Classic Books For Kids: The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz

It is impossible not to bring up ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ when we talk of the best children’s classics of all times. This out-and-out fantasy piece is convincing enough to transport an adult reader into the land of the Munchkins. As you flip through the pages, Dorothy’s adventures become your own.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900)

Author: L. Frank Baum

You begin to feel a connection with her quirky companions and find yourself hoping that the lovable little girl gets to see her family again. It comes as no surprise that the book has been published in over forty languages worldwide, and that it has even been adapted to cater to different cultural tastes.

The Plot

Set in rural Kansas, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ is the story of young Dorothy – who simply can’t have enough of her dream world and landing into trouble with neighbours. She lives with Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and a dog named Toto. One fateful day, Dorothy, along with her house and dog, gets blown away by a cyclone and lands in the city of the Munchkins in the Land of Oz.

The house crushes the Wicked Witch of the East to death, and Dorothy instantly becomes the heroine of Munchkin Land. The Good Witch of the North advises her to follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City and meet the Wizard of Oz, who can help her find her way back to Kansas.

Dorothy sets off on the journey and makes new friends along the way – a scarecrow who wishes he could think, a tin woodman who yearns for a heart and a cowardly lion who dreams of being brave and courageous.

The three accompany her to the Emerald City, hoping that the Wizard of Oz will help them out. Who is the Wizard of Oz? Will Dorothy find her way back to Kansas? Will she have to leave her dear friends behind?

Why Your Child Will Love It

This endearing tale of witches, wizards and strange creatures has enchanted young children for decades. The author has woven magic with words, as is evident by the captivating style of the narrative. The story is fast-paced, with interesting events happening at short intervals – the author surely knew how to keep a kid riveted to a book.

The text does not have too many difficult words, and the passages are innovatively descriptive to help young readers visualize the scenes in their mind’s eye. The colorful and vivid illustrations make the book suitable even for pre-schoolers.

Why You Will Love It

This is the book to choose if you are looking for rich literary style – and an evergreen example of brilliant creative writing. The story highlights positive human values like love, friendship and optimism. Dorothy, with her sense of independence and fearlessness in an alien land, serves as a role model for children.

Through his characters, the author has tried to convey how many of us go about seeking and wishing for things that we already have within ourselves but fail to find. Grab a copy of the delightful movie version (1939) starring Judy Garland and Frank Morgan.

Also read:

If this leaves you hooked, try ‘The Treasury of Oz’ series by the same author. If you liked Dorothy’s adventures, you will love ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ by Lewis Carol.