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Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz
From master storyteller MICHAEL MORPURGO, and illustrated in stunning color by the award-winning EMMA CHICHESTER CLARK, comes a surprising, charming and uplifting twist on The Wizard of Oz, told by a very special and unforgettable character: Dorothy’s pet dog, Toto. A perfect, collectible gift for all children (and children at heart).
“I was there,” Papa Toto said, and those magic words sent shivers down my spine. It was going to be the Wizard story. “Dorothy and me were both there.”
We were all silent, snuggled up together, waiting, waiting.
Then Papa Toto began…
When a twister descends on their Kansas farm, Toto and his owner Dorothy hide in the house – only to be plucked into the air and whisked away!
Coming down with a crash in the mysterious land of Oz, the pair meet a series of extraordinary characters: a scarecrow who believes he has no brains, a tin man without a heart, and a cowardly lion who may not be as cowardly as he thinks he is.
But Toto and Dorothy are desperate to return home – after all, home is home, and home is best! So they set off with their new friends on a journey down the yellow brick road to find the only person who might be able to help them: the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
But what they find might surprise them. And on the way, all of them will learn that what they think they are missing might have been there, all along…
Beautifully illustrated throughout, this is an unforgettable telling of a classic story, and a must for every bookshelf.
“I was there,” Papa Toto said, and those magic words sent shivers down my spine. It was going to be the Wizard story. “Dorothy and me were both there.”
We were all silent, snuggled up together, waiting, waiting.
Then Papa Toto began…
When a twister descends on their Kansas farm, Toto and his owner Dorothy hide in the house – only to be plucked into the air and whisked away!
Coming down with a crash in the mysterious land of Oz, the pair meet a series of extraordinary characters: a scarecrow who believes he has no brains, a tin man without a heart, and a cowardly lion who may not be as cowardly as he thinks he is.
But Toto and Dorothy are desperate to return home – after all, home is home, and home is best! So they set off with their new friends on a journey down the yellow brick road to find the only person who might be able to help them: the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
But what they find might surprise them. And on the way, all of them will learn that what they think they are missing might have been there, all along…
Beautifully illustrated throughout, this is an unforgettable telling of a classic story, and a must for every bookshelf.
284 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2017
23 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Michael Morpurgo
635 books3,051 followersSir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL is the author of many books for children, five of which have been made into films. He also writes his own screenplays and libretti for opera. Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War, then returned to London, moving later to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful spell in the army, he took up teaching and started to write. He left teaching after ten years in order to set up 'Farms for City Children' with his wife. They have three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, open to inner city school children who come to stay and work with the animals. In 1999 this work was publicly recognised when he and his wife were invested a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to youth. In 2003, he was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. He was knighted in the 2018 for his services to literature and charity. He is also a father and grandfather, so children have always played a large part in his life. Every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the setting for three of his books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 23, 2020
‘“You called him terrible. Is he a good man or a wicked man?” Dorothy asked.’
this was so cute
this was so cute
July 10, 2018
What a delightful book! Dorothy’s adventure through the eyes of her faithful dog, Toto, as he is telling the tale to his puppies. Amongst all the dark fairytale retellings of late, this is such a refreshing and precious take on a beloved story. Also, the illustrations are fabulous, and I found myself lingering over pages, soaking up the scenes.
If you have little kids, read it to them. If you have older kids, read it with them. If you don’t have children, read it yourself. Nobody should miss out on Toto’s tremendous tail.
If you have little kids, read it to them. If you have older kids, read it with them. If you don’t have children, read it yourself. Nobody should miss out on Toto’s tremendous tail.
August 19, 2022
I read this with my daughter at bedtime and we both really enjoyed it. It’s the story of the Wizard of Oz but told by Toto, Dorothy’s dog
We love Michael Morpurgo books he has a real way with word and makes the story so easy to understand for children. And also the way he tells the story you can picture everything he is describing
We love Michael Morpurgo books he has a real way with word and makes the story so easy to understand for children. And also the way he tells the story you can picture everything he is describing
October 5, 2017
***Actual Star Review: 2.75 Stars***
After the last book that I read that was suppose be told from Toto's viewpoint I was hoping with all that I had that this wouldn't be a repeat. Instead it is better and much more enjoyable although at the same time one of those that had me scratching my head since it didn't just combine book and film elements but completely changed the ending, which since of that edit I ended up having to give this book a lesser star rating even though I did really enjoy it otherwise.
First of all the book starts off basically as a cute retelling where Toto has become a dad thus is trying to put the rascally pups asleep since he is watching them. This is one of those points that parents and non-parents would understand what is going on although it also gives me a bit of red light as to why he doesn't want to have fun with the pups or take them out exploring but instead automatically tries to dodge responsibilities by putting them to sleep.
Anyway the writing is fun and easy as well as a lot more interesting than the original or at least in my opinion so I would say that this would be a great way of introducing children to "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". Unless they have watched the movie version with Judy Garland or read the original they won't pick-up on the elements that have been combined from both to make this unique retelling, the non-classic ending or even the combination of days within the story to make it somewhat shorter.
Furthermore the author throws in the fact that Toto mentions the smell of hedgehogs although being a Kansan dog and one that probably has never been out of country he wouldn't know what type of animal that is. Furthermore even if he hasn't lived his whole life out on the Kansan plains than he may have met the porcupine, which isn't even remotely related to the hedgehog either.
