The Scarecrow of Oz

Goodreads Says:    Come along on a magical journey to Oz with a whole new group of intrepid adventurers.

Trot, a young girl from California, and her peg-legged sailor friend, Cap'n Bill, find themselves on a perilous and exciting voyage when a whirlpool leaves them stranded in an underwater cave. There they are befriended by a most curious creature--the Ork. With four paddle-like wings, legs like a stork's, a parrot's head, and a tail like a propeller, the Ork proves to be a very welcome and helpful companion.

After escaping the cave, the three friends make their way to the magical Land of Mo, where it snows popcorn and rains lemonade. Here they find Button-Bright--lost once again and eager to join in their adventures.

Together, the four travel across the deadly desert and into the Land of Oz, only to find themselves in new troubles with the scowling King Krewl and Blinkie, a wicked witch. But when everything seems its worst, who should come to their rescue but the Scarecrow of Oz himself! Thanks to the Scarecrow's wondrous brains, our friends just might have a chance to prevail against their heartless enermes.

My Thoughts:

-    Scarecrow doesn't come into the story until about halfway through. He is the title character! The story should have been more about him.

-    There were some elements that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland.

-    I thought Glinda hid Oz so no one could find it anymore. Where are these people coming from?

-    Trot and and the other girl from the previous book are just like Dorothy. Why didn't the author just use Dorothy. We don't need more girls that are practically the same. 

Previous Oz Books

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Tik-Tok of Oz

Goodreads Says:    Join Tik-Tok, the Shaggy Man, and a host of other friends--both old and new--on an exciting, imaginative journey through the world of Oz.

The fun begins in an isolated corner of Oz, in the small country of Oogaboo. There Queen Ann Soforth musters an unlikely army and sets off to conquer the rest of Oz. Meanwhile, a girl from Oklahoma named Betsy Bobbin and her companion, Hank the mule, are shipwrecked and washed ashore in the Rose Kingdom, a magical land of talking roses. There they meet the Shaggy Man, who is on a quest to rescue his brother from the clutches of the wicked Nome King. Betsy, Hank, and the Rose Princess join the Shaggy Man on his journey, and before long they meet up with Polychrome, the Rainbow's Daughter; Tik-Tok; and Queen Ann with her army. The rest of Baum's tale is filled with hairbreadth escapes, wild puns, and mystifying magic.

My Thoughts:

-    I'm really surprised this book exists. The back story is really interesting. Baum wrote a play about Ozma of Oz, but because he couldn't use the original characters for some reason, he came up with some new ones. Then Baum decided to turn the play into a book. So the book is a lot like Ozma of Oz. It has a lot of the same scenarios with different characters.

-    I liked the dragon a lot. I love that there are dragons in Oz. The dragon reminded me of that flying dog from The Neverending Story. 

-    This was one of my least favorite in the series. I wasn't into the new characters, and it repeated a previous book. 

Previous Oz Books

(covers are linked)

  
  

The Patchwork Girl of Oz

Goodreads Synopsis:    In this dazzling tale, L. Frank Baum proves once again his power to delight and enchant readers of all ages. Follow the adventures of a charming new band of characters as they explore the wondrous land of Oz and discover that you learn more by traveling than by staying at home.

Forced to venture out of the dark forest, Unc Nunkie and Ojo the Unlucky call on the Crooked Magician, who introduces them to his latest creation: a living girl made out of patchwork quilts and cotton stuffing. But when an accident leaves beloved Unc Nunkie a motionless statue, it is up to Ojo to save him. In his search for the magic ingredients that will restore his uncle to life, Ojo is joined by the Patchwork Girl and by the conceited Glass Cat, who boasts of her hard ruby heart, the resourceful Shaggy Man, and the lovable block-headed Woozy, whose tail hairs are just one of the things Ojo needs to rescue Une Nunkie.

As they travel to the Emerald City, home of the wise and powerful Ozma, they meet Dorothy, the kind and sensible girl from Kansas; the gallant Scarecrow; and, of course, Toto. But no one proves more loyal than the spirited Patchwork Girl, who, although she was brought to life as a servant, is determined to see the wide world for herself.

My Thoughts:

-    This story has the most endearing characters since the first book. I loved Ojo and the patchwork girl. 

-    The story wasn't a typcial Oz book, but at the same time it is a very typical Oz book. The formula was changed a bit.

-    I loved the Ojo's motives. He worked so hard because he loves his Unc Nunkie. It was sweet. 

-    Oz is a just, kind, and understanding place. I want to live there. Everyone is happy. There is no crime. I wish our leaders were more like Ozma. 

-    I really enjoyed this one!

Previous Oz Books

(covers are linked)

  
  

The Emerald City of Oz

Goodreads Says:    Join Dorothy and the Wonderful Wizard as they take Aunt Em and Uncle Henry on a fabulous tour of Oz. During their journey they encounter such amazing and amusing people as King Kleaver with his Spoon Brigade and Miss Cuttenclip of the land of paper dolls. But while Dorothy and her friends play, the wicked Nome King has joined forces with the terrible Whimsies, the fearsome Growleywogs, and the evil Phanfasms in a plot to capture the Emerald City. Will Dorothy's friends discover the danger before it's too late?







My Thoughts:

-    I finally realized that these books are more about the land of Oz than they are about the stories and characters. 

-    I liked that this book was a grand tour of Oz and its unique and fantastic inhabitants. Baum had quite the imagination.

-    I would love to hang out in Fuddlecumjig. I'd put puzzles together all day. 

-    It was fun that Aunt Em and Uncle Henry finally got to visit Oz.

-    I liked how this one wrapped up. This story is setup to be last book in the series, but there are more books. I would have been more than satisfied if this had been the last Oz book. 

