Rating: Not for me

Reading Level: Late Elementary

If you’re looking for the quality and class of Chris Grabenstein’s Escape from Lemoncello’s Library, you’ll probably be disappointed by the first Welcome to Wonderland series book. 

Possible Concerns:

  • Poor relationship with teacher. One of the main antagonists is a ornery teacher with a chip in his shoulder, and the kids are rude to him. The teacher lashes out by assigning extra homework, and the teacher in me doesn’t like the use of learning opportunities as a form of discipline!
  • Lying. The hero of the story is a creative kid who can spin up a fantastic story on the spot. Creative storytelling is great(!), but this youngster blurs the line between lying and storytelling; blatantly crossing it many times, sometimes manipulating people to get what he wants.
  • Potty/Body humor. Like the Lemoncello books, there are a fair number of potty-humor jokes (particularly fart jokes). But this one goes farther with things like getting bite on the butt.
  • Inbreeding. There is reference to a dude dating his sister, (which of course grosses out the kids).
  • Convicts, stereotypes, lack of respect. A pair of ex-cons are nasty to each other & engage in some physical violence
  • Peril. At one point a grown up pulls out a gun & fires it when he’s annoyed. He never shots at a person but does aim at the main character.

The story does have some things that I rather like:

  • Positive Relationships with Parent/Grandparent. The main character has a good relationship with his mom and a great relationship with his grandpa. 
  • Resilience despite a missing dad. He grapples with not having a dad at home & not knowing where dad is or why he left. He is honest but carries on. It is a story of resilience.
  • Initiative. The main character takes action to help his family. His initiative and creativity contribute to the organization.
  • Using gifts and passions. The main supporting character has a knack for business & marketing & she also joins in to help. It’s nice to see young people leaning into their gifts & passions to make a difference and help others.
  • Cartoon drawings throughout add silliness and may encourage a reluctant reader.
  • Parent Supervision. The most dangerous part is conducted with a grown-up.

Overall, this book doesn’t hold a candle to Grabenstein’s Lemoncello masterpiece, but more liberal families may think it’s fine.