Otherwise addition of the brightly colored illustrations allows young readers to get into the book although again without the purist form of the book. The Kansas homestead is shown in color, which is a first for many tellings from Oz. There were one or two illustration details that were off to me such as the Witch of the North being dressed as a Munchkin. Otherwise the illustrator seems to have a bit of Baum since the illustrations weren't consistent such as the Munchkins seemed to be presented as people with real skin complexions while those who live in the Emerald City and the Winkies tend to have the skin tones consisting of the location where they come from (respectively green and yellow).
Which off on a tangent just brings me to an interesting question of my own about mixed marriages of Oz characters and how their children may appear. Must chase this down later.
All in all it was a pleasurable read and one that fans of all ages of both Oz sources would enjoy whether as an independent read or as a shared read with the children in their lives.
After the last book that I read that was suppose be told from Toto's viewpoint I was hoping with all that I had that this wouldn't be a repeat. Instead it is better and much more enjoyable although at the same time one of those that had me scratching my head since it didn't just combine book and film elements but completely changed the ending, which since of that edit I ended up having to give this book a lesser star rating even though I did really enjoy it otherwise.
First of all the book starts off basically as a cute retelling where Toto has become a dad thus is trying to put the rascally pups asleep since he is watching them. This is one of those points that parents and non-parents would understand what is going on although it also gives me a bit of red light as to why he doesn't want to have fun with the pups or take them out exploring but instead automatically tries to dodge responsibilities by putting them to sleep.
Anyway the writing is fun and easy as well as a lot more interesting than the original or at least in my opinion so I would say that this would be a great way of introducing children to "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". Unless they have watched the movie version with Judy Garland or read the original they won't pick-up on the elements that have been combined from both to make this unique retelling, the non-classic ending or even the combination of days within the story to make it somewhat shorter.
Furthermore the author throws in the fact that Toto mentions the smell of hedgehogs although being a Kansan dog and one that probably has never been out of country he wouldn't know what type of animal that is. Furthermore even if he hasn't lived his whole life out on the Kansan plains than he may have met the porcupine, which isn't even remotely related to the hedgehog either.
Otherwise addition of the brightly colored illustrations allows young readers to get into the book although again without the purist form of the book. The Kansas homestead is shown in color, which is a first for many tellings from Oz. There were one or two illustration details that were off to me such as the Witch of the North being dressed as a Munchkin. Otherwise the illustrator seems to have a bit of Baum since the illustrations weren't consistent such as the Munchkins seemed to be presented as people with real skin complexions while those who live in the Emerald City and the Winkies tend to have the skin tones consisting of the location where they come from (respectively green and yellow).
Which off on a tangent just brings me to an interesting question of my own about mixed marriages of Oz characters and how their children may appear. Must chase this down later.
All in all it was a pleasurable read and one that fans of all ages of both Oz sources would enjoy whether as an independent read or as a shared read with the children in their lives.
February 2, 2018
When I saw this brightly illustrated retelling of The Wizard of Oz written by Michael Morpurgo I thought it would be a sure bet. We love the Wizard of Oz books and have read and enjoyed several of Michael Morpurgo’s books.
It is a cute idea, The Wizard of Oz from Toto’s perspective. But like most retellings, it was just not as enjoyable as the original.
The book was a kind of strange mix between elements from the movie and the original Baum story with a few original inventions of Morpurgo thrown in. The ending was especially disappointing as it completely altered Baum’s ending. My daughter was especially unhappy because the ending in this book disregarded the events that follow in The Marvelous Land of Oz. With Morpurgo’s ending the story in The Marvelous Land of Oz would not have happened. The characters would not have been in the right places or filling the right roles.
Stick with the original Oz books.
It is a cute idea, The Wizard of Oz from Toto’s perspective. But like most retellings, it was just not as enjoyable as the original.
The book was a kind of strange mix between elements from the movie and the original Baum story with a few original inventions of Morpurgo thrown in. The ending was especially disappointing as it completely altered Baum’s ending. My daughter was especially unhappy because the ending in this book disregarded the events that follow in The Marvelous Land of Oz. With Morpurgo’s ending the story in The Marvelous Land of Oz would not have happened. The characters would not have been in the right places or filling the right roles.
Stick with the original Oz books.
October 21, 2017
The famous story as told by a different character
I realised halfway through this that I didn't remember the original and may not, actually, have read it! I'm currently rectifying by reading Baum's original Oz story to my six year old son, who has taken to it more quickly than I would have guessed. It's also been very handy reading them alongside each other, to compare storyline, character and style.
This is Morpurgo's rewriting of The Wizard of Oz, quite closely, but written from the dog's perspective. He bookends the tale of Oz with Toto's puppy listening to him telling the tale as a bedtime story, which works nicely as the youngsters interject and you are reminded that it is a tale being told.
I have been surprised at the original, that Toto is already quite often referenced, his feelings taken into account, it looks quite simple to take that idea and make it into another book, it is actually a shame that Morpurgo didn't do more with the ploy.
This follows the story exactly - form tornado in a grey land to the house landing on a witch, and journey to wizard down a yellow road to the wizard who can send the little girl (and of course, her dog) home, meeting friends along the way who have failings they want the wizard to correct.
It's simply told really, as always by Morpurgo, no literary flourishes, but this, while predictable, makes it an accessible book for listeners and readers alike, the author is never threatening.
Chichester Clark illustrates well, with a lovely colour palette for the different countries (green for the Emerald City etc) in her trademark style.
It's a nice addition to the collection they are amassing together of famous fairy tales retold. I hope this encourages children (and parents/teachers) to also read L. Frank Baum's original series, which is just as readable.
One for ages 5 to 11.
