The Search for WondLa
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Children's literature, Science fiction, Fantasy |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Tony DiTerlizzi |
| Products | Children's science fiction and fantasy novel |
| Parent | Simon & Schuster |
The Search for WondLa is a 2010 science fiction and fantasy novel for children, authored by Tony DiTerlizzi. It serves as the inaugural book in the WondLa series. Published by Simon & Schuster, the novel was accompanied by a pioneering website featuring interactive content connected to its illustrations through webcam integration.
Description from the book
Eva Nine has spent her twelve years living underground, raised solely by a robot named Muthr, without ever seeing sunlight or encountering another human being. Her existence is upended when a huntsman attacks and destroys her refuge, compelling her to embark on a journey to locate others like herself. The only lead she possesses is a torn image depicting a girl, a robot, an adult figure, and the word "WondLa."
Plot summary
Having lived entirely beneath the surface, Eva Nine’s knowledge of the world above comes from holographic projections and a fragmented cardboard piece inscribed with "Wond" and "La." When her home is invaded by a creature known as Besteel, she escapes without Muthr and begins exploring the unfamiliar surface environment, encountering strange flora and fauna.
Eva soon reunites with Muthr and forms alliances with an alien named Rovender Kitt and a giant water bear called Otto. Together, they journey to an abandoned subterranean sanctuary before traveling to Solas, the royal city on the planet Orbona. Along their path, they confront numerous dangers including repeated attacks from Besteel. In Solas’s museum, Eva uncovers that Orbona was once lifeless but was revitalized by ancient beings; she also discovers artifacts indicating a vanished human civilization beyond a vast desert.
Crossing this desert leads them to the ruins of an ancient metropolis—identified as the New York Public Library—revealing that Orbona is essentially Earth reborn. During an assault, Muthr sustains fatal damage but manages to assist in revealing this history before passing away. Eva recognizes "WondLa" as part of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, connecting Earth’s history to her ongoing quest.
The epilogue introduces Hailey, a boy who arrives aboard an airship named the Bijou, declaring his intention to bring Eva back home.
Sequels
The book’s front cover indicates that The Search for WondLa initiates a trilogy.
The second volume, A Hero for WondLa (released May 8, 2012), follows Eva Nine as she discovers New Attica, a human settlement under Cadmus Pryde’s control through technological dominance and alien oppression. Reuniting with her sister Eva Eight, Eva leads a rebellion against Cadmus’s scheme to eradicate alien life and seize control of Orbona.
In the concluding book, The Battle for WondLa (2014), Eva evades the antagonist Loroc but is compelled to act when Cadmus captures Solas. With both villains competing for dominion over Orbona, Eva joins forces with nature and longtime allies to counter Loroc’s plan to enslave or consume all living beings. She ultimately outwits Loroc into self-destruction. The narrative ends with Eva and Hailey united.
Adaptation
In February 2021, Apple Studios and Skydance Animation revealed plans for a television adaptation of The Search for WondLa to be released on Apple TV+. Initially led by showrunner Lauren Montgomery with executive producers including Tony DiTerlizzi and John Lasseter, Montgomery was later succeeded by Bobs Gannaway while Bennett Lasseter joined as consultant. Originally scheduled for a 2023 premiere alongside new book editions, the series was postponed until 2024. The cast features Jeanine Mason, Teri Hatcher, Gary Anthony Williams, Brad Garrett, Chiké Okonkwo, Alan Tudyk, and D. C. Douglas. The show debuted on Apple TV+ on June 28, 2024.