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Title: The Emerald City of Oz (Books of Wonder)
ISBN: 0688115586
Author:
L. Frank Baum
Publicate Date: 1993-04-23
Publish: 1993-04-23
List Price: $25.99
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Hardcover
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $11.95
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $5.25
Amazon Merchant Price: $17.15
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Must read in the series
If you were to read only two books in the series, they should be 'The Wonderful Wizard' and this one. Originally intended as the bookend to the first volume, it would have produced a very fine 'happily ever after' for Dorothy. After all - who wants to keep going back to dust-bowl era Kansas when you are surrounded by emeralds and talking animals? However, due to some understandable financial concerns, it was not to be. Baum continued writing, rendering this merely a half-way point. Nonetheless, you can view this as the end of a narrative arc if you like, making the first book and this book a good choice for combined reading.
The normal Oz elements are there, as well as some evident growth in Baum's writing style. Other reviews note the first-time dual narrative, but Baum's style has grown in other ways as well. His homespun do-good philosophy remains but is now accompanied in some sections by puns that would make Piers Anthony blush. My personal preference among all chapters is the short trip to Utensia for this very reason. A very amusing chapter, completely lost on my son but entertaining to me.
One slight oddity is the political structure that is becoming increasingly clear in book after book: Oz is a Utopian Monarchy. Everyone does as they wish because everything is owned by a single person who gives completely free reign to everyone. I can see how this would be appealing to the kiddos (no need to work or go to school!), and I can accept the appeal as long as I get to be the king in my house!
This is an enjoyable read aloud to young children. Recommended.
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2: How about that, a plot!
Even though the plot is dull, at least it has a plot. I tired of the endless journey through fairy country, meeting new and odd people, especially after having finished ["Road to Oz"] immediately prior. Although one never believes the Nome king and allies pose much of a real threat, that is one of the beauties of a fairy country: no one is never in any real danger.
This book also seems much more philosophical than many of the other Oz books as much ado is made about the fact that people in Oz don't have money and everyone just works for the good of everyone else because it pleases them to do so, and those who are tiresome are sent to live in cities made up of other people who are equally tiresome in the same manner. This is a sound philosophy, which, unfortunately only works in fairy countries.
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3: Excellent book series for kids
You can find most of the characters of the Land of Oz in this book. My son loves it , we use to read it at bed time. Really funny and relaxing.
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4: "Wad up wit it Vanilla Face!!"
The gleaming, beautiful Emerald City, under attack? What? In The Land of Oz trouble stirs up. The Nome King is much but furious over his magic belt, so now what? He plans revenge on Dorothy, Ozma and the whole Emerald City! The book "the Emerald City of Oz" takes place in the peaceful Land of Oz were everyone is always happy, were you always fit in where you're at. Dorothy, the wizard and Aunt Em and Uncle, Ozma, The Scarecrow, and the Tin woodman all have to figure out how are they going to stop the Nome King from destroying the Emerald City and all it's inhabits. But while this event occurring Dorothy, the Wizard, Aunt Em and Uncle Henry are all on a trip around Oz. But all thanks to the great brains that the Wizard gave the Scarecrow, peace was brought upon the Land of Oz and the Emerald City.
I thought that this book was very entertaining. Usually books like this can be very boring, but not this book. My favorite part of the book was when Dorothy wanders off from the camp, and into the City of the Bunnies. Where only bunnies are aloud to go there. But Dorothy was able to enter due to the letter of approval by the princess Ozma. There she helps the king bunny make up his mind about wanting to be king or not. But over this entire book was one of my favorites.
The theme or main idea probably would be; always choose well over evil and never become what you don't like. I got my theme from the end of the book. The savior of the Emerald city was an interesting save.
What I found interesting about this book is that it's a continuation of my favorite books & movie such as; Dorothy and Wizard of Oz, and the book "The Land of Oz". And it I were to change things about the book would be that Ozma would not be so cut of the story during Dorothy's trip around the land of Oz, Ozma stayed home and during that time, nothing is rarely heard of Ozma. But besides that I felt that the book fell right in place with each event. I recommend fantasy-fiction books should read of the book and it's a more in depth look at The Land of Oz and it's inhabits.
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5: Friendship, courage and adventure!
As a little girl, I read this book **at least** 20 times! The friendship of Dorothy, Ozma, the Cowardly Lion, the Hungry Tiger, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and all the others truly shines here, as they face great danger together with love and courage. The tour of Oz is so much fun, and the terrible danger Oz faces from the Nome King and his allies is very exciting!
John R. Neill's gorgeous original art nouveau illustrations bring the fairytale to life. Highly, highly recommended! If you want your child to love reading, share this book with her. This is a snuggle up under the covers, read all Saturday kind of book!
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