Bernard Pepperlin

“Bernard and his newfound friends—revolutionary rats, wise-cracking cats, and coffee-chugging squirrels, to name a few—will delight and inspire readers of all ages!”    —Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Medal-winning author of Hello, Universe

The drowsy Dormouse from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is transported to modern-day New York City for the adventure of a lifetime in this middle grade novel that’s perfect for fans of Stuart Little and written by critically acclaimed author Cara Hoffman.

When a girl in a blue dress crashes the Mad Hatter’s eternal tea party, the sleepy Dormouse feels more awake than he has in a long time. He wishes he could follow her and be a part of her adventure.

And as luck would have it, a surprising twist of fate sends the Dormouse on an adventure of his own, where he must not fall asleep. For he is destined to save a magical world outside Wonderland, and it will take all his courage—and a few new friends—to do it.

But in a city of wise-cracking cats and villainous weasels, where does a sleepy mouse even begin?

• An Alice in Wonderland Retelling: Discover what happens when the sleepy Dormouse leaves the Mad Hatter’s tea party and tumbles into the biggest, busiest city in the world.
• A Secret World of Talking Animals: Meet a city full of unforgettable creatures, from street-smart cats with multiple jobs to an entire underground society of revolutionary rats.
• An Epic New York City Adventure: Join Bernard as he navigates subway tunnels, discovers flower-filled streets, and uncovers a plot that threatens the entire city.
• A Modern Fairy Tale: Perfect for middle grade readers who love a classic feel with a contemporary twist, blending timeless magic with the energy of NYC.

“Bernard and his newfound friends—revolutionary rats, wise-cracking cats, and coffee-chugging squirrels, to name a few—will delight and inspire readers of all ages. New York City will never be the same again!” - Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Medal-winning author of Hello Universe

“Hoffman deftly creates a compellingly different kind of Wonderland, a place with its own set of realities and whose residents understand that, in spite of their differences, they are stronger together than apart. Everything a fantasy should be and more.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Bernard Pepperlin sparkles! Small animals—human and otherwise—will be inspired by Cara Hoffman’s charming middle grade debut." - Sherri L Smith author of The Toymaker’s Apprentice

“What do you get when you put one lost little mouse into a big city filled with singing cockroaches, hungry falcons, magic teapots, and conniving weasels? An utterly charming, delightful tale of bravery and friendship!” - Bobbie Pyron, award-winning author of A Pup Called Trouble

“A quirky flight of fancy with a rich lineage.” - Publishers Weekly

"Hoffman cleverly mingles familiar themes and tropes from Carroll’s famous novel with wry humor. A great read-alike for fans of Roald Dahl, E.B. White, and Katherine Applegate." - School Library Journal