A Magical Tale Full of Laughs

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a classic adventure by Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919). While this chapter book is not part of a series, it was made into a film.

Dorothy and her dog Toto get trapped in their house by a cyclone. The cyclone carries the building to the distant land of Oz. Upon landing, Dorothy becomes the hero of the East. A good witch sends Dorothy on her way to the Great Wizard of Oz. Along her travels, she meets the oddest companions, who also need the help of Oz. However, they come across many obstacles.

The first and last chapters are set in a realistic world in a grey, barren Kansas, while the rest of the story is set in a fantasy world with mostly realistic elements including forests, hills and rivers. However, all the creatures, from mice to scarecrows and tin woodmen to flying monkeys, are able to speak.

Dorothy is an amazing character, but my top three favourite characters are her friends. This is because all three of them want something, but don’t realise they already have it: the Scarecrow desires brains to think with, but he comes up with brilliant plans; the Tin Woodman wants to be able to love, when he is already extremely kind and gentle; and the Lion wishes to be brave, while he shows great courage on their adventures.

I found the interactions between the characters extremely funny. For example, when Dorothy, the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman meet the Lion, the girl tells the Lion that the Scarecrow is stuffed and the woodman is made of tin. The Lion then asks if Toto is stuffed or made of tin to which Dorothy replies, ‘Neither. He’s a—a—a meat dog’.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a book about overcoming obstacles, from wicked witches to armless hammerhead gnomes, with teamwork and magic in order to help others and fulfil your biggest desire.

While this book is suitable for all ages who like magic and adventure, I would recommend this book to 3-7 year olds as the context is really simple and the plot is not complex.