Imagine my surprise, while searching online lists of previously banned books, to come across The Wizard Of Oz (or The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)! I have never read the book, and have only seen the 1939 Hollywood film. Onward to the local library. The copy of the 1982 book that the librarian handed me was illustrated by Michael Hague, and what lovely illustrations they are! I especially liked The Cowardly Lion, since he had flowers in his mane.
 |
| The cover |
 |
| Sleeping off the poppies |
 |
| Following the yellow brick road |
 |
| In the Emerald City |
For a story written in 1900, it was surprisingly modern, in thought and presentation. I stayed up late reading to the end, because of course, the book is much better than the movie! For me, the illustrations were a big part of my reading enjoyment. There is no rainbow, The Tin Man's story is horrifying, and Dorothy and her pals would not have gotten anywhere without the help of the Mouse Queen. And The Cowardly Lion was very brave indeed!
Too bad there weren't any housecats in 'The Wizard Of Oz'!
I have read 16 books of the 26 in the Challenge to date.
That looks like fun to read those older books. We might have to try that. Have a super evening.
ReplyDeleteI've never read the Wizard of Oz either. Actually, I never knew it was a book...only a movie. ~Island Cat Mom
ReplyDeleteI've never read it either but now my curiosity is peaked!
ReplyDeleteMom read this when she was a kid, but totally doesn't remember the original now.
ReplyDeleteI love learning new exciting things about an old classic I thought I knew well!
ReplyDeleteThat one really is kind of a dark story, the movie is much kinder.
ReplyDeleteLove those illustrations! We never read the book either but was forced to watch the movie every year.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great choice. I remember reading that when I was a kid and it is much different than the film. That sounds like a fun challenge.
ReplyDeleteI will have to check this out!
ReplyDelete