The Royal Book of Oz facts for kids
Cover of The Royal Book of Oz
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| Author | Ruth Plumly Thompson (some editions list L. Frank Baum as author) |
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| Illustrator | John R. Neill |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Oz books |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Reilly & Lee |
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Publication date
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1921 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Preceded by | Glinda of Oz |
| Followed by | Kabumpo in Oz |
The Royal Book of Oz is the fifteenth book in the popular Oz series. It was published in 1921. This book is special because it was the first Oz story written after the original author, L. Frank Baum, passed away. Even though Baum was often given credit, the book was actually written entirely by Ruth Plumly Thompson. For many years, some books even claimed it was based on Baum's notes, but this has since been shown not to be true.
The Story of the Royal Book
The adventure begins with the Scarecrow. He feels a bit sad because Professor Woggle-bug tells him he doesn't have a family. So, the Scarecrow decides to go back to the cornfield where Dorothy Gale first found him. He wants to find out where he really came from.
When the Scarecrow doesn't return, Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion get worried. They set off to find him. Along their journey, they meet some interesting new friends. These include an old knight named Sir Hokus of Pokes, the Doubtful Dromedary, and the Comfortable Camel. Together, this group has many strange and fun adventures while looking for the missing Scarecrow.
The Scarecrow's Secret Past
During their search, the Scarecrow makes an amazing discovery. He learns that he was once a human! Even more surprising, he used to be the Emperor of the Silver Islands. This is a secret kingdom located deep underground, beneath the Munchkin area of Oz. The people who live there look a bit like people from China.
Remember when Dorothy first found the Scarecrow in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz? He was hanging on a beanpole in a cornfield. Well, it turns out this beanpole actually goes deep underground, all the way to the Silver Islands! The Emperor of the Silver Islands had been turned into a magical flower called a crocus by an enemy wizard. This crocus then grew into the long beanpole that reached the surface. When the farmer put his scarecrow on the pole, the spirit of the transformed Emperor entered the Scarecrow's body, bringing him to life!
Returning to the Silver Islands
The Scarecrow digs at the bottom of the beanpole and slides down into the Silver Islands. The people there are very happy to see him. They greet him as their long-lost Emperor, returned to save them. The Scarecrow spends some time ruling the Silver Islanders, who can be a bit difficult.
However, the Scarecrow soon decides he prefers his fun and carefree life in Oz. He wants to go back to the Emerald City. But the islanders don't want him to leave! They even try to change him back into his human form, which would make him an 85-year-old man. Luckily, Dorothy and her friends arrive in the Silver Islands just in time. They rescue the Scarecrow from the islanders.
Together, they all travel back to the Emerald City. Sir Hokus, the Comfortable Camel, and the Doubtful Dromedary decide to stay and live in the Emerald City too. Sir Hokus and the Comfortable Camel even appear as important characters again in a later book, The Yellow Knight of Oz.
