Martin Baynton

Taking Wonderland: The Secret of Safe Passage

4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

314 Pages – Young Adult Fantasy/Mystery

A Bold Reimagining of Alice in Wonderland for the 21st Century

It is not just a retelling but a reawakening of the classic tale, infused with fresh life, emotion, and adventure.

Step into the shoes of Ali, a troubled teenager with a quick wit, a love of science and zero tolerance for crap. When she stumbles into Wonderland, she refuses to accept it’s real – until it starts killing her.

Martin Baynton creates a narrative that connects the past and present, taking readers on a thrilling and emotional adventure.

“The Secret of Safe Passage” is merely the beginning. Join Ali as she deciphers riddles, navigates dangers, and, perhaps most importantly, discovers her true strength. With two more books on the horizon, the adventure is just getting started.

Book formats:

Kindle: $8.99 AUD or

$0.00 with

Kindle Unlimited

Paperback: $19.99 AUD

Taking Wonderland Book 1: The Secret of Safe Passage - Book Cover

Praise for ‘The Secret of Safe Passage’

“Utterly mesmerizing… a girl out of place in her own world, yet extraordinarily connected to another.”

Richard Taylor, Weta Workshop ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Baynton really said ‘watch what I can do’ in the last four chapters… WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!”

Savannah Turner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A fun, twisted tale… So much story left to be told!”

Kristen Morris ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Hooked by the time I had finished reading the prologue… perfect unity of science and art.”

onlinebookclub.org ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Wow, what a story!… Ali might start as a brat, but she evolves into a real kick-ass heroine.”

Susan ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Forget what you know about Wonderland… This takes on new strength. Uncover its mystery and enjoy.”

Tianne Shaw ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“It really had me thinking about grief, hopes, anger, sadness… It really tugs on all your heartstrings.”

Deanna Blackburn ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Love the sparky, sparring dialogue, the rollercoaster action, and the sheer inventiveness.”

Magpies Magazine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read all ‘Taking Wonderland’ reviews on Goodreads.

Listen or read a sample

[Video] Chapter 1 Audio: Read by Martin

Martin Baynton is a distinguished British author, illustrator, and TV producer, renowned for his captivating work in children’s literature and media for over three decades. Now residing in New Zealand.

  • His groundbreaking series, “Jane And The Dragon,” first published by Walker Books in 1988, has not only become a modern classic but also found a new life on screen, thanks to a celebrated TV adaptation.
  • Martin’s creative works have crossed borders, with his books receiving wide publication in the UK, US, Spain, France, New Zealand, and Australia. He has also lent his artistic talents to illustrate books for other leading writers, including Russell Hoban and Kenneth Grahame.
  • He is the creator of three internationally acclaimed preschool TV shows: The WotWots, the Kiddets, and The Book Hungry Bears.

See more about Martin

Why did Martin write this book?

[Video] Martin reveals his lifelong fascination and frustration with the classic Alice in Wonderland tales.

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