.
Les deux personnages principaux, Celia et Tyrus, sont très attachants, et surtout très bien écrits. Pas de clichés, pas de vieilles réflexions ou critiques, au contraire, leur épopée prend une dimension initiatique : ils apprennent à se connaître, à s’assumer avec leur différence. Le message passé est très beau, et je suis heureuse de voir cela dans un roman jeunesse. C’est important, et je pense que ça en fait un roman qui peut facilement être étudié en école primaire. A la fin, il y a également une liste de « pistes de réflexion » autour du livre, pour amener les enfants-lecteurs à se questionner et à mieux comprendre, c’est une idée géniale (je ne sais pas si ça vient de l’auteur ou de la maison d’édition).
Les autres personnages sont tout aussi sympathiques que le duo principal. Ceux que l’on connaît déjà sont fidèles à ce que l’on sait d’eux. J’ai même trouvé que la façon dont certains sont traités est vraiment originale, on ne nous fait pas juste un copier-coller du Chapelier Fou, de la Chenille, de la Duchesse, de la Reine de Coeur et du Lapin Blanc, ils ont une vraie évolution depuis Alice au pays des merveilles.
Et les nouveaux personnages sont géniaux. Et quand je dis géniaux, je veux dire GENIAUX. La luciole et la grenouille à l’entrée de la maison de la Duchesse sont autant de personnages hilarants, et ils ont 100% leur place au Pays des Merveilles. Je vous renvoie au coin citations pour les passages drôles.
Tout le roman est très visuel, sans qu’il y ait énormément de descriptions. Je le verrai très bien adapté au cinéma en film d’animation, ou même en film classique. Même les dialogues des personnages sonnent juste à l’oreille, j’avais pratiquement l’impression de les entendre parler.
En conclusion, j’ai vraiment passé un très bon moment avec cette histoire. C’est le premier tome d’une saga, je ne sais pas encore si ce sera une duologie, une trilogie, ou autres. Je pense que je vais acheter la version papier quand elle sortira, car je sais que j’aurais envie de le relire à l’avenir. J’espère aussi qu’il sera un jour publié en France…
Ce livre sort le 8 septembre 2020, et il est déjà disponible en précommande sur Bookdepository et Amazon.
Je l’ai sélectionné car le résumé me faisait très très envie, un roman jeunesse avec des enfants qui basculent au Pays des Merveilles, et qui retrouvent les personnages les plus connus comme le Chat du Cheshire, le Chapelier Fou ou la Reine du Coeur, ça avait vraiment l’air top.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Note : 4.5 sur 5.
Et j’ai beaucoup aimé ma lecture. J’adore l’univers d’Alice au pays des merveilles, c’est un classique qui a une place toute particulière dans mon coeur. J’aime le livre, j’aime le Disney, j’aime le film de Burton. C’était vraiment un grand plaisir pour moi que de redécouvrir ce monde, et c’est pour ça que je lis pas mal de réécritures, c’est toujours très intéressant de voir des univers connus à travers les yeux d’un autre auteur que celui du livre d’origine.
Les deux personnages principaux, Celia et Tyrus, sont très attachants, et surtout très bien écrits. Pas de clichés, pas de vieilles réflexions ou critiques, au contraire, leur épopée prend une dimension initiatique : ils apprennent à se connaître, à s’assumer avec leur différence. Le message passé est très beau, et je suis heureuse de voir cela dans un roman jeunesse. C’est important, et je pense que ça en fait un roman qui peut facilement être étudié en école primaire. A la fin, il y a également une liste de « pistes de réflexion » autour du livre, pour amener les enfants-lecteurs à se questionner et à mieux comprendre, c’est une idée géniale (je ne sais pas si ça vient de l’auteur ou de la maison d’édition).
Les autres personnages sont tout aussi sympathiques que le duo principal. Ceux que l’on connaît déjà sont fidèles à ce que l’on sait d’eux. J’ai même trouvé que la façon dont certains sont traités est vraiment originale, on ne nous fait pas juste un copier-coller du Chapelier Fou, de la Chenille, de la Duchesse, de la Reine de Coeur et du Lapin Blanc, ils ont une vraie évolution depuis Alice au pays des merveilles.
