Jabberwock This Way | Alice in Wonderland Playlist

OH NO! Alice accidentally summoned the Jabberwock who’s causing chaos across Wonderland. She’s frantic to banish the bullying beast when the Cheshire Cat pops in to lend a paw or… tail? Can this feline mischief-maker help Alice and her friends find a way out of this monster jam? Purrrhaps. Or, maybe what’s called for is a little curiosity and self-discovery to show Alice she already glows with the power to send the creature back to his home.

This reimagined Lewis Carroll portal fantasy tale, Jabberwock This Way, is a Dorktales Classic.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/jabberwock-this-way/

FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/ 

• WONDERLAND PLAYLIST: https://jonincharacter.com/wonderland-podcast-playlist-for-kids/ 
• COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/dorktalesWonderland 
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep64freeFDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: Jabberwock This Way is a reimagined story inspired by the poem "Jabberwocky" from Lewis Carroll's classic, Through the Looking Glass. This adventure explores how feelings of fear, shame, and self-doubt can grow after making a mistake. With the encouragement of trusted friends, Alice learns to challenge her negative self-talk, recognize her own strengths, and remember that asking for help is a sign of courage. Ultimately, she discovers that self-confidence, kindness, and believing in herself are the real sources of her greatest power. 

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, edited and produced by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Sabrina Glow for voicing the character, Alice. All other characters performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Try the Double 0 Quills I SPY game challenge on our Dorktales fan page: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/

Transcript

Jonathan 0:31

Hello, Dork Squad. I'm Jonathan Cormur, and you're listening to Dork Tales Storytime, the podcast for kids and their pop culture-loving grown-ups.

Theme Song 0:43

It's a beautiful day for a story, adventure, and glory, new friends and old ones too. It's an excellent day to get swept away in a tale, so let us regale

Alice is in Trouble

Theme Song 0:56

you.  

Jonathan 1:08

Alice?

Redge 1:09

Oh, what a lovely surprise!

Alice 1:12

I'm sorry to say the reason I'm here is not particularly lovely, Redge.

Redge 1:16

Oh my.

Jonathan 1:18

What's wrong?

Alice 1:19

Oh, Jonathan, sometimes it feels like everything.

Redge 1:23

Oh, well, I get you there.

Jonathan 1:25

Oh, let's start from the beginning, Alice. Would you be able to share a bit more as to why you're upset?

Alice 1:32

I suppose so.

Redge 1:33

Righto! Trust me, you're in good hands with Jonathan as your guide.

Alice 1:38

Okay. Well, earlier today I went back to Wonderland. Or Slumberland as we like to call it, Redge.

Redge 1:46

Oh! Did you see the Queen of Hearts?

Jonathan 1:49

Yeah, how's she doing? Still sending her subjects, uh, off to their beds?

Alice 1:56

Oh, that's just the problem, Jonathan! They're staying in their beds!

Redge 2:01

No playing croquet, or even painting white flowers red?

Alice 2:06

None! The Queen told me, ever since my last visit, that there's been a monster on the loose in Wonderland called the Jabberwock!

Redge 2:18

The Jabberwock? Sounds silly.

Alice 2:22

I thought so too. At first.

Redge 2:26

At first?

Alice 2:27

It turns out that they're a really big deal. I didn't mean to cause it, though.

Jonathan 2:33

Wait, what do you mean cause it? What did you do?

Redge 2:36

Yes, it sounds like you brought the beast to Wonderland yourself.

Alice 2:39

I did!

Redge 2:41

Gasp!

Jonathan 2:42

No way!

Alice 2:44

Way!

Jonathan 2:45

I'm sorry, Alice. I'm having a difficult time piecing this story together. Would you mind starting at the beginning?

Alice 2:53

Okay. So I went down the rabbit hole, like usual, met up with the Queen of Hearts, played a little croquet, then went to the chess kingdom to sit with the White Queen and King. They had this amazing spread.

Redge 3:07

Love a good spread.

Alice 3:09

Same. There was so much fun and frivolity, and one conversation led to another, and I got a little carried away.

Jonathan 3:18

Well, that sounds fun.

Alice 3:20

I thought it was. I was wandering the halls of the chess kingdom having a grand old time. And all I did was, you know, read this nonsense poem backwards in a mirror.

Redge 3:33

Oh dear, that's never good.

Alice 3:35

I accidentally summoned the Jabberwock! And now they're spreading havoc across the kingdom! I'm the worst.

Jonathan 3:44

But Alice, you said it yourself. This was an accident.

Alice 3:48

I'm so foolish. I shouldn't talk anymore. I just embarrassed myself. Or worse, summon vicious demons into Wonderland! And now the Wonderland residents won't even leave their homes. They're all so scared, and it's all my fault!

Jonathan 4:10

Oh, Alice. What can we do?

Redge 4:15

Yes, how can we help, friend?

Alice 4:18

Well, I suppose we should find the Vorpal Blade.

Redge 4:22

The Vorpal what?

Alice 4:24

Well, the king and queen said we need the power of a Vorpal Blade. Whatever that means.

Jonathan 4:32

Maybe it can cut a rift between dimensions and send the Jabberwock home.

