The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Puffin Classics)

LoveReading4Kids Says

There can be very few children who don't already know the story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. More than 125 years since it was first written, Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion feel as familiar as old friends, brought to life for generation after generation through the beloved classic film and, most recently, through the phenomenon of the Wicked films and musicals.

But however well children think they know Oz, there is still much to discover in L. Frank Baum's original novel.

Now reissued as part of Puffin's Classics series, this new paperback edition comes with illustrations by Steven Lenton, whose artwork gives the book a fresh and appealing look for today's young readers. Those who come to it via the film may find a few surprises along the way. The iconic ruby slippers are, in the original book, actually silver, and there are other differences throughout that make reading the source material a worthwhile experience in its own right.

Baum's Oz is a place of considerable invention, with one adventure following another at a good pace, making it a readable and enjoyable choice for confident readers of eight and up.

There is also something to look forward to beyond this first book. Baum went on to write fourteen sequels set in the land of Oz, so children who enjoy Dorothy's world and want to spend more time there have plenty of further reading ahead of them.

Whether your child knows the story well or is coming to it for the first time, this edition offers a good opportunity to explore the original text. A classic that has endured for well over a century, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz remains a solid and engaging read for primary age children.

Reviewed by Louise Johns-Shepherd
Louise is the Chief Executive of The Kids Network, a charity supporting children through mentoring to feel happy and confident about themselves and their futures.
More reviews by Louise Johns-Shepherd

About The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Puffin Classics)

Celebrate the 125th anniversary of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with this irresistible new edition fully illustrated by Steven Lenton.

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