Story

Through the Looking-Glass

30 minAges 7-9

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The story

Introduction

Have you ever looked into a mirror and wondered what’s on the other side? A world just like ours, but topsy-turvy and full of surprises? Well, today we’re going on a marvellous adventure with a little girl named Alice. She’s going to step right through her looking-glass and discover a fantastical land where flowers talk, and chess pieces come to life! Get ready for a whimsical journey, full of curious creatures and splendid fun!

Through the Mirror to the Garden

So, Alice was playing with her kittens, Kitty and Snowdrop, in the cosy sitting room. She looked at the big, shiny looking-glass above the fireplace. "I wonder what it's like on the other side," she thought, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She imagined the mirror turning soft and misty, like a magic doorway. And guess what? It did! With a little push, Alice stepped right through! Everything felt wobbly for a moment, then she found herself in a brand-new room, exactly like her own, but everything was backwards! The clock on the wall had numbers that went the wrong way, and the pictures were all different. But Alice didn't stay there for long. She quickly found a path that led her out of this strange house and into the most amazing garden she had ever seen. The flowers there were bright and colourful, much more vibrant than any she knew. And the best part? They had faces! And they could talk!

The Train and Peculiar Bugs

Alice was quite astonished by the chatty flowers! She listened to their gossipy whispers for a little while, then decided to explore further. This Looking-Glass world was truly full of surprises! As she walked along a winding path, the air around her began to hum, and with a gentle bump, she found herself sitting quite comfortably in a carriage. But not just any carriage! This was a train, chugging along at an incredible speed! "Tickets, please!" a gruff voice boomed right next to her. Alice looked up, a little startled, to see a Goat, dressed smartly as a train guard, peering over tiny spectacles. Her fellow passengers were just as peculiar: a fluffy White Rabbit consulting an enormous pocket watch, a Beetle with a tiny umbrella perched on its head, and a rather portly Duck diligently knitting a long, colourful scarf. The train zoomed faster and faster, past fields and forests that zipped by like blurry paintings outside the window. Alice had never been on such a speedy or silly train journey! Suddenly, the train gave a mighty lurch, and everything went dark for a moment. When it became light again, she was no longer on the train at all. Instead, she was standing in a vast, mysterious forest, filled with giant, mossy trees reaching up to the sky. A small, persistent buzzing sound caught her ear. "Hello there!" chirped a tiny creature, fluttering right near her nose. It was a Gnat, but much, much larger than any gnat she’d ever seen, and it was wearing a smart little waistcoat! "Welcome to the forest of peculiar insects!" buzzed the Gnat, twirling in the air with delight. "Have you met my very best friends?" First, it introduced her to the Rocking-Horse-fly, which was made entirely of polished wood with delicate wings, gently rocking back and forth on a sturdy twig. Then, there was the Snap-dragon-fly, whose body was a delicious-looking plum pudding and its wings were made of bright green holly leaves! And her absolute favourite, the Bread-and-butter-fly, with wings like perfectly cut slices of bread and a head made of sparkling sugar lumps! It always looked rather hungry, munching on a daisy. Alice couldn't help but giggle, wondering what other brilliantly silly creatures lived in this amazing Looking-Glass world.