I realised halfway through this that I didn't remember the original and may not, actually, have read it! I'm currently rectifying by reading Baum's original Oz story to my six year old son, who has taken to it more quickly than I would have guessed. It's also been very handy reading them alongside each other, to compare storyline, character and style.
This is Morpurgo's rewriting of The Wizard of Oz, quite closely, but written from the dog's perspective. He bookends the tale of Oz with Toto's puppy listening to him telling the tale as a bedtime story, which works nicely as the youngsters interject and you are reminded that it is a tale being told.
I have been surprised at the original, that Toto is already quite often referenced, his feelings taken into account, it looks quite simple to take that idea and make it into another book, it is actually a shame that Morpurgo didn't do more with the ploy.
This follows the story exactly - form tornado in a grey land to the house landing on a witch, and journey to wizard down a yellow road to the wizard who can send the little girl (and of course, her dog) home, meeting friends along the way who have failings they want the wizard to correct.
It's simply told really, as always by Morpurgo, no literary flourishes, but this, while predictable, makes it an accessible book for listeners and readers alike, the author is never threatening.
Chichester Clark illustrates well, with a lovely colour palette for the different countries (green for the Emerald City etc) in her trademark style.
It's a nice addition to the collection they are amassing together of famous fairy tales retold. I hope this encourages children (and parents/teachers) to also read L. Frank Baum's original series, which is just as readable.
One for ages 5 to 11.
May 25, 2020
Toto The Wizard Of Oz as told by the dog by Michael Morpurgo is a delightful children’s tale about the familiar Wizard Of Oz but as seen by Toto. It is refreshingly unique.
I adore the film with Judy Garland and was very keen to read this novel. The book certainly did not disappoint and was totally charming.
We see that kindness and care will transform the world as we help others, and they in turn help us. Words can build up or tear down. We need to speak life over those we meet along life’s journey.
Dorothy finds herself far from home. She learns a valuable lesson that home is best. No matter how kind our friends are, we cannot beat that feeling that home gives.
The novel is illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark. Her illustrations bring the tale to life. They are also perfect starting points for discussion with our children.
Toto is a perfect novel to read to young children or for early readers to access themselves. The illustrations will fire up the imagination.
No matter how old or young you are, if you are a fan of the Wizard Of Oz, you will love this book.
I adore the film with Judy Garland and was very keen to read this novel. The book certainly did not disappoint and was totally charming.
We see that kindness and care will transform the world as we help others, and they in turn help us. Words can build up or tear down. We need to speak life over those we meet along life’s journey.
Dorothy finds herself far from home. She learns a valuable lesson that home is best. No matter how kind our friends are, we cannot beat that feeling that home gives.
The novel is illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark. Her illustrations bring the tale to life. They are also perfect starting points for discussion with our children.
Toto is a perfect novel to read to young children or for early readers to access themselves. The illustrations will fire up the imagination.
No matter how old or young you are, if you are a fan of the Wizard Of Oz, you will love this book.
January 7, 2018
I have never read the original Wizard of Oz and I was a little bit terrified of the famous film growing up - however I am always willing to give a Morpurgo 'retelling' of any tale a go as I really do believe that he is a master storyteller. Toto did not disappoint, I did not really want to put it down and from my limited knowledge of the original it is true to the tale. I really enjoyed that it is told from the view if Toto as Morpurgo almost always makes animals very central to his tales. The illustrations are absolutely stunning throughout adding another dimension to the tale. A perfect little read for all ages.
March 13, 2018
The illustrations were cute, and the idea was a good one, but it just fell very short. This is a retelling of the Wizard of Oz story that basically combines elements from the movie and the original work, but like most retellings, just watching the movie and reading the original book would be a far superior choice.
June 2, 2022
Trollkarlen av OZ. Ännu en bok, eller film, jag självklart hört talas om men inte vet den riktiga handlingen.
Men vad gör det? Detta är hunden Totos version av ett äventyr han och hans Dorothy hamnade i av en slump.
Som jag ser av andra recensioner håller den sig inte till originalet helt och hållet. Men det är ju en hund som berättar och han gör det för sina egna valpar.
Kan vara att han skarvar lite på sanningen för att få det att låta bättre...eller så var det bara så han upplevde det hela. Vem vet?
Betyg: 3 mördarbin av 5 förvandlas till aska och damm.
Men vad gör det? Detta är hunden Totos version av ett äventyr han och hans Dorothy hamnade i av en slump.
Som jag ser av andra recensioner håller den sig inte till originalet helt och hållet. Men det är ju en hund som berättar och han gör det för sina egna valpar.
Kan vara att han skarvar lite på sanningen för att få det att låta bättre...eller så var det bara så han upplevde det hela. Vem vet?
Betyg: 3 mördarbin av 5 förvandlas till aska och damm.
April 14, 2020
Read as a bedtime story with my son, who really enjoyed it and insisted we give it 5 stars. Actually it is a good retelling of the original story, but from the dog Toto's perspective. We will aim re-read the original fairly soon too.
April 26, 2024
Despite loving the wizard of oz, I never managed to finish this book, and I'll probably never will.
December 13, 2019
Ich liebe Kinderbuch-Klassiker über alles und der „Der Zauberer von Oz“ zählt auf jeden Fall zu meinen absoluten Lieblingen. Als ich nun hörte, dass im Woow Books Verlag eine Neuerzählung dieses märchenhaften Klassikers erschienen ist, geschrieben aus der Perspektive des Hundes Toto, stand für mich natürlich sofort fest: Das Buch muss ich unbedingt lesen! Ich ließ es daher nur zu gerne bei mir einziehen.
