The Wizard of Oz (Children's Classics S.)

Shale, Kerry; Baum, L. Frank

ISBN 10: 0140864385 ISBN 13: 9780140864380

Publisher: Penguin, 1996

Synopsis

When a cyclone hits her Kansas home, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are whisked away and find themselves in the magical land of Oz. Together they embark on a strange and eventful journey that leads them to the wizard - through a land where nothing is as it seems.

About this title

Review:

How many times have you seen The Wizard of Oz on Television? How many times have you seen Judy Garland and her red shoes following the Yellow Brick Road? Can you remember the story, or do you just remember the film characters? Forget all those, and immerse yourself in this magnificent book. If you also have preconceptions about pop-up books, then forget those too. The original story was written by L Frank Baumand; this edition, created by Robert Sabuda, is a shorter version of the original story. The artwork, in the style of WW Denslow, the original artist, is exceptional, made up of prints created from cut blocks of linoleum.

Open up the first page and find Dorothy, with her uncle Henry, a farmer, and his wife Aunt Em on their farm in the cyclone belt of Kansas, USA. Watch the cyclone approach and see the house and its surroundings before they are transported (found over the page) to a "country of marvellous beauty", the land of Oz. Meet the munchkins, hear about the Wicked Witch of the East and be there when Dorothy finds the magical silver shoes, and the Witch of the North, before undertaking her journey on the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, accompanied by her dog Toto. Dorothy joins up with a scarecrow, finds a tin woodman, and a cowardly lion, and with them makes her way through a great forest. The Emerald City comes into view (more easily appreciated when seen through the green spectacles provided) and Dorothy discovers Oz, the Great and Terrible. The amazing story unfolds and the travellers continue in their quest to find the Wicked Witch. Further adventures ensue, featuring flying monkeys, yellow Winkie slaves, the demise of the Wicked Witch, and soon, until eventually, as in all good stories, there is a happy ending when Dorothy returns home safely.

Recommend for children aged 6 years and over, this book is a modern take on a real classic, and it will make an excellent gift for book lovers everywhere.--Susan Naylor

Review:

"The select bibliography by M.K. Joseph is of benefit to our students."--Dr. Darlene J. Alberts, Ohio Dominican College "This has proved ideal for my Freshman class...compact, inexpensive, clearly printed with margins big enough to scribble in!"--Hilary Kaplan, University of California and Los Angeles "The best general edition of this classic text in terms of text, notes, and general design."--Barry M. Katz, Stanford University "Indispensable for the study of Shelley's Frankenstein."--Eric Rabkin, University of Michigan "Marilyn Butlers introduction was comprehensive and informative and provided a valuable background for my general intro to lit students. The inclusion of the apprndices was also useful and thought-provoking." --Stephanie Wardrop, Colorado State University

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0140864385
• ISBN 13: 9780140864380
• Binding: Audio Cassette