Alice 4:36

Or maybe it can cut my words off so I don't embarrass myself or ruin anyone's day anymore.

Redge 4:43

Oh come now, Alice. Let's head back to Wonderland and see what we can find.

Jonathan 4:48

Yes, we're off.

Redge 4:50

Let's not be late for this very important date. Jonathan, welcome to Wonderland.

Jonathan 4:58

Wow! It's just as magnificent as you both described.

Alice 5:03

Notice anything different?

Redge 5:05

Hmm, let's see. The large flowers are all in order. Oh, and that delightful looking tea party over there.

Alice 5:13

But did you notice there's nobody among the flowers or drinking the tea?

Jonathan 5:18

Oh yes. I thought there was a suspicious silence.

Alice 5:22

This is just what happens when you let Alice

Cheshire Cat Leads the Way

Alice 5:25

have fun.    

Cheshire Cat 5:26

Oh come now. Don't be so hard on yourself, Alice. You're perfect.

Redge 5:34

Oh my!

Jonathan 5:36

Who are you?

Alice 5:37

Cheshire Cat! You've returned!

Cheshire Cat 5:40

I didn't go anywhere. Just found a sunny spot and took a little uh cat nap.

Alice 5:49

Guys, this is my friend, the Cheshire Cat Cat! He's helped me in Wonderland before.

Jonathan 5:54

Oh pleased to meet you. I wish I could say the same, but Wonderland is particularly unpleasant right now.

Alice 6:05

Oh, Cheshire Cat ! Do you know where the Vorpal Blade is?

Redge 6:10

And uh what it does?

Cheshire Cat 6:12

Hmm. I think I saw it this way.

Redge 6:17

All right then. And they're off to the right

Cheshire Cat 6:20

or maybe I saw it that way.

Alice 6:23

Huh?

Redge 6:24

Alright, enough nonsense. There's a monster on the loose cat.

Cheshire Cat 6:29

Oops. Sorry. I seem to have forgotten.

Redge 6:34

Oh, you're not contrite?

Cheshire Cat 6:37

Perhaps I'm not. Or perhaps I am.

Alice 6:41

This is just maddening.

Cheshire Cat 6:44

Everyone's a little mad here.

Jonathan 6:49

Well, we haven't gotten anywhere.

Cheshire Cat 6:52

Or have we gotten everywhere?

Redge 6:56

Oh, you silly old cat!

Alice 7:00

That's right! You are a cat.

Redge 7:04

What?

Jonathan 7:05

Yeah, why are you smiling?

Alice 7:08

Well, when my kitty gets stubborn, I know exactly what to do to get her to perk up.

Cheshire Cat 7:14

I can assure you that what works on a regular cat won't work on the Cheshire Cat.

Alice 7:22

Well, how about when I scratch you behind your ear? Like this.

Cheshire Cat 7:28

I told you I oh, oh dear, that's good. Oh yes. Oh, that sounds really good. Right, right. Oh yes. Oh, that's very good. Yes. All right, all right, all right. I'll tell you where the blade is.

Alice 7:48

See?

Jonathan 7:49

That's genius, Alice!

Alice 7:51

No confusing riddles required.

Redge 7:54

Way to go, mate!

Alice 7:56

Now, tell us where the Vorpal blade is.

Cheshire Cat 7:59

Only for more scritches behind my ears, dears?

Jonathan 8:05

I officially don't trust the Cheshire Cat.

Redge 8:08

Who's to say this fickle feline won't finagle his way out of this again?

Alice 8:13

Hmm. Okay. Cheshire Cat Cat, I'll make you a deal. I'll scratch behind one ear now and save the other ear for after you lead us to the Vorpal Blade.

Cheshire Cat 8:25

Hmm. You have a deal.

Redge 8:31

Great job, Alice!

Jonathan 8:32

Yes, very quick thinking.

Alice 8:34

Doesn't really mean anything if I'm just undoing the problem I created in the first place.

Redge 8:40

Oh, don't you worry. We're here to help.

Cheshire Cat 8:43

Are we going to stand around sulking, or are you on my tail?

Jonathan 8:48

Uh yes, we'll follow you there, Cheshire Cat.

Redge 8:51

Come on, Alice!

Cheshire Cat 8:54

Well, here we are. Payment, please.

Redge 9:00

But it's just a pile of rocks.

Jonathan 9:03

Yeah, where's the blade? What gives?

Alice 9:06

Show us the blade, Cheshire Cat!

Cheshire Cat 9:09

It's under that boulder right there.

Alice 9:13

Jonathan, can you move the boulder? Here are your scratches, kitty.

Cheshire Cat 9:24

Perfect. Goodbye.

Redge 9:29

Did did that cat just disappear?

Alice 9:32

That's the Cheshire Cat for

The Jabberwock Monster

Alice 9:34

you.  

Jonathan 9:34

Do you think we might alert the Jabberwock to our presence?

Alice 9:37

Ah!

Jonathan 9:38

What is it, Alice? The Jabberwock?

Alice 9:41

The blade! It's all rusty and bent! Oh, how are we supposed to use it now?

