Gone are the days when the television networks only showed The Wizard of Oz once a year at Easter time. Now viewers may have three chances to watch it over the course of a given weekend. It isn’t such a special event anymore. Also, anyone can buy, rent or borrow a copy of the classic movie at anytime. Since it is such an innocuous part of our culture, here is a good opportunity for families to familiarize themselves with L. Frank Baum’s book.
Dorothy’s and the Wicked Witches
There are few parallels between the two versions as the story opens. Dorothy is in Kansas living with her Uncle Henry and Auntie Em. Her only real joy is Toto. There is no Miss Gulch or running away to the circus, however. A fierce tornado takes her to Oz where the house lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, and she meets the munchkins, Glinda, the Good Witch and many other characters.
Dorothy’s Companions
Many of the adventures and hardships she encounters along the way are new. The Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman (i.e. Tinman) and Cowardly Lion are all part of the journey, but readers will learn more of the characters’ back stories. Of all of these, the most interesting is that of the Tin Woodman. The reason he is made of tin is both sad and creative.
Dorothy’s three companions play a much bigger role in the story, and readers find out what becomes of them. Each one begins a new life thanks to his kindness and assistance toward Dorothy and the others.
The Flying Monkeys and The Winkies
The flying monkeys are a bigger part of the book as well. It explains how they came to work for the Wicked Witch of the West, and how they feel about it. The guards for the witch, The Winkies, have an equally compelling reason why they work for her.
Family Entertainment
In addition to The Wizard of Oz, Baum wrote many other tales of this magical place. The Emerald City of Oz and The Marvelous Land of Oz: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman are a couple of titles in the series.
There is something for everyone in this classic tale of Dorothy’s quest to get home. Kids of all ages will enjoy the excitement and magical places that Dorothy and her friends encounter. For kids who are still too young to see the movie, the book is a good way to prepare them for the first viewing. For those adults and children familiar with the film, it is a way to continue appreciating this great story.
The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum, Illustrated by W.W. Denslow
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0060293233
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