Der kleine schwarze Hund Toto lebt zusammen mit seinem Frauchen Dorothy und deren Onkel und Tante auf einer Farm in Kansas. Als eines Tages ein Wirbelsturm aufkommt, schaffen Toto und Dorothy es nicht rechtzeitig, sich im Keller des Hauses in Sicherheit zu bringen. Der Sturm reißt das Farmhaus mit sich fort – und somit auch Toto und Dorothy. Die beiden landen in einer fremden, wundersamen Welt – dem Märchenland Oz. Hier gibt es die merkwürdigsten Wesen und Dinge: Geflügelte Affen, furchteinflößende Ungeheuer, außergewöhnliche Blumen, gute und böse Hexen – Würstchen oder andere leckere Sachen zum Futtern gibt es aber keine. Allein das ist schon ein großer Grund, warum Toto unbedingt wieder zurück nach Hause möchte. Zusammen mit Dorothy macht er sich daher auf in die Smaragdstadt, zum großen und schrecklichen Zauberer von Oz. Der Zauberer wird ihnen hoffentlich dabei helfen können, zurück nach Kansas zu gelangen. Auf ihrem Weg begegnen die beiden einer Vogelscheuche, die gerne Verstand haben möchte, einem Blechmann, dessen größter Wunsch es ist, ein Herz zu bekommen und einem feigen Löwen, der davon träumt, mutig zu sein. Die drei beschließen Toto und Dorothy zu begleiten. Vielleicht kann der Zauberer von Oz ja auch ihnen ihre Wünsche erfüllen. Eine Reise voller Abenteuer beginnt...
Als das Buch bei mir eintraf, war ich richtig überrascht, wie groß und schwer es ist. Mit so einem Format hatte ich irgendwie gar nicht gerechnet. Ich kann euch versichern: Der Preis von 19,00 € ist absolut gerechtfertigt! Das Buch wurde sehr hochwertig verarbeitet – ich finde sogar, dass man es als eine Schmuckausgabe bezeichnen kann. Es ist so wunderhübsch gestaltet – hach, also, von der umwerfenden Aufmachung des Buches könnte ich euch hier endlos etwas vorschwärmen. Das Cover schimmert so herrlich und ist in meinen Augen ein richtiger Hingucker. Noch bezaubernder aber finde ich den Innenteil. Die vielen bunten, fröhlichen Illustrationen von Emma Chichester Clark sind einfach nur ein Traum! Sie harmonieren ausgezeichnet zum Geschehen im Text und schaffen eine ganz besondere, magisch schöne Atmosphäre. Ob die vielen ganzseitigen Illustrationen oder die kleineren Bilder – allesamt wurden sie super liebevoll gezeichnet und stecken voller entzückender Details.
Neben der Gestaltung bin ich auch von der Erzählweise des Buches komplett verzaubert. Meiner Ansicht nach ist es Michael Morpurgo hervorragend gelungen die Geschichte von „Der Zauberer von Oz“ aus der Sicht des Hundes Toto in der Ich-Perspektive zu schreiben. Papa Toto erzählt hier seinen sieben Welpen von seinem großen Abenteuer. Eine total niedliche Idee, oder? :)
Vor allem bei Kindern wird diese anschauliche und zum Schmunzeln schöne Erzählweise prima ankommen. Sie ist modern, lustig, herzerwärmend und zuckersüß und lässt sich fabelhaft vortragen. Zum Vorlesen ist das Buch prima geeignet. Ich habe es für mich alleine gelesen, bin mir aber vollkommen sicher, dass es für perfekte Vorlesestunden sorgen wird. Die Kapitel haben eine optimale Länge, es fallen viele Wiederholungen und da es jede Menge Dialoge gibt und der Schreibstil so wunderbar lebendig und warmherzig ist, werden junge Zuhörer hier garantiert die reinste Freude beim Lauschen haben. Zum Selberlesen bietet das Buch aber natürlich auch den tollsten Lesespaß.
Nun habe ich aber mal eine Frage an euch: Kennt ihr eigentlich „Der Zauberer von Oz“? Mittlerweile gibt es schon zahlreiche verschiedene Ausgaben und auch Verfilmungen und Theaterinszenierungen dieses zeitlosen Klassikers, aber mein Eindruck ist irgendwie, dass er dennoch eher unbekannt ist. Zumindest hier in Deutschland. Vom Namen her wird er vielen vermutlich schon ein Begriff sein, ich meine, wer hat nicht schon mal von dem Zauberer von Oz gehört? Aber die genaue Handlung kennen doch eher erstaunlich wenige. So empfinde ich jedenfalls, vielleicht täusche ich mich ja auch.
Falls ihr die Originalfassung nicht kennen solltet, ist das überhaupt kein Problem, um Totos Geschichte verstehen zu können. Michael Morpurgo erzählt die Geschichte zwar originaltreu, nur eben auf eine andere Weise. Wenn man, wie ich, die Orignalgeschichte gelesen (oder als Verfilmung gesehen) hat, wird man Michael Morpurgos Adaption natürlich ganz anders lesen als diejenigen, die sie nicht kennen. Man zieht natürlich Vergleiche. Ich weiß nun tatsächlich gar nicht, was ich persönlich besser finde und daher eher empfehlen kann: Totos Geschichte zu lesen, ohne Vorwissen oder sie zu lesen, mit der Handlung im Kopf. Ich denke, dass beide Varianten ihren Charme haben. Was ich euch aber definitiv nur ans Herz legen kann: Lernt diese einzigartige Geschichte kennen! „Der Zauberer von Oz“ erzählt so ein wunderschönes Märchenabenteuer voller Magie und Fantasie!
