The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum

MG Classic, Originally published in 1900 by George M Hill, 193 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

• It’s a lot of short events crammed into one book. A lot happens in a short number of pages. I would’ve liked a little more emphasis on some parts. 
• I would’ve liked different endings. Besides Dorothy, everyone’s outcome seems to be to rise to greatness and rule over others. Not everyone strives to be in charge, variety would be cool.
• Lots of death. Interesting how some of them are considered acceptable (the witch, famously, but others too) yet no reason is given as to why. In a world where scarecrows can talk and rule, what makes a spider, for example, deserving of instant death? 

What I Did Like:

• Illustrations. These are breathtakingly beautiful. I loved seeing these takes on the fantasy world of Oz. It brought everything to life in a wonderful way.
• The original story (unlike the movie) is packed with lessons about how you have to work for things and how inside yourself is the ability to do anything. There are plenty of chances for the heroes to show their intelligence, heart, and courage before meeting the wizard.
• Oz is fascinating. There’s an entire world here to explore from Winkies to Quadlings. I would love to explore the histories and tales of these people. I got some of that from Gregory Macguires spin-off series, but I’m really going to have to read the rest of the Oz books.

Who Should Read This One:

• Obviously Wizard fans need the real story. Not just silver shoes and the Witch of the North, but crossing the river and the Queen of the field mice. This story holds so much more than you know if you’ve only seen the movie.

My Rating: 4 Stars

• A great world building lesson with a shocking amount of detail for its little pages.