Et les nouveaux personnages sont géniaux. Et quand je dis géniaux, je veux dire GENIAUX. La luciole et la grenouille à l’entrée de la maison de la Duchesse sont autant de personnages hilarants, et ils ont 100% leur place au Pays des Merveilles. Je vous renvoie au coin citations pour les passages drôles.
Tout le roman est très visuel, sans qu’il y ait énormément de descriptions. Je le verrai très bien adapté au cinéma en film d’animation, ou même en film classique. Même les dialogues des personnages sonnent juste à l’oreille, j’avais pratiquement l’impression de les entendre parler.
En conclusion, j’ai vraiment passé un très bon moment avec cette histoire. C’est le premier tome d’une saga, je ne sais pas encore si ce sera une duologie, une trilogie, ou autres. Je pense que je vais acheter la version papier quand elle sortira, car je sais que j’aurais envie de le relire à l’avenir. J’espère aussi qu’il sera un jour publié en France…
Ce livre sort le 8 septembre 2020, et il est déjà disponible en précommande sur Bookdepository et Amazon.
July 2, 2020
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
I couldn't wait to read Savage's newest middle-grade book because I LOVED The Mysteries of Cove series. He's an author that always has me rooting for his characters.
Would The Lost Wonderland Diaries live up to both Savage's reputation and the genius of the original? That might seem like a lot to ask of one man.
Here's the skinny - I think Savage is brilliant. Not only does he play with the original scenes we all know, he adds to Wonderland with a twist and new storyline. As soon as I saw the tricky numbers and hungry crocodile, I knew I'd entered Wonderland. Some of my highlights without giving big spoilers include a white rabbit (I want to pet you), a mad tea party (definitely an elbows on the table affair), Cheshire (he can come live with me anytime - I'm sure we'd get along because he knows what it takes to be a good friend), the ball (books with dancing are awesome whether you keep your head or not) , the twisty twist at the end (oh, you clever, clever author - I'll read more to see how you pull off the magic tricks again).
Outside of the fanciful plot, I loved the characters. Both Celia and Tyrus with their different interests and strengths are the perfect avatars to take us on this unique journey to save Wonderland. Don't we all live a line between logic and imagination? These two ideas come into play throughout the story as the characters work through who they are and what Wonderland needs.
I've experienced some characteristics of dyslexia: mixing up words, sentence structure, and a couple of letters. Because of this mild experience, I really enjoyed Celia who is dyslexic and great at math (True confession: I am not great at math). I worked in an elementary school art program at the class level which included children who experience neurodiversity. They have so many strengths not seen in traditional learning environments and often excelled in art. This book is a celebration of our differences. I believe Celia is a character all children can cheer for and love.
Tyrus is equally delightful because of his love of books, acceptance of others, and enthusiasm. The two kids complement one another. He is excited to be in Wonderland and anxious to save it no matter the cost. Celia is hesitant and focused on logic, ready to get home. Books are built on great characters even more than clever ideas. As Celia and Tyrus work their way through Wonderland's problems, they build a friendship of give and take. They value and respect one another. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all learned these same lessons?
Savage handles the heart of the story with a deft hand. He lets the readers draw their own conclusions. I believe children will adore the adventure, and tuck the lessons away in their heart, not even knowing they learned while having fun.
I highly recommend this book, but only if you want a fun adventure.
How will you save Wonderland?
I couldn't wait to read Savage's newest middle-grade book because I LOVED The Mysteries of Cove series. He's an author that always has me rooting for his characters.
Would The Lost Wonderland Diaries live up to both Savage's reputation and the genius of the original? That might seem like a lot to ask of one man.