An fantasievollen Ideen mangelt es hier wahrlich nicht. Es beginnt schon aufregend und phantastisch, als Dorothy und Toto durch den Wirbelwind in das Reich von Oz getragen werden. Dieser Szenen sollen noch viele, viele weitere zauberhafte Dinge folgen. In dem wundersamen Land Oz, in welchem Dorothy und Toto gelandet sind, gibt es die außergewöhnlichsten Geschöpfe und großartigsten Orte. Wir begegnen im Verlaufe des Buches den verrücktesten und kuriosesten Figuren und egal ob gut oder böse – allesamt sind sie erstklassig gelungen. Ich könnte gar nicht sagen, wen ich nun am liebsten mochte. Vermutlich Toto. Er ist so knuffig und herzallerliebst – ich liebe diesen kleinen mutigen Kerl. Dorothy, die Vogelscheuche, der Blechmann und der Löwe habe ich aber natürlich auch ganz, ganz fest in mein Herz geschlossen.
Super finde ich, was für tolle Botschaften und Werte das Buch vermittelt. Die Geschichte handelt von Freundschaft, Mut und Zusammenhalt, von Hilfsbreitschaft, Vertrauen und dem Hinauswachsen über sich selbst. Sie steckt voller Wunder und Überraschungen und spannender, witziger, herzlicher und stellenweise sogar recht gruseliger Momente. Obwohl ich die Story schon kannte, war ich hier durchweg am Mitfiebern und wollte das Buch gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen, weil ich so gefesselt von der Handlung war. Hier noch mal ein ganz großes Lob an Michael Morpurgo, dass es ihm so grandios gelungen ist, „Der Zauberer von Oz“ auf eine so mitreißende und liebenswerte Weise neu zu erzählen.
„Toto. Auf vier Pfoten zum Zauberer von Oz“ ist so ein richtiger Kinderbuchschatz, der meiner Meinung nach in keinem guten Kinderbuchregal fehlen sollte.
Fazit: Was für ein unglaublich schönes Buch – ich bin total verliebt in diese wundervolle moderne Neuerzählung von „Der Zauberer von Oz“! „Toto . Auf vier Pfoten zum Zauberer von Oz“ ist in meinen Augen ein absolutes Schätzchen, welches mir ein herrliches Leseerlebnis beschert hat. Ich habe dieses märchenhafte Abenteuer nur zu gerne aus Sicht von Toto noch einmal erlebt und kann diesem mutigen kleinen Hund nur glücklich und zufrieden zustimmen: „Ich war dabei!“. Michael Morpurgo ist es großartig gelungen, die Geschichte leicht, spannend und kindgerecht neu zu erzählen. Sein Text plus die fantastischen farbenfrohen Bilder von Emma Chichester Clark ergeben zusammen ein wahres Kunstwerk. Ich bin hellauf begeistert und vergebe sehr gerne volle 5 von 5 Sternen!
Der kleine schwarze Hund Toto lebt zusammen mit seinem Frauchen Dorothy und deren Onkel und Tante auf einer Farm in Kansas. Als eines Tages ein Wirbelsturm aufkommt, schaffen Toto und Dorothy es nicht rechtzeitig, sich im Keller des Hauses in Sicherheit zu bringen. Der Sturm reißt das Farmhaus mit sich fort – und somit auch Toto und Dorothy. Die beiden landen in einer fremden, wundersamen Welt – dem Märchenland Oz. Hier gibt es die merkwürdigsten Wesen und Dinge: Geflügelte Affen, furchteinflößende Ungeheuer, außergewöhnliche Blumen, gute und böse Hexen – Würstchen oder andere leckere Sachen zum Futtern gibt es aber keine. Allein das ist schon ein großer Grund, warum Toto unbedingt wieder zurück nach Hause möchte. Zusammen mit Dorothy macht er sich daher auf in die Smaragdstadt, zum großen und schrecklichen Zauberer von Oz. Der Zauberer wird ihnen hoffentlich dabei helfen können, zurück nach Kansas zu gelangen. Auf ihrem Weg begegnen die beiden einer Vogelscheuche, die gerne Verstand haben möchte, einem Blechmann, dessen größter Wunsch es ist, ein Herz zu bekommen und einem feigen Löwen, der davon träumt, mutig zu sein. Die drei beschließen Toto und Dorothy zu begleiten. Vielleicht kann der Zauberer von Oz ja auch ihnen ihre Wünsche erfüllen. Eine Reise voller Abenteuer beginnt...
Als das Buch bei mir eintraf, war ich richtig überrascht, wie groß und schwer es ist. Mit so einem Format hatte ich irgendwie gar nicht gerechnet. Ich kann euch versichern: Der Preis von 19,00 € ist absolut gerechtfertigt! Das Buch wurde sehr hochwertig verarbeitet – ich finde sogar, dass man es als eine Schmuckausgabe bezeichnen kann. Es ist so wunderhübsch gestaltet – hach, also, von der umwerfenden Aufmachung des Buches könnte ich euch hier endlos etwas vorschwärmen. Das Cover schimmert so herrlich und ist in meinen Augen ein richtiger Hingucker. Noch bezaubernder aber finde ich den Innenteil. Die vielen bunten, fröhlichen Illustrationen von Emma Chichester Clark sind einfach nur ein Traum! Sie harmonieren ausgezeichnet zum Geschehen im Text und schaffen eine ganz besondere, magisch schöne Atmosphäre. Ob die vielen ganzseitigen Illustrationen oder die kleineren Bilder – allesamt wurden sie super liebevoll gezeichnet und stecken voller entzückender Details.
