Stars: ****
Summary: The biography of the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz books, in illustrated format, meant for children but enjoyable by adults as well. With beautiful illustrations by Kevin Hawkes that compliment the story and make you feel like you are truly watching his life unfold.
I picked up this book at the library. I love the Wizard of Oz movie and have read the original Wizard of Oz book as well. As I state in that review, I'd love to read them all but my library isn't very helpful. I've also read The Boy on Fairfield Street by Kathleen Krull (biography of Dr. Seuss)
I learned some interesting points about L. Frank Baum's life that I didn't know. He had a rough life. He always enjoyed writing but he was quite far into his life when he finally stumbled upon a book that was a best seller.
This book would appeal to anyone, child or adult who is interested in the Wizard of Oz and wants to know a bit about the author.
Links of Interest: Kathleen Krull's Website, I.N.K. - Interesting Nonfiction for Kids (a blog of which the author contributes to.)
Other Reviews: Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast (focus on illustrations more),
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5 comments:
It was only recently that I learned of all the other "Oz" books written by Mr. Baum. Truly, he was born in the wrong era. If he'd written them today, he'd have been signed for an exclusive Showtime or HBO series - lasting at least several seasons! (Now that I've brought this up, wonder if someone, somewhere, will make it happen...)
I have only watched the movie and hadn't read any of the books... but I love reading author's autobiography/biography/memoir, so will add this one to the TBR!
Anonymous... Yes you are probably right. He wrote 13 and made notes for the 14th before he passed. The rest were made by those who knew him.
Christa... If you want to know a little about someone but don't want to spend hours reading about one person, children's nonfiction biographies are perfect.
I love everything and anything L. Frank Baum related. I read the original Oz series back in Elementry school (and loved the movie musical, Wicked etc.). Ozma was my favorite character and read all of her books. I love rereading them again as an adult, but only have half of the collection. The only bio I've seen was with John Ritter and Annette O'Toole in made for TV mini series. I need to see if I have this book on my wishlist if not I'm going to add it! Great review!!! :D
millymarie... Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope to be able to read the whole series eventually. I've not seen the bio you speak of but I don't think of ever seen mini series either.
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