The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Nerdy Dozen Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
After a cyclone transports her to the land of Oz, Dorothy must seek out the great Wizard in order to return to Kansas. Alongside her newfound friends, the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion, Dorothy navigates the challenges of the Yellow Brick Road while discovering the power of friendship, courage, and self-belief. This adaptation of the literary classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz incorporates gender-neutral terminology, offering an inclusive reading experience.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-18
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Dorothy Gale
Cowardly Lion
Tin Woodman
The Scarecrow
Wizard Of Oz
Wicked Witch Of The West
Discussion points
How do you think Dorothy felt when she first arrived in Oz, and how would you feel in a similar situation?
What qualities do the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion seek on their journey? How do those qualities relate to their actions?
Can you think of a time you helped a friend like Dorothy helps her companions? What happened?
Why do you think the Wizard of Oz uses tricks and disguises instead of showing his true self?
If you could have one adventure in Oz, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
While reading, relate the story to your child's experiences, such as moving to a new place or feeling different, to help them connect with Dorothy’s feelings.
Discuss each character's flaws and strengths, encouraging your child to think about how everyone has both and how they can be embraced.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative solutions to the characters' problems, fostering creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Use the theme of 'home' to discuss the importance of family and safety, and what home means to your child.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character, helping them express their understanding and engagement with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and self-belief
Explanation: Displayed through the character of the Cowardly Lion who, despite his fear, frequently acts bravely. His journey mirrors the discovery of his inner courage.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face their fears and believe in their own abilities, even when they feel scared.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion all work together to overcome obstacles. Their different strengths complement each other, showing how teamwork can achieve goals.
Real-World Application: Teaches the importance of collaborating with others and valuing everyone's unique strengths in group settings like school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: The significance of self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: Characters such as the Scarecrow and the Tin Man are on a quest that ultimately leads them to find that they already possess what they were seeking.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and appreciate their personal growth, emphasizing that they often already have the qualities they seek.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dorothy faces various challenges but her determination to return home never wavers. This perseverance is crucial to her success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether in academic endeavors or personal goals, illustrating the benefits of determination and resilience.
Example Lesson: Understanding that appearances can be deceiving
Explanation: The Wizard of Oz initially appears powerful but is later revealed to be an ordinary man without magical powers, teaching a lesson in perception versus reality.
Real-World Application: Helps children learn to question and analyze appearances, promoting critical thinking and a deeper understanding of situations and people.