Neben der Gestaltung bin ich auch von der Erzählweise des Buches komplett verzaubert. Meiner Ansicht nach ist es Michael Morpurgo hervorragend gelungen die Geschichte von „Der Zauberer von Oz“ aus der Sicht des Hundes Toto in der Ich-Perspektive zu schreiben. Papa Toto erzählt hier seinen sieben Welpen von seinem großen Abenteuer. Eine total niedliche Idee, oder? :)
Vor allem bei Kindern wird diese anschauliche und zum Schmunzeln schöne Erzählweise prima ankommen. Sie ist modern, lustig, herzerwärmend und zuckersüß und lässt sich fabelhaft vortragen. Zum Vorlesen ist das Buch prima geeignet. Ich habe es für mich alleine gelesen, bin mir aber vollkommen sicher, dass es für perfekte Vorlesestunden sorgen wird. Die Kapitel haben eine optimale Länge, es fallen viele Wiederholungen und da es jede Menge Dialoge gibt und der Schreibstil so wunderbar lebendig und warmherzig ist, werden junge Zuhörer hier garantiert die reinste Freude beim Lauschen haben. Zum Selberlesen bietet das Buch aber natürlich auch den tollsten Lesespaß.
Nun habe ich aber mal eine Frage an euch: Kennt ihr eigentlich „Der Zauberer von Oz“? Mittlerweile gibt es schon zahlreiche verschiedene Ausgaben und auch Verfilmungen und Theaterinszenierungen dieses zeitlosen Klassikers, aber mein Eindruck ist irgendwie, dass er dennoch eher unbekannt ist. Zumindest hier in Deutschland. Vom Namen her wird er vielen vermutlich schon ein Begriff sein, ich meine, wer hat nicht schon mal von dem Zauberer von Oz gehört? Aber die genaue Handlung kennen doch eher erstaunlich wenige. So empfinde ich jedenfalls, vielleicht täusche ich mich ja auch.
Falls ihr die Originalfassung nicht kennen solltet, ist das überhaupt kein Problem, um Totos Geschichte verstehen zu können. Michael Morpurgo erzählt die Geschichte zwar originaltreu, nur eben auf eine andere Weise. Wenn man, wie ich, die Orignalgeschichte gelesen (oder als Verfilmung gesehen) hat, wird man Michael Morpurgos Adaption natürlich ganz anders lesen als diejenigen, die sie nicht kennen. Man zieht natürlich Vergleiche. Ich weiß nun tatsächlich gar nicht, was ich persönlich besser finde und daher eher empfehlen kann: Totos Geschichte zu lesen, ohne Vorwissen oder sie zu lesen, mit der Handlung im Kopf. Ich denke, dass beide Varianten ihren Charme haben. Was ich euch aber definitiv nur ans Herz legen kann: Lernt diese einzigartige Geschichte kennen! „Der Zauberer von Oz“ erzählt so ein wunderschönes Märchenabenteuer voller Magie und Fantasie!
An fantasievollen Ideen mangelt es hier wahrlich nicht. Es beginnt schon aufregend und phantastisch, als Dorothy und Toto durch den Wirbelwind in das Reich von Oz getragen werden. Dieser Szenen sollen noch viele, viele weitere zauberhafte Dinge folgen. In dem wundersamen Land Oz, in welchem Dorothy und Toto gelandet sind, gibt es die außergewöhnlichsten Geschöpfe und großartigsten Orte. Wir begegnen im Verlaufe des Buches den verrücktesten und kuriosesten Figuren und egal ob gut oder böse – allesamt sind sie erstklassig gelungen. Ich könnte gar nicht sagen, wen ich nun am liebsten mochte. Vermutlich Toto. Er ist so knuffig und herzallerliebst – ich liebe diesen kleinen mutigen Kerl. Dorothy, die Vogelscheuche, der Blechmann und der Löwe habe ich aber natürlich auch ganz, ganz fest in mein Herz geschlossen.
Super finde ich, was für tolle Botschaften und Werte das Buch vermittelt. Die Geschichte handelt von Freundschaft, Mut und Zusammenhalt, von Hilfsbreitschaft, Vertrauen und dem Hinauswachsen über sich selbst. Sie steckt voller Wunder und Überraschungen und spannender, witziger, herzlicher und stellenweise sogar recht gruseliger Momente. Obwohl ich die Story schon kannte, war ich hier durchweg am Mitfiebern und wollte das Buch gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen, weil ich so gefesselt von der Handlung war. Hier noch mal ein ganz großes Lob an Michael Morpurgo, dass es ihm so grandios gelungen ist, „Der Zauberer von Oz“ auf eine so mitreißende und liebenswerte Weise neu zu erzählen.
„Toto. Auf vier Pfoten zum Zauberer von Oz“ ist so ein richtiger Kinderbuchschatz, der meiner Meinung nach in keinem guten Kinderbuchregal fehlen sollte.
Fazit: Was für ein unglaublich schönes Buch – ich bin total verliebt in diese wundervolle moderne Neuerzählung von „Der Zauberer von Oz“! „Toto . Auf vier Pfoten zum Zauberer von Oz“ ist in meinen Augen ein absolutes Schätzchen, welches mir ein herrliches Leseerlebnis beschert hat. Ich habe dieses märchenhafte Abenteuer nur zu gerne aus Sicht von Toto noch einmal erlebt und kann diesem mutigen kleinen Hund nur glücklich und zufrieden zustimmen: „Ich war dabei!“. Michael Morpurgo ist es großartig gelungen, die Geschichte leicht, spannend und kindgerecht neu zu erzählen. Sein Text plus die fantastischen farbenfrohen Bilder von Emma Chichester Clark ergeben zusammen ein wahres Kunstwerk. Ich bin hellauf begeistert und vergebe sehr gerne volle 5 von 5 Sternen!
