Purple Prince of Oz (the Wonderful Oz Books, No 26)

by Ruth Plumly Thompson and L. Frank; Thompson

Book Overview

Return to L. Frank Baum's wonderful world of Oz with this illustrated children's book series. Prince Randy of Regalia must prove his right to be a royal. On his adventure-filled quest to fulfill the tasks set him, Randy meets the friendly giant Nandywog, a terrifying monster--then escapes from the city of the villainous Doublemen. He even makes a genuine trip over the rainbow to Oz in the company of the legendary Red Jinn and the incredibly Elegant...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345328698
• ISBN13: 9780345328694
• Release Date: May 1986
• Publisher: Del Rey Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Several interesting characters

I agree that this book has some weaknesses, including a pretty lame plot, but it also develops some very interesting characters. This is the first book in which Kabumpo really finds his voice, his unique blend of disdainful condescention, wry humor, and underlying good-heartedness. Jinnicky the Red Jinn, who had a cameo in JACK PUMPKINHEAD OF OZ, is a principal character for the first time here. I agree that there are a few too many side-adventures, too much wandering around meeting weirdos who yell at you. But one of the weirdos, Torpedora the Glorious, is hilarious.

About average, as far as Oz books go

As far as Oz books go, this one has a lot going for it. Kabumpo, my favorite Thompson character, is back, and he is accompanied by Jinnicky, the Red Jinn of Ev, in his first major role. The evil fairy Faleero, as an exaggerated puritanical character who allows no fun and games, makes a good villain. I don't think it's really among Thompson's best, partially because the plot seems a bit rehashed and hurried. This story had been preceded by numerous conquest by transformation plots, and PURPLE PRINCE is the second Oz book in which Pumperdink is in danger. The book, like most Oz books, contains visits to a lot of small villages, but most of them aren't developed very much, with the characters just coming in, being threatened, and leaving. It's almost as if Thompson felt she HAD to include some of these villages (maybe to pad out the book, which isn't one of her longer ones), but had trouble coming up with ideas for them that she could really develop. I don't think these flaws really hurt the book that much, though; it's just that I'd say it's only average among Oz books. This is a fun book to read, and one I would highly recommend to anyone who likes Oz.

Purple Price of Oz

A very wonderful book which is well written and very imaginative. You get to follow the adventures of Randy and Kabumpo as they journey on and on, so that Randy may prove he is a king. Clever and funny it is a very good childrens book.