We’ve come to book 6 in the series, and this book marks a major turning point. Written in 1910 from Baum’s home in Coronado, California, his author’s note emphasizes that this book is a result of his correspondence with many readers: “Children love these stories because children have helped to create them.” In some ways, it’s very similar to Road to Oz, in that there’s a long road trip and lots of strange creatures are introduced. The good news, though, is that this book feels much more planned than the last two. There’s the return of an old enemy, an epic confrontation, and the fate of Oz is on the line.
As with the other books, I first read this as a child and was enthralled. If you love wordplay, this book has Baum throwing every pun at you he can think of. But two other things made this book particularly memorable. First, Baum finally brings Aunt Em and Uncle Henry to Oz. You may have been wondering why they need to live in near-poverty and illness while Dorothy gets to trip back and forth, and this book resolves that question. But moving to Oz is no easy adjustment for two people used to a hard life of farming in Kansas.
Second, some of the towns and people Baum explored in this book have stayed in my mind throughout my adulthood. For example, I lean towards being a “Flutterbudget” when I’m worrying about things that aren’t even likely to happen, and then I remind myself of Baum’s mockery of these people. Additionally, I encounter plenty of “Rigmaroles” in my work, and I’m often reminded of the King of Bunnybury in some of the people who lead us. The foibles of these many characters are a gentle reminder of what not to do, but also a reminder to be tolerant – we all have weaknesses.
The illustrations are another fantastic thing about this book. Originally the book was published with sixteen special color plates with glittery green and gold paint. My Books of Wonder edition has all of the plates reproduced. When I worked in a used bookstore, I was fortunate to find a first edition that was (very sadly) so beat up it was unsellable. I got to keep it, and because the binding was nearly gone, I framed the prints.
I won’t tell you more about the story, because I hope you’ll give this book a read with us. As you know, I didn’t love The Road to Oz and Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, so you may be wondering why you should keep reading. Baum had already said, multiple times, that he wanted to end this series and move on to other stories. And yet, not only is this one of the strongest books in the series, but the eight that come after are also some of his best. You will really see Baum’s growing strength as a fantasy writer. So please stay with us!
This book may be frightening to some. I didn’t find it very frightening as a child, but I imagine it will feel darker now. As a child I found Rinkitink in Oz and The Lost Princess much more frightening, because in those books the dangers felt more real. More on those to come!
Please visit Enter the Enchanted Castle for more Ozathon posts, and comment below and link to any posts about this book. I’ll write a more detailed review after I’ve re-read the book, towards the end of the month. It’s really been enlightening to see Oz through your eyes.