April 18, 2018
Reviewed for School Library Journal, October 2017
Gr 2-5 –Celebrated author Morpurgo has penned a new adaptation of a beloved classic, featuring the little dog Toto as the narrator. The whole grand adventure is told from the viewpoint of Dorothy’s feisty dog as he recounts his fantastical and sometimes frightening experiences to his puppies. They call him Papa Toto and the “Wizard” story is one of their all-time favorites. Toto’s voice is folksy and he speaks directly to the puppies, sometimes admonishing them for fidgeting or warning them when a frightening part is about to begin. Readers unfamiliar with the original tale will be introduced for the first time to characters such as the Queen of the Field Mice and the Kalidahs, who never made an appearance in the famous film. For the most part, the book is loyal to the original text without any significant changes. Award-winning illustrator Chichester Clark provides colorful, appealing illustrations that pair well with the story. VERDICT: Toto as the narrator coupled with the tenor of the tale make this a good choice for a read-aloud and is an optional purchase where the original series is popular.–Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
Gr 2-5 –Celebrated author Morpurgo has penned a new adaptation of a beloved classic, featuring the little dog Toto as the narrator. The whole grand adventure is told from the viewpoint of Dorothy’s feisty dog as he recounts his fantastical and sometimes frightening experiences to his puppies. They call him Papa Toto and the “Wizard” story is one of their all-time favorites. Toto’s voice is folksy and he speaks directly to the puppies, sometimes admonishing them for fidgeting or warning them when a frightening part is about to begin. Readers unfamiliar with the original tale will be introduced for the first time to characters such as the Queen of the Field Mice and the Kalidahs, who never made an appearance in the famous film. For the most part, the book is loyal to the original text without any significant changes. Award-winning illustrator Chichester Clark provides colorful, appealing illustrations that pair well with the story. VERDICT: Toto as the narrator coupled with the tenor of the tale make this a good choice for a read-aloud and is an optional purchase where the original series is popular.–Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
March 26, 2020
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There is something very welcoming about this book, reading it is like being embraced by a familiar old friend. There are new elements to enjoy but overall the experience is largely the same, re-entering the well known world of L. Frank Baum’s classic ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
Dog lovers are going to adore this book. It’s extremely charming to experience such a familiar classic from the unique viewpoint of the pet. It’s a lovely expansion of the original tale that’s full of heart, and the respect for the classic story shines through in every page. Micheal Morpurgo’s writing is a consistently sweet delight. He matches the tone and style of the original throughout while adding his own humorous spin.
A lot of credit also goes to the excellent illustrator Emma Chinchester Clark. Her beautiful illustrations bring the book to life. It’s a book that is a real joy to hold in your hands and pore over. The lively illustrations combined with the intimate narration make this book especially suited to shared reading aloud.
Its an absolutely gorgeous book with heart-warming, wholesome contents. It has a cheeky charm of its own that justifies it taking on such a classic story.
There is something very welcoming about this book, reading it is like being embraced by a familiar old friend. There are new elements to enjoy but overall the experience is largely the same, re-entering the well known world of L. Frank Baum’s classic ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
Dog lovers are going to adore this book. It’s extremely charming to experience such a familiar classic from the unique viewpoint of the pet. It’s a lovely expansion of the original tale that’s full of heart, and the respect for the classic story shines through in every page. Micheal Morpurgo’s writing is a consistently sweet delight. He matches the tone and style of the original throughout while adding his own humorous spin.
A lot of credit also goes to the excellent illustrator Emma Chinchester Clark. Her beautiful illustrations bring the book to life. It’s a book that is a real joy to hold in your hands and pore over. The lively illustrations combined with the intimate narration make this book especially suited to shared reading aloud.
Its an absolutely gorgeous book with heart-warming, wholesome contents. It has a cheeky charm of its own that justifies it taking on such a classic story.
October 20, 2020
Ok so the book started out ok and holds it’s own fairly well. Until the end. There are some oddities to be sure: the British author has clearly never been in the US to know that we don’t really use the term “veranda” and we never use the phrase “cowardy custard.”
However the ending is bananas. Glinda has died prior to the story beginning so instead of a witch helping Dorothy get home after an overly needy Wizard is unmasked...she gives her magic red shoes to the Scarecrow for some inane reason, gets in the balloon and goes towards Kansas! Then, because they have no real way to get her to the farm, he just dumps her out and she hitchikes the rest of the way home!
I am all for new interpretations of classics...but what was even the point here?
However the ending is bananas. Glinda has died prior to the story beginning so instead of a witch helping Dorothy get home after an overly needy Wizard is unmasked...she gives her magic red shoes to the Scarecrow for some inane reason, gets in the balloon and goes towards Kansas! Then, because they have no real way to get her to the farm, he just dumps her out and she hitchikes the rest of the way home!
I am all for new interpretations of classics...but what was even the point here?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2021
It's always a pleasure to read anything illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark, even if for no other reason. And I possibly spent more time gazing at and discussing the illustrations than I did reading this short account of the Wizard of Oz story through the eyes of Toto. The framing of the tale is charming for little ones, in that the dog is telling the story to his puppies, as they snuggle up to him and one by one, drop off to sleep. His viewpoint is charmingly doggy, and charmingly loyal to Dorothy, whilst at the same time having a gentle paternal authority because he's talking to his pups. Morpurgo makes this work by and large, although I did a few times forget who was telling the story. It would be a terrific read-aloud. I only wish I'd had it a few years ago when the kids were small.
