Most adults know the story of Alice following the white rabbit into a rabbit hole and finding herself in Wonderland. The story is not necessarily so well known to today’s children. This audio book is a delightful way to become acquainted with the rabbit, the Queen of Hearts who wants everybody’s head chopped off, and the Duchess whose baby turns into a pig and many others. The story is old-fashioned but still retains appeal through being outrageously wacky.Wonderland is a bizarre trip where nothing is as it seems and everything is jumbled up and unexpected. The Cheshire cat, whose head materialises in mid-air, for example and the Mad Hatter’s eternal tea party.

The story was adapted for this audio in 1996 and performed by Susan Jameson, who narrates and reads the voice of Alice. Jameson is a stage and television actor. The voices of the other characters are performed by James Saxon. He too was a television and stage actor (including a role in Dr Who) before his death in 2003. They create a lively version of the story, bringing the characters to life. A very enjoyable listening experience. Most suited to the 9-12 audience though older children may well enjoy it too.

2008-04-29