Previous Oz Books

(covers are linked)

  
 

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)

  

Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz

Goodreads Says:    Fantasy lovers of all ages will rejoice at this chance to travel once again to the marvelous land of Oz!

A California earthquake sends Dorothy Gale and her new friends--Zeb the farm boy, Jim the cab-horse, and Eureka the mischievous kitten--tumbling through a crack in the ground. Deep beneath the earth, Dorothy is reunited with her old friend the Wizard of Oz and his troupe of nine tiny piglets.

Together, Dorothy, the Wizard, and their friends travel through many fantastic lands, where they encounter the Mangaboos, people growing like vegetables in the ground; cross the Valley of Voe, where dama-fruit has turned everyone invisible; and are captured by mysterious flying Gargoyles. At last, the intrepid travelers reach Oz, where they have many unforgettable encounters with such favorites as the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger, Princess Ozma and the wooden Sawhorse.

Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz was the fourth Oz adventure. First published in 1908, it has captured the imaginations of young readers and listeners for four generations. Now a new generation can discover these superb adventures for themselves. This deluxe gift edition faithfully reproduces the rare first edition, including all sixteen color plates and all fifty black-and-white illustrations by John R. Neill, as well as the original colorful endpapers.

My Thoughts:

-    I'm sad I haven't read all the Oz books before now. They are real treasures.

-    This book was a little slower and not as enjoyable as the others, but I still liked it. It didn't get really fun for me until the characters reached Oz.

-    I really like that the wizard is reintroduced. He is a fun character.

-    I don't like the new illustrations as much. I don't like how the characters are depicted, and they are too busy. 

-    There are a few discrepancies in the story. If there are no horses in Oz, why did Tibs think the sawhorse looked like a real horse and bring him to life? Ozma's history was changed. I think the author didn't want the wizard to be the bad guy and have awkwardness between him and Ozma. 

-    Dorothy's cat is a snob. I like Toto and Billina better. 

-    Overall, not my favorite in the series, but still good. 

Previous Oz Books

(covers are linked)

  

Ozma of Oz

Goodreads Says:    Readers of all ages will welcome the chance to be reunited with Dorothy Gale and such beloved characters as the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion, as well as to meet new favorites such as the Hungry Tiger, whose appetite is never satisfied; Princess Langwidere, who has thirty heads; Billina, a talking chicken; and Tiktok, a mechanical man.

Blown overboard while sailing with her uncle, Dorothy finds herself in the fairy realm of Ev. She sets out with her friends to rescue the Queen of Ev and her ten children, who have been imprisoned by the cruel Nome King. But even Ozma, the wise Ruler of Oz, is no match for the clever king, and it's up to Dorothy to save everyone from terrible danger. But will the Nome King's enchantments be too much even for the plucky little girl from Kansas?

My Thoughts:

-    This was a great Oz book! I loved it!

-    I liked that Dorothy has returned to the series along with all the rest of the characters. I can't get enough of them.

-    I like the new characters introduced, especially Billina. She is so funny and sassy. I love her. The wheelers and the nome king were great as well. It was good to get to know Ozma since she was barely introduced in the last book. 

-    The new Land of Ev was fun to visit, but I will always love Oz the best. 

-    Another great adventure with classic characters!

Previous Oz Books

(covers are linked)

 

The Marvelous Land of Oz

Goodreads Synopsis:    Tip builds a pumpkinheaded man as a joke. But the joke's on Tip when a mean old witch brings Jack Pumpkinhead to life! 

Soon Jack and Tip-and their friend, the Sawhorse-are on the road to Oz. There they join forces with the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman against the rebel army of General Jinjur, who has conquered the Emerald City. 

If Tip and his friends defeat Jinjur, they can restore the throne to the rightful ruler-Princess Ozma. There's just one slight problem-they've got to find the princess first.

My Thoughts:

-    I didn't love this one as much as the first book, but it was still very enjoyable.

-    I love the classic characters the best, but the new characters were fun. I missed Dorothy, but I liked getting to know Tip and his friends. 

-    I love Baum's simple writing style. He is a great storyteller. The story is very straightforward without much fluff.

-    The ending is quite surprising. I don't think anyone could see it coming.

-    I love the world that Baum created. Oz is awesome! I want to visit.

Previous Oz Book

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Goodreads Synopsis:    Journey to the spectacular land of Oz with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz! This classic tale from L. Frank Baum has enchanted readers for over a century. Now, in this stunning hundredth anniversary edition featuring the original illustrations by W.W. Denslow, new readers will learn the power of the phrase “There is no place like home.”

In this hardcover edition with high-quality reproductions of the original art, follow the adventures of young Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, as their Kansas house is swept away by a cyclone and they find themselves in a strange land called Oz.

Here she meets the Munchkins and joins the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion on an unforgettable journey to the Emerald City, where lives the all-powerful Wizard of Oz.

Original Thoughts:

-    Classic in ever sense of the word! What a great story.

-    I loved the familiar characters and the familiar scenes, but I also loved the extra things you don't see in the movie. All the little details that Baum puts in the book is so great, but easy to overlook. I enjoyed the little endnotes that helped the reader catch these. I loved the symbols used, like the colors. This book is such a great story that keeps any age reader loving it.

Re-Read Thoughts:

-    The first time I read this, I read the Barnes and Noble Classics version. This time I read the 100th anniversary edition. I liked the anniversary edition better.

-    This story is SO timeless, and the characters are some of the most endearing characters in all of literature.

-    I love this book!

-    The illustrations are amazing! I loved reading this illustrated version. However, sometimes the pictures and text were on top of each other and it was hard to read sometimes. 

-    I can't wait to read these with my daughter. I would have started now, but we have other books we are reading.

-    This story will never get old!