Children's Classics: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Easy Classics)
Short Classics Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Experience the magic of Oz like never before in 'Children's Classics: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Easy Classics)' by Gemma Barder. This adaptation simplifies L. Frank Baum's enchanting tale, making it accessible and engaging for young readers. Follow Dorothy as she navigates the whimsical world of Oz, learning valuable lessons about courage, intelligence, heart, and the meaning of home. Perfect for developing literacy and sparking imagination, this classic ensures a delightful reading journey for both children and parents.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Dorothy so brave on her journey through Oz?
If you could have any of the gifts the characters received from the Wizard, which one would you choose and why?
How did the friends Dorothy made along the way help her in her adventure?
What would you do if you met a talking Scarecrow, Tin Man, or Lion?
What do you think is the most important lesson Dorothy learned during her adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Dorothy's shoes and imagine how they would feel in her situations, deepening their empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and asking for help, as shown by Dorothy and her friends working together.
Link the story's events and decisions made by the characters to real-life situations to teach moral and ethical lessons.
Use dramatic reenactments of favorite scenes to make the reading experience more interactive and memorable.
Highlight the aspect of courage in the face of the unknown, and relate it to new experiences your child may face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and self-confidence
Explanation: In 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', the Cowardly Lion embarks on a journey to find courage. Despite his initial fears, he repeatedly acts bravely, demonstrating that courage comes from within.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges with confidence, understanding that bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward despite it.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion all work together to overcome obstacles. Their unique strengths complement each other, emphasizing that teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to value collaborative efforts and shows that cooperation can help solve problems and achieve goals in school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, characters like the Scarecrow and the Tin Man discover their own abilities and strengths, learning that they already possess what they were seeking.
Real-World Application: This provides a great lesson for children in discovering and embracing their own talents and capacities, and promotes self-reliance and personal development.
Example Lesson: The significance of empathy and kindness
Explanation: Dorothy consistently shows compassion to her companions and even to strangers they meet on their journey. Her kindness is pivotal in forming and maintaining strong bonds.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being kind and understanding towards others, which can lead to more empathetic interactions in their everyday social environments.