The Wizard of Oz (Puffin Classics)

Here's a trivia question for you. When Dorothy killed the Wicked Witch of the West by dropping her house on the witch, was the witch wearing (a) ruby slippers? (b) silver shoes? (c) both?

If you answered "both," you have the correct answer. L. Frank Baum's original story (found in this book) has magical silver shoes in it. The movie version of the story, starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, had ruby slippers. Why the change? Well, ruby slippers film much better. So the Wicked Witch of the West wore both types of footwear, depending on whether you are reading the book or watching the movie.

I share that example with you because 9 people out of 10 have seen the movie, but never read the book. When I was a wee lad, I started in the opposite direction and was sorry to see how much of the Oz story was left out in the movie.

Now, you can make up for lost time by reading or rereading the original. I commend it to you for three primary reasons. First, the book version is built around the idea that the different parts of Oz cannot be easily traversed and the ensuing travel complications make for a better plot. Second, there are many more types of imaginative creatures in the book than in the movie. Third, the book has been lovingly enhanced by new illustrations done in turn of the 20th century style by Michael Hague. The illustrations encompass styles from immediately post van Gogh (yes, there are sunflowers) through Art Deco. I especially liked the water colors of gloomy and darkening skies.

If you are like me, you will chortle when you read L. Frank Baum's comment in the beginning that the story was "written solely to please children . . . a modernized fairy tale, in which the wonderment and joy are retained . . ." while the scary parts are left out. If you remember frightening moments, you are thinking about the movie. The book is much more gentle, which makes it more suitable for the youngsters. Yes, there are frightening villains, but they are quickly dispatched rather than being allowed to hang around to menace and frighten children just before bedtime. Still, children must have been braver in those days. This story is still scary enough for most to feel a deathly chill now and then.

Many of the ambiguities and confusing aspects of the movie are clearer and less disconcerting in the book, as well.

I won't go into a fine comparison of the two, because that will just spoil the plot for you. Do let me mention a few chapters that you will not recognize from the movie . . . just to whet your appetite for the book -- Away to the South, Attacked by the Fighting Trees, The Dainty China Country, and The Country of the Quadlings.

After you have finished enjoying the wonderful story and new illustrations, think about some of the lessons of the book. Notice that by teaming up, Dorothy and her friends could combine strengths to overcome individual weaknesses. This is the ultimate group of superheroes. How can you combine your talents with others so that all of you combined can accomplish vastly more than any one of you can individually?

This book is only recommended for major Wizard of Oz fans (1/1 people found this helpful)

I ordered this book, before i had use of the internet, and i had no idea what it would be like visually, but considered for the price it would be something excepional.

Although the book has illustrations they are not the original, which i consider a must for the avid fan. The reason why this book is so expensive is because there is a signed illustration done by Lisbeth. The book is hardback, and a considerable size, and there are only a number of copies available (i believe 500) but I was expecting something pretty impressive, perhaps with gilt edges or leatherbound but no such luck. The story is of course a classic, which i believe is one of the best childrens storys around, and i'm sure it capture's many children and adults imaginations. Due to the this edition being so expensive, if you wish to purchase it as a collectors item then fine, but for children to read, buy a much cheaper version.

Great Illustrations make this version a joy to read to kids. (0/1 people found this helpful)

The Wizard of Oz (Puffin Classics)

L. Frank Baum

Reader Reviews:

Beautifully Illustrated Heirloom Edition of The Wizard of Oz (5/6 people found this helpful)

This book is only recommended for major Wizard of Oz fans (1/1 people found this helpful)

Great Illustrations make this version a joy to read to kids. (0/1 people found this helpful)

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