Dorothy of Oz

Keepsake Adventures of Oz #1

by Roger S. Baum

There is trouble in Oz and Dorothy is needed! With Glinda's help, she and Toto return to Oz. Joined by her old friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Lion, Dorothy sets out on a perilous journey to stop the crafty Jester from using the power of the Wicked Witch of the West's wand to turn the people of Oz into china dolls. But that seems to be the least of Dorothy's problems as her travels lead her straight into a treacherous maze, a cave full of very hungry dragons, an evil spell that could destroy the Yellow Brick Road - and the daunting knowledge that it is up to her to stop the Jester's terrible plan.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Classics, Childrens, Novels, Magic, Adventure

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 1989

About the author

Roger Stanton Baum (born Mar. 21, 1938) is a great-grandson of L. Frank Baum, the original creator of the "Oz" series, and grandson of Frank Joslyn Baum, who published The Laughing Dragon of Oz in 1935.

Reviews

[Mjhancock · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Oz series was my first geekdom--reading and re-reading the original 14 book Baum run was a big part of my childhood. This book was essentially a nostalgia purchase, as I do remember coming across it as a kid and not disliking it. This read, however, I'm much more lukewarm. I guess the problem is that it's trying too hard to connect itself to the original series without doing anything that recreates the same style--it's just not weird enough. The plot is that Glinda calls Dorothy and Toto back to Oz because something's happened with the Lion, Woodsman, and Scarecrow; after some mild adventure, Dorothy finds out that they've been turned into china dolls by a Jester who's come across the Wicked Witch's old wand (which is apparently a thing?) and been somewhat corrupted by it. She talks him into freeing them, in exchange for a promise to return with Glinda for his collection. The four reunited, they set out to find Glinda and get some advice. Along the way, there's a sinister maze, talking trees, and some sleeping dragons, among other mini-adventures.

It's an all right adventure, but it just never hits the same level as the originals, or even come close. Frankly, it got three stars over two because I liked the role the Princess China Doll played, and the slight ambiguity of the Jester figure--otherwise, it was largely dull. YMMV; I don't need a faithful Oz sequel, but I need more to be interested. Also, trying to figure out where this fit in the timeline of the orginal series drove me nuts. It's before book 6, because Dorothy doesn't live in Oz. It's after book 2, because Ozma's around. And there's some redemption for the Wizard, so that suggests past book 4. And yet, that seems entirely too much time for the spirits of the Wicked Witches to still be around causing trouble. You are a conundrum, Dorothy of Oz.

[Kld2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

While no one can quite capture Frank Baums spirit of Oz as he could, this book by his great grandson is still a nice addition for children of today. They need the simpler stories in a world filled with adult themes to smooth their souls and give more thoughts of imagination to their minds. The illustrations are delightfully drawn and add much to the story. This is a book written not for adults but for children to help brighten their life while teaching perseverance, courage and right and wrong in a simple story. I think it deserves 5 stars for its very simplicity that seems lost in today’s overwrought world.

[McKenna Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beloved book from my childhood. Thanks to Thriftbooks, I now have my own copy. It's still charming and filled with the wonder of Oz. I can't wait to read it with my daughter in a few years.

Update 12/10/24 - I just finished reading it aloud to my two daughters!

[Carrie Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout this year I have been slowly getting through the rest of the Oz series (books 3-14). Now that I am almost done with the series, well at least Baum's books in the series, I have found the Keepsake Adventures of Oz Series by Roger S. Baum, L. Frank Baum's great-grandson. I really enjoyed this first book and am looking forward to picking up the rest. The story felt very true to his great-grandfather's writing. Having watched the movie that is loosely based on this book with my preschool kids often, I was looking forward to reading the source material. It did not disappoint in the least. I'm glad to be able to introduce the Oz stories to my students, especially with a story that they so fully enjoy. This book was wonderful and I recommend it to any Oz fan.

[Sarospice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The original run of F.L. Baum Oz books have always been a childhood favorite. I can remember getting them from the Library and devouring them in order. I had no idea they continued so much. This series adds interesting new characters and reintroduces some fan faves... The resolutions aren't as complex as the original series but the wholesome story makes up for the brief trip back to Oz!

[R.K. Cowles · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

[Stephen Chase · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst story ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an avid fan of The Wizard of Oz series. Ever since I was little, I would obsessively watch the movies, the tv shows, and every other adaptation of the Wizard of Oz and now that they are releasing a movie based off from this book, I needed to read it especially that it's L. Frank Baum's grandson.

This story is not a sequel or any cheap imitation of L. Frank Baum's books but more a tribute to his grandfather and the story starts off with Dorothy in Kansas after she came back from Oz. She sees a beautiful rainbow and runs toward it with Toto. At the end of the rainbow, Glinda appears and tells Dorothy that her friends in Oz are in immediate danger and that only she can save them.

Through the rainbow, Dorothy finds her silver shoes that disappeared when she came back to Kansas and learns that the shoes have lost it's magic only to send her to Oz and back. When she returns to the Land of Oz it hasn't changed except she meets this evil Jester who uses the Wicked Witch of the West's wand and has turned everyone into a porcelain doll and only she can saved them all.

Since this book was written for the 50th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Roger S. Baum brought a lot of characters that you have fallen in love with through his grandfathers work and makes it a wonderful experience for all fellow Oz fans. Even though I worship this series, I feel like this book is a look back at my childhood. It makes me rekindle with characters who I can relate and fall in love with and makes me realize how we must treasure the innocence of a child and thanks to The Wizard of Oz, we can keep that intact, and offer life lessons of bravery, loyalty, and friendship through Dorothy, Tin Woodman, Lion, and the Scarecrow.

[Kerry Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by Roger S. Baum and illustrated by Elizabeth Miles, Dorothy of Oz is a follow up tale to the Wizard of Oz. This story takes place after Dorothy and Toto return home to Kansas after their adventures at Oz. It all begins when Dorothy sees a rainbow. It is so beautiful that she and her dog, Toto, cannot help but run to it. There, the Good Witch of the South, Glinda, informs Dorothy that the Tin Woodman, The Scarecrow, and the Lion are all in danger and only she can help. With the help of her magic shoes, Dorothy and Toto return to Oz where they must find her friends. They make many stops along the way, each time getting help and directions to their next destination. When Dorothy realizes that an evil jester has trapped her friends, she must come up with a plan to help them. In order to do this, she must journey to find Glinda with her four friends. They encounter a maze, dragons and evil spirits before they make it to the familiar yellow brick road. This story is perfect for children who love adventure, especially lovers of The Wizard of Oz. It is a great, easy read that many age levels can enjoy.

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son's obsession with all things Oz continues and since this one has a cool picture on the front (and the library couldn't find L. Frank Baum's #4) we got this one even though it was written by his great grandson. Cute. Definitely had a dark bad guy. Tied in well with the original series by using multiple characters.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly the grandson of Mr. Baum understood his grandfathers vision. Playful, witty, cute and some wonderful new characters are introduced. Thank you Roger, he would be proud. The illustrations are marvelous, and capture the feel of the book very well. Elizabeth Miles beautifully done.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

By L. Frank's Great Grandson... obviously not the same voice, but it'll do for an Oz jones.

[Megan]

Written in a style very similiar to the original books, it is a creative story with a good mixture of original and new characters

[Stormy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the few Oz books that match closely L. Frank Baum's original series in tone and humor. It was written by Roger Baum, a great-grandson.

[Cj Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite children's books and I'm glad Roger Baum continued writing.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread.

[Matthew Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was as if he was channeling his great great grandfather. it was so good.