Redge 9:47

She's right. That thing won't cut butter.

Jonathan 9:51

Redge?

Redge 9:51

What? I'm being a realist.

Jonathan 9:54

Sometimes it's more important, you know, to be kind to your friends.

Redge 9:58

I am kind.

Jonathan 10:00

Well, yes, I know you're kind, but you know, you could just use the whole thing a little bit tactically.

Redge 10:05

I am perfectly tactful.

Jonathan 10:06

Oh, really?

Redge 10:07

Yes, really. And furthermore, I'm the most tactical person here.

Jonathan 10:12

Tactful, not tactical.

Redge 10:14

Oh, you know what I mean.

Both 10:16

What?

Redge 10:17

Oh no! It's the Jabberwock!

Jabberwock 10:23

I am the Jabberwock. Come to spread mischief across the land. Who dare stand in my presence?

Jonathan 10:37

Quick, quick, Alice. Use the blade.

Alice 10:40

And do what?

Redge 10:41

Well, I don't know. Just swing it around wildly and try to scare them away.

Alice 10:47

Huh? It's not working! Who would be scared of this rusty blade? Oh now I've really messed up. Another one in the books of Alice's mistakes!

Jonathan 10:58

Oh, don't say that.

Redge 10:59

Yes, don't spin such a story. We love you, Alice.

Jabberwock 11:07

Three new little playthings. What are you going to do with that rusty blade? Poke me to death with laughter.

Alice 11:23

Quick, let's hide behind this rock!

Jonathan 11:25

Phew! This very conveniently placed rock here will buy us some time. Now, Alice, listen. We wouldn't even know how to get around Wonderland if it wasn't for you.

Redge 11:37

Yes, you're very smart and capable. You knew to come get us when you needed help. And you convinced the Cheshire Cat cat to help us. And as everyone knows, only a very clever person can convince a cat to do something it doesn't want to do.

Alice 11:54

Well, I suppose you're right. I did think to come get you. And I suppose I did lead the charge to find this rusty vorple thingy.

Jonathan 12:04

Which we successfully found.

Redge 12:05

And even when things aren't going your way, you know you always have good friends like Jonathan and me to support you.

Alice 12:13

Huh. Yeah. I guess that makes sense.

Redge 12:17

And if you think about it, you are also the reason for everything good that happened today, too.

Jonathan 12:23

You led us through all of our challenges.

Alice 12:26

You're right. I won't let a silly Jabberwock or any past mistakes knock me down for good. I'm stronger than that. And I have my friends.

Alice has the Power

Alice 12:36 Redge 12:37

Oh my, the sword is glowing!

Jonathan 12:41

And humming.

Redge 12:43

And Alice, you're glowing!

Jonathan 12:46

And rising from the ground. Oh, with a Jabberwock.

Alice 12:50

I'm not sure I understand what's happening, but Jabberwock! We mean you no harm! We just want people to be safe! Please leave Wonderland and go home!

Jabberwock 13:06

Oh, but Alice, you summoned me here, and now I'm stuck. I am lost. Far from home, and ready to spread mischief across Wonderland.

Alice 13:24

Then let me lead you home. Jabberwock, go home.

Jabberwock 13:36

Very well. I shall do as you command. But one day I shall return to spread chaos across the universe. And I wait where you would stop nothing upon a full.

Redge 13:57

You did it, Alice!

Jonathan 13:59

You opened a portal to a different dimension, just by being your bold, intelligent self.

Alice 14:05

You're right! I can't believe I doubted myself!

Redge 14:09

Hmm, it happens.

Jonathan 14:11

The best thing to do when any fear or shame comes into your head and won't go away is recognize the thought, thank the thought for being there and keeping you alert or safe, but also ask yourself: if I let this thought guide what I do, will it create the story or outcome that I want?

Redge 14:30

It's pretty difficult to remember in the moment, but Jonathan has helped me recognize and redirect my own negative thoughts too.

Jonathan 14:38

It just takes practice.

Redge 14:40

You were the power of the Vorple Blade all

Wonderland Curious?

Redge 14:43

along.  

Alice 14:44

Thanks, friends. But now that the Jabberwock is gone, where shall we go in Wonderland?

Cheshire Cat 14:51

If you don't know where you're going, any road in Wonderland will get you there.

Alice 14:58

Wait, what did you say, Redge?

Redge 15:01

That wasn't me. Jonathan?

Jonathan 15:04

Not me.

Cheshire Cat 15:06

Perhaps it was me. Is it future or is it past? The magician longs to see. Travelers from between two worlds. Jabber walk with me.

Jonathan 15:22

What was that?

Alice 15:24

Curiouser

Redge 15:26

And

Credits, How to Reach Us

Redge 15:26

curiouser.  

Jonathan 15:32

This has been a Jon in character production. Today's story was written by Amy Thompson and edited by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Sabrina Glow from the award-winning Glow Girls Sister Voice Acting team who performed Alice. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings. Reach out to us on Instagram or email us at DorkTalesstorytime at gmail.com. Find links in the show notes or go to dorktalesstorytime.com. Now, go be the hero of your own story, and we'll see you next, once upon a time.