Whatever After: Abby in Wonderland (2017) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

There are no romantic or sexual situations in this book; the focus is entirely on friendship and the magical adventure. Abby, Jonah, Frankie, and Robin focus on solving riddles and finding their way home rather than any interpersonal romance. The characters are young and their interactions remain platonic and age-appropriate for middle-grade readers. The narrative completely avoids any physical intimacy, suggestive dialogue, or crushes. The tone is lighthearted and innocent throughout the entire journey through…

Very mild fantasy violence and slapstick humor characterize the action. Characters experience mild peril such as falling down the long rabbit hole in Chapter 3 or being chased by the Queen of Hearts' Card Soldiers near the palace gardens. The Queen frequently shouts her signature 'Off with their heads!' catchphrase, but it is treated as a temper tantrum rather than a credible threat of execution. During the trial in the later chapters, there is some chaotic shouting and objects are thrown, but no one is seriously…

The language is entirely clean and appropriate for young children, using only mild insults like 'mean,' 'rude,' or 'annoying.' No profanity or even mild religious exclamations are used in the text. Characters express frustration through humorous Wonderland-style nonsensical dialogue rather than harsh words. Abby and her friends occasionally argue, but they keep their insults limited to social slights common in elementary school settings. The book is safe for the youngest of independent readers from a linguistic…

There is no use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs in this story. The characters consume magical foods and drinks that cause them to grow or shrink, which is a classic trope of the original Lewis Carroll source material. These magical consumables are treated as plot devices to solve puzzles rather than intoxicants or metaphors for drug use. The Tea Party scene involves only tea and bread and butter, with no adult-oriented references. The narrative avoids any depictions of substances, maintaining a strictly…

Themes include friendship, teamwork, and navigating confusing rules in unfamiliar environments. There is notable social conflict involving the character Penny, who exhibits 'mean girl' behavior and makes snide remarks to Frankie. Abby experiences stress and anxiety while trying to lead her friends through the nonsensical logic of Wonderland, highlighting the pressure of leadership. The story also touches on the importance of fairness during the Queen's trial, even when authority figures are being unreasonable…