There ain't nothing wrong with a good, purposeful double dip!
While I don't recommend reading this with little kids, the 8- to 10-year range is, I think, the perfect window for formal introduction to Alice. Another of this book's tremendous gifts to readers is its layering, inherent to many of the best of the books: while I still get something new from it each time I read and, in my typical way, have a tendency to, if anything, over-analyse, a kid can read or hear this book initially and superficially and still fall completely under its spell ... er, wonder. This book is not a drug trip. This book is not a some pedophilic dream (this is the saddest of its interpretations). This book is, first and ultimately, a book written for children and, believe it or not (read with me and you may see it more clearly), by a child.
If you do have the grand occasion to read this with or to kids, skip the annotated editions. Get a copy with the original illustrations and no superfluous references. Sit on a couch with a blanket and snacks. Nestle in. Fall in. Enjoy.
While I don't recommend reading this with little kids, the 8- to 10-year range is, I think, the perfect window for formal introduction to Alice. Another of this book's tremendous gifts to readers is its layering, inherent to many of the best of the books: while I still get something new from it each time I read and, in my typical way, have a tendency to, if anything, over-analyse, a kid can read or hear this book initially and superficially and still fall completely under its spell ... er, wonder. This book is not a drug trip. This book is not a some pedophilic dream (this is the saddest of its interpretations). This book is, first and ultimately, a book written for children and, believe it or not (read with me and you may see it more clearly), by a child.
If you do have the grand occasion to read this with or to kids, skip the annotated editions. Get a copy with the original illustrations and no superfluous references. Sit on a couch with a blanket and snacks. Nestle in. Fall in. Enjoy.
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| cover, 1898 edition |
favourite book of all time. it's like an escape every time i read it.
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