Is this the full original text or a shortened version?

This 2020 edition typically contains the full, unabridged text by Lewis Carroll. Because it's public domain, many publishers use the original 1865 manuscript, which means all the weird poems and puns are intact.

Can you actually color in it, or is the paper too thin?

Since it's an 8.5x11 matte-finish book, it's designed for coloring, but stick to crayons or colored pencils. Markers will likely bleed through to the text on the other side.

Is there any 'scary' content I should know about?

The Queen of Hearts is the main source of 'peril,' as she's constantly ordering people to be beheaded. However, no one actually dies, and the story treats her more like a ridiculous, loud-mouthed obstacle than a genuine monster.

Alice in Wonderland – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Alice in Wonderland

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2020

88%

WISE Score

The original trip down the rabbit hole, now in a format that lets you color the madness while you read.

Alice in Wonderland

book

2020

88%

WISE Score

The original trip down the rabbit hole, now in a format that lets you color the madness while you read.

Jump to

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Look, it’s Alice in Wonderland. You know the drill. It’s weird, it’s iconic, and it’s a foundational piece of Western culture. This specific 2020 edition is a 8.5x11 matte-cover version that doubles as a coloring book, which is a genius move for the 'I'm bored' crowd.

Don't expect a high-end heirloom volume here—this is a functional, interactive way to get a classic into a kid's hands without it feeling like a chore. If you want a book that encourages a kid to sit still and focus, this is a solid pick, especially since they can scribble on the Mad Hatter while they listen to the story.

Age Fit

Great for ages 7 to 12. Younger kids will love the coloring and the broad strokes of the story read aloud, while older kids will finally start to get the dry, mathematical jokes.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A classic story that celebrates curiosity and independence, though the Queen of Hearts' constant threats of execution provide a stylized, if loud, edge.

Imaginative

100

The absolute blueprint for surrealist literature. It challenges logic, language, and the laws of physics in ways that still feel fresh.

Safe

It's a book—no tracking, no ads. The content is safe, though the 'drink me' and 'eat me' potions require a basic 'don't do this at home' talk for very small children.

Enriching

Lewis Carroll was a mathematician; the book is packed with logic puzzles, linguistic puns, and social satire that reward deeper reading.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Surreal logic that encourages kids to question the world and think outside the box.
Linguistic gymnastics that introduce clever wordplay and puns far beyond standard modern children's books.
Coloring book format in this 2020 edition makes a dense Victorian text much more approachable for kids who need to keep their hands busy.
Timeless heroine who is brave, slightly bossy, and completely unfazed by the weirdness around her.

⚠

What to Watch For

The Victorian vocabulary can be a slog for modern readers; be prepared to explain words like 'supple' or 'pummel' every few pages.
The Queen of Hearts is basically a screaming toddler with power—if your kid is sensitive to yelling or themes of 'punishment,' her scenes might be stressful.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Alice keeps following the rules even when the world around her is completely lawless?"
"If you could have tea with any character in Wonderland, who would it be and what would you ask them?"
"The Cheshire Cat says 'we're all mad here.' What do you think he means by that?"
"If you fell down a rabbit hole, what's the one thing from home you'd want to have in your pocket?"

Deep Dive

The Logic of Nonsense

Most parents remember the Disney movie, but the book is a different beast entirely. Lewis Carroll wasn't just writing a fairy tale; he was a mathematician poking fun at the new 'symbolic logic' of the 19th century. This means the book is actually a brain workout. When the Caterpillar asks Alice who she is, it’s not just a plot point—it’s a philosophical crisis that kids actually find relatable.

Why this Edition?

This 2020 reprint is clearly designed for the modern 'active' reader. The 8.5x11 size makes it feel more like a workbook than a novel, which lowers the barrier to entry for kids who might be intimidated by a thick stack of pages.

"But I don’t want to go among mad people," Alice remarked. "Oh, you can’t help that," said the Cat: "we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad."

That quote basically sums up the vibe. It’s a great way to teach kids that the world doesn't always have to make sense, and that’s okay. If you're looking for a version to read together before bed, the coloring aspect is a perfect 'wind-down' activity while you handle the heavy lifting of the Victorian prose.

What Parents Ask

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic