The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 100th Anniversary Edition (Books of Wonder) Reviews

• The ORIGINAL Wizard of Oz is Published

  
  By A1IUH51WI1TTSP on 2004-05-19
  I don't own THIS particular Edition, but I will soon, and as soon as I saw it in Dymmocks, I looked through it and thought "I've really gotta get this book!" And this is why . . . .
  I'm sure that there are those of you who have the annotated Wizard of Oz and/or the Dover editions of the Wonderful/Wizard of Oz (Dover has made different copies in publishing it in different ways). the Annotated Wizard of Oz may have the pictures in full-colour, but the colour plates are in 1 whole place, in the middle of the book, and that goes the same for the recent Dover Edition of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (where Dorothy is wearing a pink dress, talking to her friends, all wearing the Green glasses). The other Dover editions of this story have the pictures in black-and-white (sometimes all, other times, a few of them) with the colour-plates in their own chapter but in black-and-white.
  THIS EDITION - the 100th Anniversary Edition - is one everybody should have. It has all the pictures in colour-and-black lined with the FULL-COLOUR-Plates in their OWN PROPER CHAPTER place, e.g. "She caught Toto by the ear" in THE CYCLONE, "I am the Witch of the North" in THE COUNCIL WITH THE MUNCHKINS, etc. It even has the picture of Dorothy and Toto back in Kansas on the very final page on the book in the backboard. And when you pull off this picture-cover (the one that you see now), the actual cardboard-leather-bound cover has the EXACT SAME ORIGINAL Cover Angela Lansbury shows in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Movie Classic", where the Cowardly Lion is wearing the Green glasses on the Front cover, Toto is on the spine and the back has the faces of Dorothy, the Scarecrow and (Nick chopper) the Tin Woodman in circles.
  An Important Note on this story is that it Is Imaginative But it Is Not DARK as some people say. It is not scary nor is it supposed to be attempted that way in any new adaptation, nor should it always be made similar to MGM with constant references or musical scenes. This is an AMERICAN 1900 Story, it is not English/British like J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter, Tolkien's Hobbit/LofR or C. S. Lewis' Narnia - it is its own place!! Oz is a place where animals can talk, there are strange animals who are not mythical and never appeared in any other legends, wicked people are defeated by simple acts, by it accidentally-non-magical or magical, everybody is friends and the ordinary items of our world can have strong but simple magic.
  Now matter how much the MGM Musical is loved, reading this book is worth it, because it explains how many of the events in Oz came to be when Dorothy arrived: how did the Tin Woodman come to be? How did and why do the Winged Monkeys obey the Wicked Witch of the West? What became of the Winkies after the WWWitch's death? Did Lion become the King of Beasts again? Naturally the musical is different from the book, but despite the change of the Kansas beginning/ending, the story is basically the same. this book only offers MORE than the movie did.
  Hope you enjoyed my descriptive review. Watch out for my other Oz and Digimon reviews (by Sam A. Milazzo).
  
  

• Saw the movie, then the "Wicked" musical & book, now this!

  
  By A25AXWGBGJ5KBS on 2004-12-24
  So this is the legendary source material for an increasing large portion of our popular culture.
  This is what is called the first true American Fairy tale.
  What I found it to be, in my particular experience, is a fascinating artifact...almost like finding an elusive Egyptian papyrus or something.
  My initial exposure to the story of Dorothy and friends came, as most of us since 1939, from the classic film. The differences between the two keep the book continually surprising, or if not totally surprising, let's just say "fresh".
  It has a nagging episodic quality, but about half of the episodes were new to me, so I didn't care.
  Discounting the Broadway and film versions of the musical "The Wiz", my next contact with Oz came from the breathtaking Broadway musical, "Wicked". That show knocked me for a loop, and I wept as the curtain fell. It's a terrific show.
  I sought out the source book for THAT show, Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, and found a masterpiece. Much darker and deeper than the musical, it's a head-spinning "back story" to the Wicked Witch that explores themes like totalitarianism, racism, and the true nature of evil. It's not a casual read...with Dickensian detail and difficult concepts, it is one of the more rewarding reading experiences I've had in a long, long time.
  Which brings me to the thing that started this whole thing over a hundred years ago.
  For me, this was a pretty cool way of being exposed to the Oz universe, because I (perhaps erroneously) feel like I know "the whole story." The characters have more depth than the book offers, and I feel I know things, say, about the minor character Boq or the Winged Monkeys, that readers didn't know at the turn of the last century.
  It's a great reading experience if you get the hardcover with all the original illustrations and typesets, as that will transport (just like the tornado did Dorothy...) you back to when a book was your only window into a wonderful universe.
  One great thing about this is that there are many more books to seek out...can't wait to get more of the story!
  
  

• The Correct Order of all 14 Books in the series !!

  
  By A1LVE93IK0LTX9 on 2003-05-18
  I know you're all wondering, "how does she know the correct order?" Is she over 100yrs old? Well, I know because my grandmother, gone for 34 yrs now, had each and every book bought hot of the presses. Inside each book, except the first, are the previous books in order. Also a couple of the names have changed a bit since they were first written but I have the Books of Wonder titles in this list.

  So, here they are in correct order.
  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
  The Marvelous Land of Oz

  Ozma of Oz
  Dorthy and the Wizard in Oz
  The Road to Oz
  The Emerald City of Oz
  The Patchwork Girl of Oz
  Tik-Tok of Oz
  The Scarecrow of Oz
  Rinkitink in Oz
  The Lost Princess of Oz
  The Tin Woodman of Oz
  The Magic of Oz
  Glinda of Oz
  
  

• Different Than the Movie

  
  By on 2005-05-02
  This book is about a girl named Dorothy. She lives in a farm in Kansas with her aunt Em and her uncle Henry. One day a big cyclone came and with all the wind blowing and the house rocking she closed her eyes and fell asleep. When she woke up, she was not in Kansas anymore. Later on she met three friends. They had amazing adventures.
  
  This book is not like the movie. I like the part when the tin woodsmen cut off the yellow wildcat's head and saved the queen mouse's life. This book is very EXCITING! I recommend it for people of all ages who like exciting, magical stories.
  
  by Clio
  
  

• A great edition of a true classic

  
  By A3VMGRPKMUTTW8 on 2003-11-07
  I cannot imagine anyone shopping for this book being unfamiliar with the story, so before I concentrate on this particular edition let me just say this: This is one of the greatest children's books ever written, and you will be doing yourself and your kids a favor if you don't limit yourselves to the movie.

  The 100th Anniversary Edition is wonderful. From over one hundred beautiful original illustrations to small details, like foil edging and durable hardcover binding, to children friendly type (isn't it amazing how many children's books these days have unreadable tiny fonts?) -- they thought of everything. This is the one you want to get.
  
  

• One of Baum's best
  By A2X4WFVX5ZF8OQ on 2005-03-28
  Growing up, I saw the movie, but didn't read this book until I had a son, and he was old enough to sit through a chapter book. This is one of the most captivating OZ books. My son wouldn't let me stop reading the book. We read about half of it in one day.
  
  Though Dorothy spends most of the book travelling through OZ, it is always with purpose (unlike some of the subsequent OZ books).
  
  There are themes that are repeated throughout the book (such as liberation). There is some humerous word play (which goes over my 6 year old's head).
  
  The art work in this edition is fabulous - and undoubtably identical to the original edition. On about half the pages text is printed over what looks like monochromatic wood block prints. Occasionally this makes reading the text difficult, but usually adds another dimension. There are also some single sided color plates.
  
  
• Best Book in the World
  By on 2000-10-26
  I have to swear that this is the best book for children, teens, adults, and old folks ever written. It has got magic spun within it's pages and can sweep you away in the tale of a little American farm girl who, along with her dog, are swept away while alone in their house and taken to the magical fariyland of Oz. Surely L. Frank Baum's best, it inspires a true American Fairytale, complete with magic, witches, wizards, adventure, talking animals, and so much more. Buy this book and you will be so glad you did. You will cherish it far more than any book you could ever read. The MGM movie can not compare to such a novel, and neither could the Harry Potter books. You too will get swept away with young Dorothy on her adventure to a mystical city constructed of Emeralds, in search of a powerful Wizard that may help her and send her home. But will she survive the dangerous forests filled with wild beasts and horrible monsters, a river with strong and wild currents, flowers with powerful and aromatic scents that cause one to fall into an eternal sleep, and even a horrible Witch that she must defeat before the Wizard will help her?
  
  
• The Wizard of Oz
  By on 2006-03-20
  The Wizard of Oz
  ISBN 0-06-029323-3
  By: Zach Godwin
  
  
  In The Wizard of Oz, a young girl named Dorothy and her dog Toto are sucked up into a cyclone, and sent to a magical land. The land was called Oz, where you could see things out of the ordinary. There were talking animals, witches, and really small people called munchkins.
  Dorothy would later find three friends, and they would all travel to the Emerald City to get their wishes granted. For the Tin Woodman a heart, for the Scarecrow a brain, and for the Cowardly Lion, Courage. Dorothy had a different wish. She wanted to return back to her home with her family. But on their way they would encounter troubles. Troubles that may keep them away from their wishes!
  If you enjoy exciting books that keep you reading till the very end? Then you will enjoy The Wizard of Oz! You may be saying, "Well I have seen the movie so won't read the book, I don't want to waste my time." WRONG! The movie and the book have major differences, and I guarantee when you read this book you will enjoy it much more then the movie.
  
  
  
  
• After 100 years, the magic is still there!
  By A1CIW2OEVAJRM2 on 2001-06-28
  In this classic, Baum describes the tale of poor Dorothy, who is hurled by a cyclone away from her uncle and aunt in Kansas into a strange and magical world of wizards and witches. Fortunately Dorothy has the help of several companions that she meets in this new world - a stuffed scarecrow who wants brains, a tin woodsman who wants a heart, and a cowardly lion who wants courage. Together with Dorothy - who wants a return trip to Kansas - they travel to the emerald city where Oz is wizard, to ask him to make their wishes come true. Their journey is fraught with adventures, and when they finally meet Oz they discover a terrible truth that leads them into even more challenges and adventures. The magical fantasy of this tale has pleased readers of all ages for a century, and it's not hard to see why. Baum spins a wonderfully enchanting tale that includes wicked witches, flying monkeys, talking mice, and other fantastic creatures.

  Is this book more than just a fantasy thrill? Some literary critics have proposed that Baum - a strong believer in individualism and self-confidence - is working with themes about self-esteem and self-reliance. This is quite plausible, especially considering that the brains, heart and courage sought by the scarecrow, woodsman and lion are abilities that they clearly already possess - they just need to recognize them and use them. And Dorothy herself discovers that when the wizard can't help her, she must and can rely on herself. Other literary critics have claimed that "The Wizard of Oz" needs to be read as an elaborate political allegory where the various characters represent various social classes and financial structures - a not impossible suggestion, but one that's somewhat difficult to defend. Ultimately, however, "The Wizard of Oz" is best enjoyed as a wonderful story. That doesn't mean it is any less of a contribution to English literature, because when appreciated as a brilliant story, you're sure to come back to it again and again, as are your children and grandchildren. It's precisely this universal appeal that makes "The Wizard of Oz" a true classic.
  
  

• The Wonderful Wizard - A Wonderful Classic & Must Have Book!
  By A1RECBDKHVOJMW on 2004-03-20
  From the time I learned to read until my preteen years my favorite books were L. Frank Baum's Oz Books. I was an extremely avid reader but, for me, no other stories could compare with the magical world that Baum created. His characters and their adventures fueled my childhood fantasies like no others. In turn, these books became favorites of my daughter's. And this book, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is the one that started it all.

  As most folks know, an enormous cyclone suddenly hit young Dorothy Gale's home in Kansas, resulting in the extraordinary transportation of said home, girl and dog across time and space to the wondrous land of Oz. The house fell on a wicked witch and killed her, with dire future consequences for Dorothy and Company. Dorothy is directed to travel to the Emerald City to ask the Wizard of Oz to help her return to Kansas. On the way, she meets and befriends a Scarecrow (who desires brains), a Tin Woodman (who craves a heart), and a Lion (who wants to possess courage). And thus the famous adventures begin, which have been translated into many languages for children around the world. If there was ever a classic children's book - this is it.

  Baum's narrative honors the ideals of home, heart, intellect, and courage. He introduces the reader to wizards, witches, winged monkeys, the Munchkins, and the beloved characters who have become cultural icons: Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. This edition features W. W. Denslow's illustrations, the original art that graced Baum's books, and my favorites.

  This is a wonderful, non-abridged edition of one of the best stories ever told. Highest recommendations!
  JANA
  
  

• A TIMELESS CLASSIC FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
  By on 2006-08-16
  THE WIZARD OF OZ WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1900, YET STILL RETAINS ALL OF IT'S CHARM AND EXCITEMENT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS. THE ADVENTURES OF DOROTHY AND HER FRIENDS ARE FILLED WITH MAGIC. THE BOOK IS SO MUCH DIFFERENT THEN THE MOVIE, AND MUCH MORE EXCITING. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND IT CHILDREN AND ADULTS ALIKE.
  
  
• I am a sixth grader and i liked this book
  By on 2007-03-08
  For my review i will do a comparitively to the movie. For one thing, in the movie Glinda was the witch of the north but in the book she was the witcch of the south but still was the witch who got dorothy home. Also, many munchkins did not greet dorothy in the beginning, there were only 3 muchkins there and the witch of the north who's name you never hear. In conclusion i would recommend this book if you liked the movie "The wizard or Oz." or if you just like good fantasy stories. I hope this review was helpful.
  
  
• A Masterpiece! The book that started it all! I love Oz!
  By A2E1UPR4LZJSF2 on 2003-02-02
  "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is the book that started all the Oz mania! I've read this book many times and I love it! Dorothy Gale and her little black dog, Toto are whisked from Kansas by a cyclone where she ends up in a magical fairy land called Oz. She meets some interesting friends along the way such as the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. They face many adventures and dangers in this wonderful book. You may think "why read the book? I've seen the movie!" Well it's my all time favorite movie too but the book's better! Once you read it I'm sure you'll be hooked on Oz!
  
  
• Great book with many hidden meanings
  By A2SN2IZPP06965 on 2007-05-27
  
  
  In the year 1900, a children's book was published that would forever change the public's perception of how of we examine economic, social, and even political metaphors in society. Author L. Frank Baum, using colorful characters such as a Tin Man, Scarecrow, and one timid, Cowardly Lion, decided to tell a story that would shape a modernized fairy tale inspired from the imagination of a little girl and her dreams of a better life into a mesmerizing and psychedelic spin of action, comedy, and drama.
  
  Interestingly enough, Baum not only made light of generalized comparisons to modern day events of the era and its governing leaders, but also was believed to have hidden references of U.S. monetary currency and its policies of the time. The best example of this would be the Yellow Brick Road that lead character Dorothy finds herself using on her journey back home. The yellow symbolizing gold at a time when most laborers in the western United States were in substantial debt to banks because of deflation caused by the recession of 1880. Since America was operating under a commonly used gold standard, many political leaders at the time believed in the requisition of silver as free coinage. Thus we find another comparison to humble companion the `Tin Man'. Another fact that cannot be overlooked is the notion of Dorothy being saved by her magical slippers, notably made of silver.
  
  Historians may argue for many years to come if Baum's references were truly intentional, or just another facade to focus on while playing Pink Floyd's `Dark Side of the Moon' along side the film (another common legend that lives on to this day). We may never know, since Baum never expanded on the symbolisms cast by this great and utterly timeless classic. Maybe we can just let our imagination decide.
  
  
  
• We're Off to READ the Wizard!
  By A1AOI8UX9U7IG4 on 2001-12-30
  Well what can I say about this incredible book. This story started it all. It was a huge success when it was published in 1900 and an even bigger success today. While reading this book, you're sure to notice more than a few changes and omissions compared to the wonderful 1939 movie classic. Baum weaves us into his magic spell of imagination, excitement, and adventure as we land in Munchkin Country, walk to the Emerald City, battle a Wicked Witch in Winkie Country, and finally make our way to Quadling Country. Never has an assembly of so many fantastical characters come together than in THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. Hailed as the FIRST true American fairy tale, it will bring hope, joy, and magic into every person's life from ages 2 to 92. Don't miss out on the book that brought you the 1939 movie. You will feel as one with Dorothy and Toto and sympathize with the plights of the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion. Don't forget to read Baum's other Oz books....he wrote more than one ya know!
  
  
• A magical experience
  By A23IT7EAWM2ERG on 2002-04-10
  Before Harry Potter, before King Fortis the Brave, there was a little girl named Dorothy...

  The entire series of Oz books written by Baum are wonderful, but there is nothing like the original. Even though his writing style may not be as developed here as it becomes later on in his career, there is something inspired about this book, something that has allowed it to flurish for more than a century when most books have a shelf life of only a couple of years (if that).

  If you are only familiar with Oz because of the movie, you owe it to yourself to pick up this book. There are enough similarities to the movie so that you will already be comfortable revisiting old friends, but there are also enough differences and additional adventures that it will be a new and wonderful experience as well. You will quickly find out why this book has endured as long as it has, and it will serve to whet your appetite for the 13 Oz sequels written by Baum (and the many penned by other authors as well).
  
  

• Oz! A Magnificent Story for all Ages
  By A2M5YYJDA509NE on 2004-01-28
  Forget the venerable motion picture with Judy Garland for a moment. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum is a glorious fantasy adventure that has truly become our first American fairy tale. Written in 1900, every reader will be delighted by the author's ingenuity about how he captured the enthusiasm and optimism of America. Overnight, he replaced the princes and princesses of Europe by introducing entirely new characters representing a fresh set of ideals and virtues.

  Wisdom and love, courage and virtues in the characters comes from within. But for me, the greatest lesson I learned is "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." To the scarecrow, "If Oz will not give you any brains, you will be no worse off than you are now." For parents, here is a rare opportunity to reach out to their children and regain the delicate balance between brain, heart and courage.

  Baum was adamant about his belief that hard work should be properly rewarded thus further developing the premise of a free market. "In this country, everyone must pay for everything he gets." For children, here is a rare opportunity to reach out to their parents and learn the basics.

  In an excellent perspective by Peter Glassman (1987), in the traditional fairy tale, "the young maids or poor shepard lads are unaware of their royalty, only to discover it in the course of their adventures. But, instead of unknown royalty, Baum give his characters unrealized virtues."

  Finally, according to Peter Glassman (1987), "the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion each want what they believe will make them a better person, but Dorothy simply wants to go home. "No matter how dreary and gray our homes are...there is no place like home."

  Buy this special edition and prominently display it. Then, devour the Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz.
  
  

• a book for all ages..........
  By A1N7PKJ1LHGVYJ on 2004-06-15
  Several years ago I was on a trip with my mother.....one day we happened to stop at a small town in St. George Utah (we were doing the SW national parks) and while she looked for something in a drugstore I found a small bookstore.....It was summer time and they had a stack of those cheap paperback classics. I picked up three.....One of them was THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ.....When I was younger my mother and my grandmother read to us, however we had never heard Frank Baum's tales of OZ.
  That night I began to read it and simply could not believe how truly 'wonderful' Dorothy's adventures were in the 'Land of OZ'.....it brought back memories of many things from my childhood......but mainly the enchantment and inquisitiveness of it all.....
  This is not only a charming and thoroughly enjoyable book for people of all ages.......but for all ages to come.
  
  
• The beginning of a marvellous series
  By A3LWUDP8NJG4X6 on 2005-03-04
  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is the first book of the Oz series by L. Frank Baum.
  
  It has the thread of a classic adventure in it -- Dorothy is whisked away by a cyclone to the land of Oz, and travels to the Emerald City to get the Wizard to send her home. On the way, the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman and Cowardly Lion join her. It has all the elements of a fantasy -- witches, wizards, strange animals, adversaries, magic...you know all the rest.
  
  Of course, when this book is talked about, people mention the 1939 film and think they know all about it! The book and the film differ in several big ways -- Oz is not a dreamland of rolling pink hills. Oz is a real, vibrant place into which Baum poured his heart and soul over the years until his death in 1919, having written 13 Oz sequels.
  
  Keep on reading the series, they do get better, I promise!
  
  
• Enter the wonderful world of storybook...
  By AF94G1M9N93B3 on 2006-02-01
  Young students often ask me what my favorite book was when I was a child. While it is so hard for me to pick just one book that I so love, I always mention "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." It has been such a significant influence on my own work, not only because of Baum's marvelous and humorous story-telling ability, but also in the delightful illustrations of Denslow. In this book, the text, illustration, and typography unite to create a wonderful door into the land of storybook. For those who only know the movie, I invite you to explore the series of Oz books. You will be enthralled!
  
  
• The Wizard Of Oz
  By A1UN51ELAFVRQR on 2006-08-10
  Although the service was great (hence the four stars)and I do not wish to return the item that was sent because it is a beautiful book It is not the one i ordered --- I ordered the one in the picture that comes up The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz - I recived one by Frank Baum but it is Titled The Wizard Of Oz and is a childrens version much smaller than the version I ordered. my other question is Is the price different on the one I received than I the one I really ordered and that shows up in my Lib
  
  
• I am a sixth grader
  By on 2007-04-15
  I am a sixth grader and I am writing my report for, "The Wizard of Oz" for my book report. Overall I liked this book. It was a little unrealistic but it was a fantasy/adventure book. It was quite different from the movie and had a lot of things added. The group of Dorothy, the tin man, the scarecrow, and as they call him in the book, the cowardly lion. Travel from the land of the munchkins, to the City of Oz. To the land of Glinda, the good witch of the north. The whole party has many adventures and each plays a part in helping Dorothy get back to Kansas.
  
  
• I really enjoyed this book
  By on 2000-12-01
  At first I thought it was going to be very boring. After I read a couple of chapters I started to enjoy it. the story is about a girl named Dorothy, who ends up on a tornado. She wakes up in the land of the little people. my favorite part was when Dorothy ran into the lion. She was afraid of him. I liked the ending the best, because Dorothy and her friends get a surprise. You should read it, its exciting.
  
  
• Off To See the Wizard
  By on 2001-02-24
  This is a truly delightful story for the young and young at heart. I am sixteen years old, and still I enjoy this book. Told with poignancy and simplicity, THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ, should have a place in every bookshelf.
  
  
• Off to see the Wizard!!
  By A375UAHKTK0JSR on 2001-05-21
  This story is about a girl named Dorothy. Dorothy had a dog called Toto and she lived in Kansas. One day a tornado came to Kansas and her house got in to it. When Dorothy woke up, she was in the Munchkin Land (land of little people.) On her way to Emerald City she met with some friends, Tin Woodman, Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow. Dorothy and her friends were going to the Emerald city to see the Oz. On her way to Emerald City, Dorothy and her friends got into a lots of trouble with Wicked Witch and other creapy stuffs. Dorothy, wanted to go back to Kansas, Lion, wanted to be brave, Scarecrow, wanted a brain, and the Tin Woodman, wanted a heart. If you want to know the end of this book, read it. I reccomend to all people with all ages. This is a great book!!
  
  
• A wonderful journey for parent and child
  By A3KJHDPAXK9QK3 on 2001-11-25
  This book and this edition are wonderful. My daughter and I spent many bedtimes reading this book together. No other book has engaged her as much. What great memories. My thanks to the late L. Frank Baum!
  
  
• Dorothy and Friends
  By A2E71VWXO59342 on 2002-01-24
  It is quite a unique case for someone to live in U.S.A. and escape the Wizard of Oz. I managed to do so in my earlier years since I grew up in another country. However, upon my arrival, maybe due to my indifference or lack of interest, I neither read or watched the movie until required to do so for a Children's Literature class.

  An American fairy tale and an American classic indeed. This book is all it is put up to be. Not in-your-face morality lessons is the theme of this children's story although it carries several messages.

  Help your fellowman in distress, stand by your friends, acknowledge your shortcomings and try to overcome them, do not give up hope, know the difference between good and bad, sharing, caring, "there is no place like home", were a few messages that that author put across with employment of delicate subtlety.

  The non-preachy tone of narration is probably the reason behind this book being a topper even 100 years after its first publication.

  Also, try to get an edition with W.W.Denslow's illustrations since he was the original illustrator of this book when it first came out. The illustrations are a vital part of this story.
  
  

• Wizard Of Oz
  By on 2002-04-24
  Wizard Of Oz
  By L. Frank Baum
  This is a story about Dorothy who meets the Great Oz. This is an adventure book. Dorothy meets new characters, and she is going to a new place. I think there are funny parts in the story too. The characters are: Dorothy, Toto, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, Lion, Scarecrow.

  In the Wizard Of Oz, Dorothy tries to go back to Kansas. They go along the Yellow Brick Road to see the Great Oz in the Emeraldw, Tin Woodman, the Great Oz, the Witches, and the Munchkins. The theme of the story is that there is no place like home. You would miss your family and do anything to get back home, just like Dorothy.
  She says there is no place like home.

  I think this book is good, and I would give it an A+.
  
  

• One of the Best Children's Stories of all Time
  By A5ICDTC3HI26L on 2002-07-10
  What a wonderful story. I can't wait to go home and read it to my two girls. They loved the movie, and though this is slightly different, it is just as good of a story, if not better. While the movie implies that maybe by hitting her head, Dorothy may have dreamt the whole story, here in the book it seems to be a real world to which you can travel to. The characters of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion are original and compelling. Although the lion in the movie version is great, I liked the one in this book even better. The book at times even reminded me of one of my other favorite children's stories which was "The Chronicles of Narnia", in which you have children fighting battles and leading adventures with a great lion. It's almost a shame Dorothy would want to return to Kansas, and leave such a beautiful land behind. L. Frank Baum says in his introduction that unlike the Grimm Fairy Tales, or stories by Hans Christian Anderson which were written with children suffering throughout the story for them to learn a moral lesson, Baum just wanted to write this story to entertain children instead. Although I am no longer a child, I'd have to admit that I was quite entertained.
  
  
• The Wonderful Wizrd of Oz sure is wonderful.
  By A2PDC6SESC021Q on 2002-09-01
  If you ever have seen the MGM ovie The Wizard of Oz, you know the story. But the book, the book is a real experience. The book has many differences, for instance Oz isn't a dream, it's real, they meat Winkies, Hammerheads and vicious kallidas,Dainty China people and Silver shoes(not Ruby slippers. And if you remember in the movie the farm with the helpers, there not in this book. This book was first published in 1900, and since then it has touched Americas hearts, and hearts all around the world. There also 39 more original Oz books in the series. Be sure to check those out. This is a truely magical story in Americ literature.
  
  

• The Marvelous Land of Oz (Books of Wonder)
• Ozma of Oz (Books of Wonder)
• Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz (Books of Wonder)
• The Wizard of Oz (Two-Disc Special Edition)
• The Emerald City of Oz (Books of Wonder)