The Wizard of Oz (Hardcover)

How many times have you seen The Wizard of Oz on Television? How many times have you seen Judy Garland and her red shoes following the Yellow Brick Road? Can you remember the story, or do you just remember the film characters? Forget all those, and immerse yourself in this magnificent book. If you also have preconceptions about pop-up books, then forget those too. The original story was written by L Frank Baumand; this edition, created by Robert Sabuda, is a shorter version of the original story. The artwork, in the style of WW Denslow, the original artist, is exceptional, made up of prints created from cut blocks of linoleum.

Open up the first page and find Dorothy, with her uncle Henry, a farmer, and his wife Aunt Em on their farm in the cyclone belt of Kansas, USA. Watch the cyclone approach and see the house and its surroundings before they are transported (found over the page) to a "country of marvellous beauty", the land of Oz. Meet the munchkins, hear about the Wicked Witch of the East and be there when Dorothy finds the magical silver shoes, and the Witch of the North, before undertaking her journey on the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, accompanied by her dog Toto. Dorothy joins up with a scarecrow, finds a tin woodman, and a cowardly lion, and with them makes her way through a great forest. The Emerald City comes into view (more easily appreciated when seen through the green spectacles provided) and Dorothy discovers Oz, the Great and Terrible. The amazing story unfolds and the travellers continue in their quest to find the Wicked Witch. Further adventures ensue, featuring flying monkeys, yellow Winkie slaves, the demise of the Wicked Witch, and soon, until eventually, as in all good stories, there is a happy ending when Dorothy returns home safely.

Recommend for children aged 6 years and over, this book is a modern take on a real classic, and it will make an excellent gift for book lovers everywhere.--Susan Naylor

A stunning pop-up picture book of L Frank Baums classic tale that has to be seen to be believed! Even those who have never read Baums novel know the story of Dorothy and Toto and their adventures in the magical land of Oz. After a cyclone whisks them away from their Kansas prairie homestead, Dorothy and Toto head to Oz to see the Wizard they hope can get them home again. On the way they meet the faint-hearted Lion, the brainless Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman who wishes he had a heart. When they arrive in the Emerald City and meet the Wizard he says he will only grant their wishes if they can destroy the Wicked Witch of the West. This pop-up book contains an abridged version of the original but still manages to retain the excitement, magic and adventure of the full-length novel. Lots of the original tale is included thanks to clever fold-out/fold-down pages that also enable an incredible 31 separate pop-ups to be included. The artwork throughout the book is in a style similar to that of the original artist, W W Denslow, but with many striking new touches. The paper engineering that has gone into many of the pop-ups is quite spectacular the representations of the tornado that takes Dorothy to the Land of the Munchkins and the balloon that takes her to the country of the Quadlings are stunning. The artwork includes shiny touches of coloured foil and there is also a pair of novelty glasses which give everything in Oz a suitable emerald glow. This is a great book to read to children of six years and upwards and for confident readers aged eight and above. As with all pop-up books it is easily susceptible to damage if not treated with great care although the papercraft seems sturdier than in many similar books and should last well if handled carefully. (Kirkus UK)

A lively and charming adaptation of the quintessential American fairytale. Caballero's black-and-white art uses clean lines, bold blacks and pleasingly variegated panel layouts to breathe fresh vigor into Baum's timeless classic. The storyline moves briskly while staying mostly faithful to the original text, though purists might cavil at the telescoping of Dorothy's admittedly redundant journey to Glinda's castle. The real delight here is the re-imagining of beloved characters for the 21st century, ironically reminiscent of Baum's own prairie populism. These Munchkins are no outre Art Deco midgets, but as friendly and familiar as Wal-Mart shoppers. The Tin Man becomes a genial robot with a buzz-saw appendage, and the Scarecrow a likable homeboy. Generous, openhearted Dorothy herself is clearly on the cusp of adolescence, spunky and self-reliant in her boot-cut jeans and Wonder Girl bracelets; and her magical silver shoes (no glittery ruby pumps here!) look comfortable and sturdy, far more sensible for the long trek down the Yellow Brick Road. By no means a substitute for the original, but certainly a worthy companion, and well able to stand on its own. (Graphic novel. 8+) (Kirkus Reviews)