L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz: The Graphic Novel

Cavallaro, M. (2005). L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz: The Graphic Novel. New York: Puffin Books.

Plot Description: Dorothy has been caught in a tornado and she and Toto have been dropped in a mysterious place.  When she walks out of the house she finds out she has killed the Wicked Witch of the East.  The Good Witch from the North is happy and blesses her, but tells her that in order to get back to Kansas she must follow the yellow brick road with leads to the Emerald City where Oz lives.  On her trip she meets the scarecrow who joins her in hopes of getting a brain, the tin man who hopes to get a heart, and the lion who wants some courage.  When they get to the Emerald City, Oz tells them he will only grant their wishes if they kill the Wicked Witch of the West.  After being captured by the witch, Dorothy becomes frustrated and finally throws a bucket of water on the witch and she melts.  The group returns to Emerald city where they find out that Oz is just a regular person.  He is able to help the scarecrow, tin man, and the lion but not Dorothy, who he sends to Glinda the Good Witch of the South.  She tells Dorothy about the power of her silver shoes which transport her back to Kansas.

Genre: Fantasy

Age Group: This book would be appropriate for grades 4-8.

Series Information: The Oz Series consists of fourteen books, some of them are The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, & Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz all by L. Frank Baum

Personal Thought: A great remake of the classic with some slight differences that make it unique.

Subject/Themes: Witches, Magic

Character Description: Dorothy is a young girl that lives with her Uncle and Aunt in Kansas.  She is caught in a tornado and lands in a strange new place

The Scarecrow is found by Dorothy on her way to the Emerald City.  His only wish is to have a brain.

The Tin Man is made of tin and also found on the walk to Emerald City.  His wish is to have a heart.

The Cowardly Lion tries to scare the group on their walk to Emerald City.  His wish is to have some courage.

The Wizard of Oz is actually a normal man.  He has used magic and illusions to trick the people into thinking he was a great wizard.   

Annotation: Dorothy and Toto wake up to find themselves in a strange land where they meet a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion.  As a group they embark on an adventure to Emerald City in Hope that the Wizard of Oz can grant their wishes.  Will the scarecrow get a brain, the tin man a heart, the lion some courage, and Dorothy a trip back to Kansas?  You’ll have to read to find out!