The Wizard of Oz (100 Copy Collector's Edition)
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What’s inside...
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz follows the adventures of a young girl named Dorothy Gale in the Land of Oz, after being swept away from her Kansas farm home in a cyclone. Dorothy quickly teams up with a cowardly lion, a scarecrow, and a tin man, and they set out on a quest to find the Wizard of Oz. They soon find out that the wizard is not quite who they expect, and that they must seek Glinda, the Good Witch of the South. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is one of the best-known stories in American popular culture and has been widely translated. Its initial success, and the success of the 1902 Broadway musical which Baum adapted from his original story, led to the famous 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz, and the 2003 musical, Wicked. This cloth-bound book includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket, and is limited to 100 copies.
Age
0-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Dorothy Gale
Cowardly Lion
Tin Woodman
The Scarecrow
Wizard Of Oz
Wicked Witch Of The West
Scarecrow
Discussion points
Why do you think Dorothy wanted to return to Kansas, even after seeing all the magical things in Oz?
How do the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion show their true strengths throughout their journey?
What lessons do you think we can learn from the challenges that Dorothy and her friends faced?
How did the characters' perception of the Wizard change throughout the book?
In what ways do you think friendship is important, as shown in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the different characters and ask which one they relate to the most and why.
Discuss the concept of 'home' as it is portrayed in the book. Ask your child what home means to them and what makes it special.
Highlight the moral lessons that each of Dorothy’s friends learns about themselves. Ask your child what they have learned about themselves from their own experiences.
Use the imagery and fantastical elements of Oz to spark your child’s imagination. Ask them what magical world they would like to visit and what they would do there.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of bravery
Explanation: Throughout 'The Wizard of Oz', Dorothy demonstrates bravery as she faces various challenges on her journey through the magical land. Despite her fears, she continues her quest to find the Wizard and return home.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with courage, understanding that it's okay to be scared, but it's important to persevere through difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Dorothy’s journey emphasizes the power of friendship as she forms bonds with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. Each character supports and aids the others, showcasing the importance of helping and relying on friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value their friendships, be supportive, and work together with others to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Understanding that everyone has unique strengths
Explanation: In the book, each of Dorothy's companions lacks something: the Scarecrow wants a brain, the Tin Man desires a heart, and the Lion seeks courage. However, as they journey together, each character demonstrates that they already possess these qualities innately.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and appreciate their own unique abilities and those of others, promoting self-confidence and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: The significance of self-discovery
Explanation: The characters in 'The Wizard of Oz' embark on a journey that ultimately leads to self-discovery. They learn that the qualities they admire and seek are already within them.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to embark on their own journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to believe in their inner strengths and qualities.
Example Lesson: Home is where the heart is
Explanation: Dorothy’s famous line, 'There's no place like home,' highlights her realization that her heart and happiness were back home, where she felt loved and cherished.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate their homes and the people who make it a special place, recognizing the comfort and love that it offers.