Rereading: RINKITINK IN OZ by L. Frank Baum

Cover and illustrations by John R. Neill

The tenth Oz book by Baum is mostly about new characters, with Oz villain the Nome King and other Oz familiar characters only coming into the story in the last few chapters. One nice feature is a new map showing many of the countries around Oz for the first time, and the story takes place in several of them.

We begin on the small island of Pingaree in the Nonestic Ocean, which I think is loosely modeled on Hawaii. There Prince Inga and his parents, King Kitticut and Queen Garee enjoy a happy life. Pearl fishers on their coast find many fine pearls, which they take by boat to the mainland, where they trade them with the kingdom of Rinkitink for everything they need not found on their island. One day, King Rinkitink arrives on Pingaree for a visit, bringing his talking goat Bilbil, who he rides like a horse. Rinkitink is a fat, jolly man who loves to sing songs and make jokes. He’s left his kingdom secretly because he’s tired of his royal duties. The royal family of Pingaree is happy to host him.

Suddenly, Pingaree is attacked by a large fleet of boats full of warriors from islands further north, Regos and Coregos. Pingaree is caught unawares, and all the citizens and their riches are captured and taken away as hostages except for Prince Inga, Rinkitink, and Bilbil. Inga knows of some magic pearls that will help him rescue his people, and soon these three are off on a rescue mission, but even with magic help, can they overcome a vast army?

Fun story, I enjoyed rereading it, though Rinkitink’s songs and jokes are not as amusing as he and Baum think they are. Recommended.

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