Wizard of Oz

by Greg Hildebrandt

For many of us, the adventures of Dorothy in Oz will forever be associated not with Judy Garland singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" but with W. W. Denslow's exceedingly odd line drawings for the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0881012173
• ISBN13: 9780881012170
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Unicorn Publishing House
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 2.95 lbs.
• Age Range: 7 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 5

Customer Reviews

Great read

I bought this book when (I'm ashamed to admit) McD's came out with Wizard of Oz toys. My 5yo wanted to know who all the characters were, and what they "say". She loved the artwork, pouring over each page to find each character. The book is so eloquent, it's not nearly as scary as the movie. Also, because she's just beginning to read I could gloss over scary parts or words. She has loved it! The day we finished it she wanted to start over and read a second time. I highly recommend for reading with your child!

Beautifully Illustrated Heirloom Edition of The Wizard of Oz

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 wi

An excellent, new edition to keep for many years.

The imagery of the century-old text is superb, and Michael Hague does it a great service. I've been reading this edition to my five year-old son over the past several nights, and he lingers over each lovingly detailed illustration. I'm surprised The Wizard of Oz doesn't have more high-quality editions in print. This volume is a wonderful item to add to your child's library, or even to libraries of adults who enjoy children's books. Highly recommended.

A superb book! Five Stars!

If you ONLY seen the MGM musical, you are in a BIG surprise when you read this. A cyclone whisks Dorothy and her dog Toto away to the magical land of Oz! They are met by the good witch of the north (Not Glinda, she's the witch of the south, BON.) and she meets the Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman and a Cowardly Lion. Hildebrandts' pictures are beautiful--they make you see into the Land of Oz. A must!

Great Illustrations make this version a joy to read to kids.

My daughter loves this book. It's a fun read that she asks for over and over.