Synopsis
Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore! Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman, and the Lion on a magical adventure to the Land of Oz. This exciting new Classic Pop-Ups book brings the beloved L. Frank Baum tale to life like never before — with gorgeous color illustrations by Paul Hess and incredible pop-up panoramas accented by atmospheric sounds and music. Leave the cornfields of Kansas behind on the clouds of a whooshing tornado, oil the rusty Tin Woodsman's squeaky joints, and discover the Emerald City as it rises before your eyes in one of the most incredible pop-up scenes ever created. This version of The Wizard of Oz is utterly captivating, and destined to be a favorite bedtime book for years to come!
Children's Literature
Using a condensed version of Baum's original 1900 text, the illustrator provides us with his unique interpretation of this American fantasy. Dorothy and Toto still meet Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion on their way to Oz. Obstacles like the poppy field, flying monkeys and the fake wizard are met and overcome. Dorothy discovers what is truly valuable in life returning to gray old Kansas and the loving arms of her aunt and uncle. Santore has fun drawing the Cowardly Lion towering over his companions, bending the Wicked Witch of the West at outrageous angles, and painting Oz green, greener, and greenest. This shorter, centennial-celebration version with dynamic graphics may be just right to read to the younger set who wiggle too much to sit through the entire original version. 2000, Random House, $21.95. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Chris Gill