Here's the skinny - I think Savage is brilliant. Not only does he play with the original scenes we all know, he adds to Wonderland with a twist and new storyline. As soon as I saw the tricky numbers and hungry crocodile, I knew I'd entered Wonderland. Some of my highlights without giving big spoilers include a white rabbit (I want to pet you), a mad tea party (definitely an elbows on the table affair), Cheshire (he can come live with me anytime - I'm sure we'd get along because he knows what it takes to be a good friend), the ball (books with dancing are awesome whether you keep your head or not) , the twisty twist at the end (oh, you clever, clever author - I'll read more to see how you pull off the magic tricks again).
Outside of the fanciful plot, I loved the characters. Both Celia and Tyrus with their different interests and strengths are the perfect avatars to take us on this unique journey to save Wonderland. Don't we all live a line between logic and imagination? These two ideas come into play throughout the story as the characters work through who they are and what Wonderland needs.
I've experienced some characteristics of dyslexia: mixing up words, sentence structure, and a couple of letters. Because of this mild experience, I really enjoyed Celia who is dyslexic and great at math (True confession: I am not great at math). I worked in an elementary school art program at the class level which included children who experience neurodiversity. They have so many strengths not seen in traditional learning environments and often excelled in art. This book is a celebration of our differences. I believe Celia is a character all children can cheer for and love.
Tyrus is equally delightful because of his love of books, acceptance of others, and enthusiasm. The two kids complement one another. He is excited to be in Wonderland and anxious to save it no matter the cost. Celia is hesitant and focused on logic, ready to get home. Books are built on great characters even more than clever ideas. As Celia and Tyrus work their way through Wonderland's problems, they build a friendship of give and take. They value and respect one another. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all learned these same lessons?
Savage handles the heart of the story with a deft hand. He lets the readers draw their own conclusions. I believe children will adore the adventure, and tuck the lessons away in their heart, not even knowing they learned while having fun.
I highly recommend this book, but only if you want a fun adventure.
How will you save Wonderland?
September 6, 2020
First off, you have to read this new book. The Lost Wonderland Diaries by J. Scott Savage is such a fun book. I read Alice's Adventure in Wonderland many years ago. Reading this new book brought back so many memories of that first read, but honestly, I loved The Lost Wonderland Diaries even better! You must also know that this is not a retelling but an adventure back in Wonderland many years later. The main characters Celia and Tyson are so relatable to kids nowadays. They are normal but also have unique situations as Celia is dyslexic and often feels alone in her struggles and Tyson is an avid reader who is often bullied because of his love of books. I love how their "oddness" turns out to be their greatest assets during the novel as they use their strengths to problem solve.
Another thing I loved so much in the novel were all of the rhymes, riddles, and math problems. As I was reading, I kept thinking about how much kids are going to love reading this book. I was absolutely intrigued and delighted with trying to figure out the puzzles. The author is so brilliant with everything he has written in this book and showcases what a wonderful writer he truly is.
This charming book will take children and adults on a great new epic episode in the land where we first met the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat. The beautiful thing is, anyone can pick up this book and have a great read without never having read or heard of Alice in Wonderland before. The Lost Wonderland Diaries brings a fresh new experience that will enchant Middle-Grade readers and teach some great lessons about tolerance, friendship, and believing in yourself.
Another thing I loved so much in the novel were all of the rhymes, riddles, and math problems. As I was reading, I kept thinking about how much kids are going to love reading this book. I was absolutely intrigued and delighted with trying to figure out the puzzles. The author is so brilliant with everything he has written in this book and showcases what a wonderful writer he truly is.
This charming book will take children and adults on a great new epic episode in the land where we first met the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat. The beautiful thing is, anyone can pick up this book and have a great read without never having read or heard of Alice in Wonderland before. The Lost Wonderland Diaries brings a fresh new experience that will enchant Middle-Grade readers and teach some great lessons about tolerance, friendship, and believing in yourself.
