The Road to Oz facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | L. Frank Baum |
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| Illustrator | John R. Neill |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Oz Books |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Reilly & Britton |
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Publication date
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1909 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Preceded by | Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz |
| Followed by | The Emerald City of Oz |
The Road to Oz is the fifth book in L. Frank Baum's famous Land of Oz series. It was first published on July 10, 1909. This book tells the exciting story of Dorothy Gale's fourth trip to the magical Land of Oz.
The author, L. Frank Baum, dedicated this book to his first grandson, Joslyn Stanton Baum.
Contents
Dorothy's New Adventure
While Dorothy Gale is at her farm in Kansas, she and her dog Toto meet a friendly traveler. This traveler is called the Shaggy Man. He is a kind, carefree person who asks Dorothy for directions to the nearest town, Butterfield. Dorothy agrees to help him and brings Toto along.
Meeting New Friends
As they walk, the road splits into seven different paths. They choose the seventh path and soon find themselves in a strange, new place. Here, they meet Button-Bright. He is a cute, rich little boy in a sailor suit who always seems to get lost.
Next, they meet Polychrome, who is the beautiful daughter of the Rainbow. Polychrome explains that she accidentally fell off her father's rainbow while dancing. The rainbow went back into the sky before she could get back on it, leaving her stranded on Earth.
Strange Towns and Transformations
Dorothy, Toto, the Shaggy Man, Button-Bright, and Polychrome eventually arrive at a very unusual town called Foxville. This town is full of talking foxes. King Dox of Foxville helps Dorothy realize that she and Toto are on another "fairy adventure." This adventure will surely lead them to the magical Land of Oz. They hope to arrive just in time for Princess Ozma's royal birthday party.
King Dox likes Button-Bright very much. He thinks Button-Bright is very smart. Because of this, King Dox gives Button-Bright a fox's head. Something similar happens to the Shaggy Man later. King Kik-a-Bray of Dunkiton gives him a donkey's head, also as a reward for being clever.
Crossing the Deadly Desert
After leaving these towns, the group meets the Musicker, who makes music just by breathing. They also fight off the Scoodlers, who throw their own heads at people! Finally, Dorothy and her friends reach the edge of the dangerous Deadly Desert. This desert completely surrounds Oz.
The Shaggy Man's friend, Johnny Dooit, builds a special "sand-boat" for them. They need this boat because touching the desert's sand will turn travelers into dust.
Arriving in Oz and the Grand Party
Once they cross the desert and reach Oz, Dorothy and her friends are warmly welcomed. They meet the mechanical man Tik-Tok and Billina the Yellow Hen. As they travel, Button-Bright and the Shaggy Man get their original heads back by bathing in the waters of the Truth Pond.
They then meet the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, and Jack Pumpkinhead. These friends join them on their journey to the Emerald City, which is the capital of Oz. They are all going to Ozma's big birthday party. Dorothy is very happy to see Ozma arrive in her chariot, pulled by the Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger.
Ozma's Birthday Celebration
Many guests arrive for Princess Ozma's birthday party. These guests include Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion, the Wizard of Oz, Jack Pumpkinhead, the Sawhorse, Tik-Tok, Billina, Jellia Jamb, the Woggle-Bug, the Hungry Tiger, and the Good Witch of the North. The Shaggy Man, Button-Bright, and Polychrome are also there.
Characters from all over Nonestica attend, too! This includes Santa Claus, Ryls and Knooks from the Forest of Burzee, Queen Zixi of Ix, the Queen of Merryland, and many others. The Shaggy Man is given permission to live in Oz permanently. He also gets a new suit of clothes, but they still have bobtails so he can keep his name.
Going Home
After everyone gives their gifts and enjoys a huge feast, the Wizard of Oz shows a special trick. He uses bubbles as a way to send everyone home. Polychrome's rainbow family finally finds her, and she floats back into the sky on her rainbow. Button-Bright goes home with Santa Claus in a soap bubble. Finally, Ozma uses her Magic Belt to wish Dorothy and Toto back home to Kansas.
