Oz Collection: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Emerald City of Oz, The Marvelous Land of Oz
Nerdy Dozen Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
The Oz Books - Complete Series (VOL I) by L. Frank Baum is a collection of captivating tales that transport readers to the magical land of Oz. Follow the adventures of Dorothy Gale, Tip, and other memorable characters as they navigate through extraordinary challenges and meet fantastical creatures. From Dorothy's journey with her dog Toto in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,' to Tip's escape from his wicked guardian in 'The Marvelous Land of Oz,' and Dorothy's return in 'The Emerald City of Oz,' these stories explore themes of friendship, bravery, and the quest for identity. This complete series invites readers to experience the enchantment of Oz with included free audiobooks.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-18
Length
576 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about Dorothy's decision to leave Kansas and go to Oz? Would you have made the same choice if you were in her place?
How do the different characters help Dorothy on her journey? What does their assistance tell us about friendship and teamwork?
What qualities do you admire in the characters from Oz, such as the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and the Lion? How can you apply these qualities in your own life?
If you could have one wish granted by the Wizard, what would it be and why?
How do the challenges faced by the characters change them by the end of the story? Can you think of any challenges that have changed you?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the story, encourage your child to imagine they are part of the adventure, asking how they would feel and what they would do in situations encountered by Dorothy and her friends.
Highlight the significance of virtues like bravery, intelligence, and love as demonstrated by the characters, relating them to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, then discuss why they made that choice, deepening their connection to the story.
Use the moments in the book where characters make tough decisions to talk about decision-making and consequences with your child, making it relevant to their experiences.
Celebrate the imaginative aspects of the book by creating a fun, themed reading space or dress-up days based on characters from Oz.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and self-belief
Explanation: Throughout the Oz series, characters like the Cowardly Lion demonstrate that true courage comes from believing in oneself and facing fears, rather than being fearless.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their own challenges with bravery and understand that everyone, even adults, sometimes feels scared but can overcome those feelings.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Dorothy's journey and interactions with characters like the Tin Man and Scarecrow show how camaraderie and caring for others are central to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of building and maintaining friendships, helping and supporting each other through difficulties.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and resourcefulness
Explanation: The characters frequently encounter problems that they solve through clever thinking and teamwork, notably in 'The Marvelous Land of Oz' where ingenuity is key in navigating challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of thinking critically and using available resources to navigate school projects or everyday problems.
Example Lesson: Understanding identity and self-worth
Explanation: Characters like the Scarecrow and Tin Man explore their own desires to have a brain and a heart, respectively, teaching that self-discovery is an important journey.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate their own unique traits and abilities, fostering a positive self-image and encouraging them to embrace who they are.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the series, particularly in 'The Emerald City of Oz', Dorothy and her friends show that persistence and determination are crucial to achieving goals and conquering adversities.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether in completing a challenging task or achieving personal goals.