Tweedledum and Tweedledee's Tale

Alice couldn't help but giggle, wondering what other brilliantly silly creatures lived in this amazing Looking-Glass world. She skipped along a path past giant flowers, the air sweet with roses. She soon came to a quiet spot under a large, shady tree. And there, sitting absolutely still, were two rather plump little men. They looked exactly, identically alike! Both had big, round heads, rosy red cheeks, and wore funny little caps. Their jackets were bright blue and buttoned to their chins, with short, stubby legs and shiny black shoes. They were so similar Alice couldn't tell them apart! One had 'DUM' embroidered on his collar, the other 'DEE'. Ah, Tweedledum and Tweedledee! As Alice came closer, they both suddenly jumped up, bounced a little, and bowed very formally, but clumsily. 'If you think we're waxworks,' said one, 'you ought to pay, you know.' 'Contrariwise, if you think we're alive, you ought to speak to us,' added the other. Alice, being polite, just smiled shyly. Then, they both started to sing, their voices like two squeaky toy trumpets: 'Tweedledum and Tweedledee Agreed to have a battle; For Tweedledum said Tweedledee Had spoiled his nice new rattle.' Alice listened, a bit puzzled. 'Oh, hello!' she finally managed. 'Are you... are you really Tweedledum and Tweedledee?' 'That's us!' they both said, nodding so hard their caps nearly fell off. 'And are you having a battle?' Alice asked. 'Not yet!' said Tweedledum, puffing out his chest. 'But we shall!' 'It's all about this!' said Tweedledee, holding up a rather splendid, shiny new rattle, which jingled beautifully. 'He says I spoiled it!' cried Tweedledum, stamping his foot. 'But I only looked at it!' 'But you wanted to play with it!' argued Tweedledee. 'And I said no!' 'Well, it *is* a silly rattle if you're not going to let anyone else look at it!' Tweedledee countered. Alice tried to make sense of it. It seemed a very silly reason to have a battle. 'But before our battle,' said Tweedledum, 'we must tell you a story!' 'Oh, a story!' Alice brightened. 'It's about you!' said Tweedledee. 'Me?' Alice gasped. 'Yes, you!' they chorused. 'You're part of our dream!' Alice blinked. 'I'm a part of *your* dream?' 'Yes!' said Tweedledum. 'We're all part of the Red King's dream!' 'And if he wakes up,' added Tweedledee, 'you'll all go out – like a candle!' 'Poof!' said Tweedledum. Alice felt a tiny shiver. To think she might just be a dream! But the bright sunshine and colourful flowers felt very real. 'I'm not a dream!' she insisted,. 'I'm a real girl, Alice!' 'Nonsense!' they both said. 'You're a figure in a dream!' Then, as if forgetting the dream, Tweedledum snatched the rattle. 'Give that back!' cried Tweedledee. 'No!' yelled Tweedledum. 'You've really spoiled it now!' Tweedledee wailed, trying to grab it. And just like that, their 'battle' began! Not with swords, but a clumsy pushing and shoving match. A whirlwind of blue jackets and little caps, all over one shiny rattle. Alice watched, feeling helpless. Just as they were about to tumble, something big and black flew past above them. 'Look!' cried Alice. Tweedledum and Tweedledee stopped squabbling immediately, their eyes wide with fear. 'It's the dreadful black crow!' shrieked Tweedledee. 'It's going to eat us!' wailed Tweedledum. And with that, they both took off like two little rockets, disappearing into the trees in a flash, leaving the shiny rattle abandoned. Alice stood alone, watching the crow circle once more before flying off. What a strange pair, and what an even stranger world, where dreams and reality felt mixed up. She picked up the rattle, gave it a gentle shake, then carefully placed it under the shady tree. With a little skip, she continued her journey, wondering what other surprises this Looking-Glass world had in store.

