Did you know that former Disneyland cast member Sara Ella, who played Alice, just released a retelling of Alice in Wonderland? Yes, that’s right! Alice herself wrote a book about Wonderland! Author Sara Ella was kind enough to answer a few questions about The Wonderland Trials:

Other than Alice, who’s your favorite character in The Wonderland Trials?

I feel like it’s no longer a spoiler to say Chess Shire, but to be safe I won’t say why. 😉

I’ll also say Madi Hatter because she’s the opposite of me and reminds me of one of my dear friends who always makes me feel bold and brave when she’s around.

And then I have to mention Charlotte. As a mom, I relate a lot to her character.

I guess that’s more than one, haha. I love them all!

You used to be Alice at Disneyland. How did your experience in that role shape the Alice character in The Wonderland Trials?

I’ve always had a love for Alice’s character and curiosity. I think the biggest similarity between Disney’s Alice and mine is that they are both no-nonsense characters.

My time at Disney feels like another lifetime now. I guess part of me missed being in that world and I wanted to create one of my own. And thus The Wonderland Trials was born.

It’s obvious from reading your first four books that you write the goal of impacting readers—not just entertaining them. What do you hope your readers will gain from your book?

Wow. That means the world to me. Thank you.

With this book I hope those readers who may feel alone or have trouble making friends will feel seen. I hope they find their own version of “found family” like Alice does in the book.

Most of all, I hope this book inspires readers to believe in impossible, unseen things.

Thanks for talking, Sara! I loved reading The Wonderland Trials and can’t wait for my next trip to Wonderland.

Enter our Alice in Wonderland giveaway by August 30, 2022 for a chance to win The Wonderland Trials and this adorable backpack!