April 27, 2020
3.5 STARS
This was such a nice and quick read.
It's very easy, with a lot of repetitions (too much sometimes? At least for an adult, I think the kids will love it) and a lot of nice illustrations (tho a bit childish to my taste).
It was an original retelling and a great way to discover this classic story through the eyes of the most beloved Toto. His perspective was funny and interesting and not at all restraining. It was feel good, fast paced and action packed.
I really had a good time reading it. Would definitely recommend for 8yo and above.
This was such a nice and quick read.
It's very easy, with a lot of repetitions (too much sometimes? At least for an adult, I think the kids will love it) and a lot of nice illustrations (tho a bit childish to my taste).
It was an original retelling and a great way to discover this classic story through the eyes of the most beloved Toto. His perspective was funny and interesting and not at all restraining. It was feel good, fast paced and action packed.
I really had a good time reading it. Would definitely recommend for 8yo and above.
May 26, 2023
My 10 year old daughter checked this book out from her school library, and told me that she thought I'd like it. Since I definitely want to encourage her reading, I was happy to take her recommendation and read the book myself.
This was a very cute re-telling of The Wizard of Oz from Toto's point of view. It follows the story from the original novel, so those who are only familiar with the (fantastic) movie may find some parts a little jarring.
The illustrations were beautiful in this book as well. Just a great middle-grade book for kids who like The Wizard of Oz.
This was a very cute re-telling of The Wizard of Oz from Toto's point of view. It follows the story from the original novel, so those who are only familiar with the (fantastic) movie may find some parts a little jarring.
The illustrations were beautiful in this book as well. Just a great middle-grade book for kids who like The Wizard of Oz.
November 20, 2017
Appealing to new chapter book readers, the 284 pages are a bit heavy (in hardcover) due to the shiny paper that best shows off the multiple color illustrations.
Toto tells stories to his litter of pups and this version isn't just from his perspective, but adds details and a few twists different from that which most of us are familiar.
Didn't hold my interest and may be a bit lengthy for some reading on their own, but definitely worth a try.
Toto tells stories to his litter of pups and this version isn't just from his perspective, but adds details and a few twists different from that which most of us are familiar.
Didn't hold my interest and may be a bit lengthy for some reading on their own, but definitely worth a try.
March 7, 2020
Hands up who hasn't seen The Wizard of Oz? We all know off by heart how the story goes (and what songs) but do we know the story from Toto's perspective? As a Cairn Terrier owner myself, I was keen to find out.
There are some new aspects in the story so don't think you know the whole plot so that was a nice thing to have in the book.
So don't overlook this book. Great for kids and adults alike, as always
There are some new aspects in the story so don't think you know the whole plot so that was a nice thing to have in the book.
So don't overlook this book. Great for kids and adults alike, as always
December 31, 2024
This is a cute retelling. Much of the story follows the book however if I’m remembering correctly it actually follows the film a little more. You don’t have to read the original before you read this book and given how perfectly it follows the story I certainly wouldn’t recommend reading it right after the original as I did. Toto’s inner dialogue and doggy nature does add something rather fun to the story. As with the original I would recommend this book more children than adults.
January 15, 2021
This book was so fun to read with my dog loving son! So cleverly written from Toto’s perspective and the illustrations are gorgeous. Jude loves to flip through it and look at the illustrations and let the story be told to him that way and I can see him picking this up to read again when he learns to read.
April 16, 2022
For some reason I have never read the story of the Wizard of Oz or seen any film version, so I really didn't know what to expect.
As always Michael Morpurgo delivers a beautifully written tale. I am not sure how closely it follows the original, but in any event I really enjoyed this beautifully illustrated edition.
As always Michael Morpurgo delivers a beautifully written tale. I am not sure how closely it follows the original, but in any event I really enjoyed this beautifully illustrated edition.
February 6, 2023
This was a good family read aloud. I get a little annoyed when a remake/ redo is more based on the movie (esp if it’s a Disney movie) than on the original book. This did however, contain a few things (everyone wearing glasses in the Emerald City) that were in the original book but not in the movie.
September 19, 2017
This fun new book answers a couple of questions that had already been asked about the Wizard of Oz. This would be great as a read aloud for children as young as second grade and would be a good independent read for older children.
November 15, 2017
This was a clever variation in the classic Wizard of Oz tale from Dorothy's "little dog" Toto's point of view. There are elements from the original printing as well as some tie-ins to the famous movie. Quick and enjoyable!
November 25, 2017
So I was walking around the libary bored,it seems i had read everything I wanted to. But then, sitting on a shelf was book called Toto: the dog- gone amazing story of the wizard of oz. So I'm like it has a dog on the cover so of course I'm going to read it! And its pretty good, great for dog lovers. Told from toto's point of view he tells the adventures he and Dorothy had in the book Wizard of oz, to his puppies.
May 12, 2019
I had a blast reading this story in the perspective of Toto. It was interesting to see how a dog reacted to the situations they were all placed in, and what his main concerns were. It was a very unique retelling.
And the illustrations: Wow!
And the illustrations: Wow!
May 12, 2020
A cute retelling of the classic tale narrated by Toto. Some of the original story was changed, but the illustrations made it a little more enjoyable (as I was trying to compare my recent reread of the book to this one). Toto even had funny internal side comments that made me laugh.
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