The White Queen and Humpty Dumpty

Alice, with a skip in her step, continued her adventure. The sun shone down, making the grass sparkle like a thousand tiny emeralds. She hummed a little tune, wondering what magical creature or curious character she might meet next. And it wasn't long before she spotted someone rather odd sitting under a tree. It was a lady, dressed all in white, with a crown on her head. But oh dear, her hair was so wild and untidy, it looked as if she’d just woken up from a very long nap! Her dress was a bit rumpled too, and she seemed to be... well, she seemed to be completely mixed up. "Oh, dear," said Alice, walking a little closer. "Are you alright?" The lady looked up, her eyes wide and a bit confused. "My dear child," she said, "I'm dreadfully tired. I've been running and running, just to stand still!" Alice blinked. "Running to stand still?" she repeated, puzzled. "Yes, exactly!" the Queen exclaimed, standing up with a wobble. "It's a very difficult race, you know. I'm the White Queen, by the way. And you are...?" "I'm Alice," she replied. "But why were you running to stand still?" The White Queen sighed. "Oh, it's all part of living backwards, you see. I remember things before they happen! It's very convenient, but also rather confusing." "You remember things before they happen?" Alice asked, her eyes wide with wonder. "Of course!" said the Queen. "For instance, I remember you helping me tidy my hair later this afternoon. And I remember having a delicious jam tart for tea tomorrow!" Alice shook her head gently. "But how can you remember something that hasn't happened yet?" "Ah, that's the trick, my dear," the Queen said, with a wise little nod. "Sometimes, you just have to believe impossible things. Why, I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!" Alice tried to imagine remembering breakfast before she’d even gone to sleep, or knowing what toys she’d play with before she’d even decided. It sounded like a lot of fun, but also very complicated! The White Queen then started to get ready to run again. "Oh, dear, I must go! I'm needed somewhere, but I can't quite remember where or why. It will come to me when it's already happened, I suppose!" And with a flurry of white fabric, she seemed to float away, rather than run, disappearing behind a hedge. Alice stood there for a moment, giggling. The White Queen was truly a marvel, full of funny ideas and backward memories. She wondered what else this magical land held. Alice continued her stroll, feeling a little lighter after her chat with the peculiar Queen. She soon came to a place where a very tall, narrow wall stretched across the green landscape. And perched right on top of it, quite precariously, was a very large, round... egg! But this wasn't just any egg. It had a little face, with big, round eyes and a rather serious frown. It was wearing a brightly coloured cravat around its neck and seemed to be quite proud of itself. "Good morning," Alice said, a little uncertainly. She didn't want to startle it and make it fall. The egg turned its face slowly towards her. "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" it said, in a deep, booming voice. "A very fine day for sitting on a wall." "Indeed," Alice agreed. "But aren't you worried you might fall?" The egg scoffed. "Fall? Nonsense! I'm Humpty Dumpty, and I've been sitting here for ages. Besides, if I did fall, the King has promised me that all his horses and all his men would put me together again." It said this with such a grand air, as if it were the most important thing in the world. "Oh, that's good," Alice said, feeling a little relieved. "You look very comfortable up there." "I am," said Humpty Dumpty. "Now, tell me, child, what's your name and what are you doing in my field?" "I'm Alice, and I'm exploring the Looking-Glass world," she explained. "It's all very new and exciting." Humpty Dumpty nodded slowly. "Looking-Glass world, eh? Interesting. Now, about names. Do you know what an 'unbirthday' is?" Alice shook her head. "No, I don't think so." "Well," Humpty Dumpty began, puffing out his chest. "An 'unbirthday' is every day that isn't your birthday! And there are three hundred and sixty-four unbirthdays in a year, compared to just one birthday. So, I always say 'Happy Unbirthday!' It's much more cheerful." Alice thought about this. It did sound rather fun to celebrate almost every day! "Now," Humpty Dumpty continued, "let's talk about words. When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less." Alice looked confused. "But you can't make words mean whatever you want!" "Nonsense!" Humpty Dumpty boomed. "The question is, which is to be master—that's all." He squinted at her. "You look rather puzzled, child. Perhaps you've never had to grapple with the meaning of words. Let me explain a poem for you. Have you heard of 'Jabberwocky'?" Alice shook her head again. "Ah, a magnificent poem! Let me tell you about some of the words." He cleared his throat. "'Brillig' means four o'clock in the afternoon, when you begin broiling things for dinner. And 'slithy' means lithe and slimy, like a creature that can slide about. And 'toves' are like badgers, but they have smooth white hair and live on cheese!" Alice tried to picture a 'slithy tove' with smooth white hair, eating cheese. It sounded very silly and wonderful. "You see?" Humpty Dumpty said proudly. "Words are very useful if you know how to command them." Alice giggled. "They certainly are when you explain them like that!" "Indeed," Humpty Dumpty declared. "Now, I believe it's time for me to have my elevenses, which is a little snack at eleven o'clock. And then, perhaps, a short nap. Sitting on a wall is hard work, you know." Alice smiled. "Well, it was lovely to meet you, Humpty Dumpty." "And you too, Alice!" he called after her, as she began to walk on. "Don't forget to say 'Happy Unbirthday'!" As Alice walked away, she couldn't help but wonder about all the strange and wonderful rules of this Looking-Glass world. First, a Queen who remembered things backwards, and now an egg who decided what words meant! It was all very topsy-turvy, but she was having a truly grand time. She looked back at Humpty Dumpty, still perched bravely on his wall, hoping he wouldn't wobble too much.

