Paper Summary:

This book examines, compares, and analyzes two famous examples of fantasy literature for children, J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland." Both novels create a fantasy that allows the authors to transpose the reader in a supernatural environment. The plots of both books are described as are the roles of certain mythological and supernatural creatures. The reviewer also points out how the protagonists of both novels are young teenagers, struggling with the issues of this age. Additionally, the paper notes how, in both novels, there always is a strong connection with the real world. The paper concludes by stating that despite some differences in their approach to the supernatural in the stories, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and "Alice in Wonderland" are examples of fantasy literature for children.

From the Paper:

"Both books start in a similar manner by making the reader face the magic and creating a fantasy that allows the authors to transpose the reader in a supernatural environment. In Alice in Wonderland, the connection with the fantasy world is done through the rabbit hole, although there are several real life elements that lead up to that. The beginning of the book does not anticipate the fantastical continuation of the story: Alice and her sister are sitting on a riverbank and her sister is reading a book. However, the apparition of the rabbit complaining about running late is essential in announcing the fantasy that is about to develop: the rabbit can talk. Elements such as the key by the glass table and bottle labeled "drink me" are further instruments by which the author is brining the reader closer to the fantasy world, in which Alice enters by going down the rabbit hole."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. New York: Dover Publications, 1993.
• Rowling, J.k. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. New York: Scholastic Publications, 1998

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