The Road to Oz

Goodreads Synopsis:    Dorothy and Toto are off again on an exciting adventure down The Road to Oz!

In order to help the lovable, ever-wandering Shaggy Man, Dorothy and Toto must journey through magical and mysterious lands. Soon the three are joined by a lost lad named Button-Bright and the beautiful young Polychromethe Rainbow's Daughter. With magic at work and danger about, these new friends must journey through cities of talking beasts, across the Deadly Desert into the Truth Pond, and through many other strange and incredible places before they can reach the Emerald City.

Along the way, Dorothy and her companions encounter a whole new assortment of fantastic and funny characters--the crafty King Dox of Foxville, the magical donkey King Kik-a-bray, the terrible bigheaded Scoodlers, and Johnny Dooit (who can do anything)--along with old friends Jack Pumpkinhead, Tik-tok, Billina, and, of course, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the wonderful Wizard himself.

My Thoughts:

-    I'm starting to feel like the stories are the same, but with different companions and lands to visit.

-    I liked this book, but the ending was a tad boring. Ozma's party was just list after list after list. There was a lot of listing and telling, and I wish I had been more immersed in her party.

-    I really wish there was a new illustrator. I'm tired of John R. Neill's pictures. 

-    L. Frank Baum was very dedicated to his readers. They asked for more Oz, and he delivered. I really enjoy reading his letters at the beginning of each book.

-    Button Bright and Polly were kinda useless. I don't know what their purpose was. They didn't add to the story at all. The Shaggy Man was the only one who helped Dorothy along the journey. 

-    I'm not to the burned out phase yet, but I think I'm getting there. I hope Baum changes up the formula a little in the next books. 

Previous Oz Books

(covers are linked)