Words and Wobbly Knights

Alice waved goodbye to Humpty Dumpty, still chuckling about his ideas of words. She wondered if all the grown-ups in Looking-Glass Land had such peculiar ways of thinking! But she didn't have long to wonder, because her journey was calling her onwards. She skipped along a little path, past bright red poppies and tall bluebells, the sun warm on her face. The air smelled of sweet grass and something faintly honey-like. It was a lovely day for an adventure. Suddenly, a strange clatter and thumping sound caught her ear. What could that be? Through the trees, she saw a most unusual sight. A knight, dressed in shining armour, but oh dear, he looked rather wobbly! He was riding a horse, but it seemed he spent more time *off* the horse than on it. Every few steps, he’d sway, then lean, and then… *thump*! He’d be on the ground, his shiny helmet rolling away like a lost football. Alice rushed over to help him up. 'Are you alright?' she asked, trying very hard not to giggle. The Knight, who had a kind, dreamy face, smiled at her. 'Perfectly fine, my dear! Just inventing a new way to dismount! Very efficient, you see, though perhaps a little startling for the horse.' He dusted himself off, his armour making a funny clinking sound. 'I am the White Knight, at your service, and I do believe you are a White Pawn, aren't you?' Alice nodded. 'Yes, I think so! I'm Alice.' 'Splendid!' said the Knight. 'We're all heading towards the Eighth Square, you know. That's where you become a Queen!' His eyes sparkled with excitement at the thought. 'But it's a rather long journey, and there are many dangers. That's why I've invented so many useful things!' He showed her his horse, which was laden with all sorts of funny contraptions. There was a little mousetrap tied to the saddle, 'to catch mice, of course, should they try to eat the horse's dinner!' There was a beehive, hanging precariously, 'for fresh honey, naturally!' And then, his favourite, a little upside-down box. 'This,' he explained, 'is for carrying butter! Because you never know when you might need to butter a slice of bread on a long journey!' Alice thought it all sounded very impractical, but she didn't want to hurt his feelings. He was so very cheerful, even though his inventions seemed to cause him more trouble than they solved. He even had special anklets on his horse, 'to prevent its hooves from slipping into the teapot.' Alice wasn't quite sure what that meant, but she nodded politely. As they walked along, the White Knight kept falling off his horse. Sometimes he’d fall forwards, sometimes backwards, and once he even landed in a large bush, which made a rustling sound like a giant hedgehog! Each time, Alice would help him up, and he’d thank her kindly, as if falling off was all part of the grand plan. He told her about his plans to make an 'invisible pudding' and a special 'ankle-guard' for his horse, which he was very proud of. Then, he started to sing a long, rambling song. 'I'll sing you a song,' he said, 'but it's a very long one, and I keep forgetting the words.' He sang about an old man sitting on a gate, and how nobody knew what he was thinking. The song went on and on, with lots of funny verses, and the Knight kept forgetting bits and mixing them up. Alice listened patiently, sometimes helping him remember a line or two. It was a sweet, if slightly confusing, song. 'You know,' the Knight said, after finishing his song with a flourish, 'it's all about moving from one square to the next. Just like a game of chess! You're a little pawn now, but soon, you'll be a Queen!' He pointed across a wide, green field. 'See that next ditch? That's the boundary of the Sixth Square! And after that, just two more to go!' They continued their journey, the Knight still wobbling but ever so friendly. They crossed little streams and climbed over gentle hills. Alice felt quite safe with him, despite his clumsiness. He wasn't like the other peculiar characters she'd met; he was simply a kind, slightly muddled knight, doing his best. Suddenly, the path grew very wide, and the trees opened up into a beautiful, sunny field, much larger than any she had seen before. It shimmered in the distance. The Knight pointed with his sword, which he nearly dropped. 'Look!' he cried, his voice full of joy. 'The Eighth Square! You've made it, little pawn! You've made it to the very last square!' Alice looked ahead. The field seemed to stretch out like a carpet of green, waiting for her. She had journeyed so far, through gardens and trains, past peculiar twins and an egg that talked about words. And now, the Eighth Square! She took a deep breath, her heart thumping with anticipation. What would happen now? What would it be like to finally become a Queen?

Queen Alice's Grand Finale

And with a little *pop* and a shimmer, Alice found herself sitting on a grand throne! She was in the Eighth Square, and she was a Queen! Her simple dress had transformed into a flowing white silk gown, a sparkling crown resting gently on her head. It felt quite heavy, but also rather grand.

Outro

And what grand adventures it might hold! Thank you so much for joining us today on our journey Through the Looking-Glass. We hope you've enjoyed our little tale. Don't forget, you can always imagine your own marvellous worlds, full of talking animals and hidden treasures. Let Sonacasts know if you have any feedback – we'd love to hear from you! Until next time, keep exploring, and keep dreaming. Goodbye!