Merry Go Round in Oz facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Eloise Jarvis McGraw and Lauren McGraw Wagner |
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| Illustrator | Dick Martin |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Oz Books |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Publisher | Reilly & Lee |
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Publication date
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1963 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 303 pp. |
| Preceded by | The Hidden Valley of Oz |
| Followed by | Yankee in Oz |
Merry Go Round in Oz is a fantasy book published in 1963. It's the 40th book in the famous Oz series. This series was started by L. Frank Baum. Eloise Jarvis McGraw and Lauren McGraw Wagner wrote this book. Dick Martin created the illustrations.
This book is special because it's the last of the "Famous Forty" Oz books. It's also the last "official" Oz book published by Reilly & Lee. The publisher usually didn't want to print more Oz books because sales were low. However, Eloise Jarvis McGraw had won two Newbery Awards. This convinced the publisher to add her book to the series. The very first version of the book, called the "white edition," is quite rare today.
Contents
Adventures in the Land of Oz
This story takes place in the magical Land of Oz. It follows several characters who go on exciting journeys. Two main places in the story are Halidom and Troth. These are like old kingdoms inside Oz.
The Mystery of Halidom's Power
Halidom is a kingdom where everyone's abilities come from three special golden rings. The ruler wears these rings.
- The first ring sits on the ruler's forehead. It makes everyone in Halidom smart.
- The second ring is on the ruler's right forearm. It gives everyone physical strength.
- The third ring is on the ruler's right thumb. It helps people be good at making things with their hands.
Before the story begins, the first and third rings were lost. This meant the people of Halidom lost some of their smarts and crafting skills.
Fess and Prince Gules's Quest
Prince Gules is the heir to the throne of Halidom. Fess is a young pageboy who serves Prince Gules. Fess was born in Troth, so the magic rings don't affect him.
One day, Fess wakes up to find everyone in Halidom feeling very tired and weak. He learns that the second magic ring has been stolen. This was the last ring left! Fess and Prince Gules decide to go on a quest. They want to find all three missing rings. A unicorn and a Flittermouse (a mouse with wings) help them on their journey.
Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion's Detour
Meanwhile, Dorothy Gale and the Cowardly Lion leave the Emerald City. They are going to visit the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny lives underground, and his home is easy to reach from Oz. After placing their order, Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion get lost on their way back. They soon meet Prince Gules and Fess and decide to join their quest.
Robin Brown's Unexpected Ride
Robin Brown is an orphan boy from Oregon. He rides a magic merry-go-round horse. This horse takes him all the way to the Land of Oz. The horse drops him off in the Quadling Country and Munchkin Countries of Oz.
Robin has many adventures in these new lands. He visits a place called View Halloo, which is all about fox-hunting. He also goes to Roundabout, a land where everything is round. The people there are called Roundheads. The Roundheads think Robin is a new king from an old prophecy. They force him to stay and rule them.
Dorothy's group eventually finds Roundabout. They help Robin escape from the Roundheads. Later, Robin also helps them search for the missing magic rings of Halidom.
