Ozma of Oz

By L. Frank Baum and Lyman Frank Baum

Book Overview

A raging sea storm carries Dorothy Gale (charming heroine of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz ) to the fairy land of Ev, where an exciting new adventure awaits her and all young readers who venture into this enchanting realm of fantasy. Dorothy meets some new friends -- Billina, a friendly talking hen; Tiktok, a remarkable Copper Man; the lovely Princess Ozma of Oz; and some strange characters too -- Wheelers, with wheels for hands and feet; and Princess Langwidere who wears a different head each day. When Dorothy learns that the Queen of Ev and her ten children are prisoners of the wicked Nome King, she sets out on a magic carpet with her new friends and some old favorites -- Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Tin Woodman -- to rescue them. The danger mounts as Princess Ozma herself falls victim to the Nome King's magic and is transformed into an emerald grasshopper. Youngsters will be swept up in the action as Dorothy and her entourage match wits with the Nome King and his devilish Nomes in a forbidding underground fortress. Ozma of Oz will delight children of all ages from the very first chapter in which Dorothy battles the sea, to its surprising conclusion, when she struggles to free the royal family and her friends. The original text is reprinted here in its entirety from the first 1907 edition, with John R. Neill's amusing and imaginative illustrations that capture the flavor of this wonderful, witty tale.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486247791
• ISBN13: 9780486247793
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 8 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 9

Customer Reviews

Love baum!

The publication I got has all the original illustrations in black and white which is wonderful to see. It's been a very enjoyable and fun read so far and I can't wait to see what the rest of the book has in store!

Lovely book

Firstly, if you are new to the Oz series, read The Marvelous Land of Oz before reading this book. Marvelous Land of Oz is what directly follows the original, infamous Oz book.Believe me they just keep getting better.This is a lovely book to read aloud to children of all ages. I highly reccomend all of the Oz books for their amusing, imaginitve characters(in this book, The Wheelings and Billinia are introduced) , their fantastical situations (trees with lunch boxes full of food, talking chickens, a shipwreak, all in this one), sweet plot and storylines. These books still stand the test of time (written over 100 years ago!)for good reason. This book really sets the tone for the rest of the books to follow and in my opinion the best. A must read for every family.

A wonderful book

I agree with the other reviewers. I first read this book in grade school and it is my favorite Oz book. I still re-read it from time to time, twenty years later. It's a great book for kids or adults who like fantasy. One caveat: just like the Grimm fairy tales, the Oz books are a lot more violent than many modern kids stories. The main characters are often threatened with gruesome violence (though it never comes to pass). I find this refreshing but parents might want to read the stories with their children so they can talk about it.

Magical, memorable adventure!

I loved all the 'Oz' books when I was growing up, and 'Ozma of Oz' was probably my favorite. Dorothy Gale returns to the Land of Oz via the Land of Ev and encounters new adventures, new friends, and new villains. I especially loved the lunch-box and dinner-pail trees, Princess Languidere and her different heads, and the Oz friends making their Eleven Guesses in the Gnome King's cavern. I'm so happy that Books of Wonder has reprinted all these original stories in hardcover! Every one is a treasure that deserves to be discovered by new generations of children and adults alike!

The best of a great series

Though I first read this book nearly 50 years ago, it still remains one of the best books I have ever read. Adults may feel that it is a kid's book, and of course it is perfect for kids, but believe me, it can be enjoyed by people of any age. All you need is love of a good story. For many years Ozma was my heroine--I dreamed that I would meet her somehow, somehow be transported like Dorothy to the Land of Oz. Though these dreams faded, I still often think that this book might be the favorite book of my life. Dorothy's new adventures, the rescue expedition from Oz that crosses the Deadly Desert, and the spooky confrontation between good and evil in the caverns of the Nome King. The Oz characters have accompanied me through life. Try them---you will never forget them.

These books are awesome.

I just love this books. So much imagination! I read this book back in first grade. I read a lot that year, and no book stuck in my mind like this one did. I have remembered the story for years, because it is so original. I recently checked it out in the library to re-read it, and it was every bit as good. I recommend this book to all ages, L. Frank is da Baum! :)