April 21, 2021
Celia is Charles Dodgson great-great-great- grandniece so it seems inevitable that she should be the one to figure out the clue to opening the box containing his lost diaries and also a mysterious green bottle. She has recently moved to San Jose, CA, because of her mother's new job as a librarian there. Celia's dyslexia makes the library a frustrating place to be but that is where she meets Tyrus. He loves reading so much that he brings his own books to the library. It is there that they discover the box holding the diaries. After solving the code to open it, a monster tries to escape from one of the diaries. Celia and Tyrus drink from the bottle and are immediately pulled into the book, landing in Wonderland. But it is not the Wonderland we know. This one is dark, decaying, and depressing. Young rabbit Sylvan, a young rabbit who now proclaims that Celia is "the Alice" who will save Wonderland. All Celia wants is to go home. She and Tyrus meet familiar characters who are almost unrecognizable. Challenge follows challenge. Each one leads them closer to the the true culprit behind the evil doings. There is also plenty of nonsense (sometimes morbid) to lighten the story. Celia's logic and Tyrus' imagination may just lead to both the restoration of Wonderland and making their way home. A teaser at the end hints that their next fall may be through the Looking Glass.
April 26, 2023
"What if Alice's Adventures in Wonderland wasn't something Lewis Carroll made up, but a history of what he saw when he actually came here?"
I will basically pick up anything related to ALICE IN WONDERLAND; fortunately there are a lot of modern retellings and expansions out there on the world created by Lewis Carroll.
This middle grade novel introduces us to Celia, a descendent of Carroll (you might also notice an interesting anagram of her name!), and her new friend Tyrus. The friends bond instantly over their individual quirks that have generally made them outcasts to their peers, and when they stumble upon the long-missing diaries of Mr. Carroll himself, choosing an adventure that takes them to actual Wonderland isn't much of a choice at all!
Author J. Scott Savage perfectly reimagines the fantastical and often nonsensical world of Wonderland with a seamlessness even Carroll would likely appreciate. Tyrus and Celia learn that their individual strengths work best in tandem: sometimes it just takes a grand adventure to find one's confidence.
I will basically pick up anything related to ALICE IN WONDERLAND; fortunately there are a lot of modern retellings and expansions out there on the world created by Lewis Carroll.
This middle grade novel introduces us to Celia, a descendent of Carroll (you might also notice an interesting anagram of her name!), and her new friend Tyrus. The friends bond instantly over their individual quirks that have generally made them outcasts to their peers, and when they stumble upon the long-missing diaries of Mr. Carroll himself, choosing an adventure that takes them to actual Wonderland isn't much of a choice at all!
Author J. Scott Savage perfectly reimagines the fantastical and often nonsensical world of Wonderland with a seamlessness even Carroll would likely appreciate. Tyrus and Celia learn that their individual strengths work best in tandem: sometimes it just takes a grand adventure to find one's confidence.
September 9, 2020
J. Scott Savage charms and delights with a trip back to a changed Wonderland. Two unlikely friends face an unfamiliar world with familiar characters and encounter almost impossible odds.
Savage's trip through Wonderland had me laughing with his inventive characters and witty dialogue. His vivid descriptions drew a portrait of the world in my mind while the rapid-fire action kept me reading nonstop. I loved the Vagaries, Antipathies, and Apathies especially.
One of Savage's strengths is his understanding of the middle-grade mind and his message of hope, acceptance, worth, and understanding. As a parent, I can't wait to hand this book to my daughter, who is begging for her turn to read it. I know she'll not only enjoy a thrilling and imaginative tale, but she'll learn good life lessons as well.
And, for fans of Jane Austen, there is one Easter egg quote you've got to find.
I received a copy of this book from the author as a giveaway on Facebook.
Savage's trip through Wonderland had me laughing with his inventive characters and witty dialogue. His vivid descriptions drew a portrait of the world in my mind while the rapid-fire action kept me reading nonstop. I loved the Vagaries, Antipathies, and Apathies especially.
One of Savage's strengths is his understanding of the middle-grade mind and his message of hope, acceptance, worth, and understanding. As a parent, I can't wait to hand this book to my daughter, who is begging for her turn to read it. I know she'll not only enjoy a thrilling and imaginative tale, but she'll learn good life lessons as well.
And, for fans of Jane Austen, there is one Easter egg quote you've got to find.
I received a copy of this book from the author as a giveaway on Facebook.
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