I Am Elphaba (Universal Pictures Wicked)

by Mary Man-Kong, Elsa Chang (illustrator)

Elphaba stars in her first-ever Little Golden Book based on Universal Pictures’ Wicked—releasing in theaters November 27, 2024!

This new Little Golden Book celebrates everything that is special about Elphaba, a green-skinned misunderstood woman, from Universal Pictures’ Wicked film. Glinda and the Wizard are also featured in gorgeous retro-style illustrations that will delight children ages 2 to 5, plus Universal Pictures’ Wicked fans and collectors of all ages! Universal Pictures’ Wicked flies into theaters November 27, 2024!

Little Golden Books enjoy nearly 100% consumer recognition. They feature beloved classics, hot licenses, and new original stories. . . the classics of tomorrow.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy, Witches, Fiction, Theatre

Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

Reviews

[nitya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in my Wicked obsession

This was adorable! The artwork is my favorite, it's charming and fits the story

[Harlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should do the right thing!!!

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 3 year old daughter is obsessed with Wicked and this was one of her stocking stuffers. We've read these books a few times today!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly what I would’ve done had I created this book and it’s exactly what I want to read to my daughter. And my son. I love this character and always will for her integrity, guts, and compassion. So I guess her brain, heart, and courage. She’s simply the best.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this is a very quick summary of Wicked, told from the POV of Elphaba. This is the perfect story to introduce younger kids to. Now I need to read the Glinda one.

[Gabriel Mero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author did a pretty good job of condensing the story into a Little Golden Book.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells an abbreviated version of the Wicked movie, told from Elphaba's perspective and at an appropriate level for younger children. The colorful, cartoonish illustrations are sure to appeal to fans.

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this before I saw the film, because my local bookshop chain had it (plus 'I Am Glinda'), and because 'Wicked' is one of my favourite musicals, and Elphaba is my favourite fictional character of all time. I haven't been exposed to her, nor have I talked about her, for years.

So yeah, here is 'I Am Elphaba'!

It's a cute little picture book that tells a very abridged version of the new 'Wicked' (part one) movie, told from Elphaba the protagonist's point of view.

Elphaba Thropp, one of the most misunderstood characters ever, thus why she is so sympathetic and relatable. And properly, complicatedly human. She should be a simple, straightforward heroine for all, but is made a byzantine product by the actions of others; often those in positions of power and influence, and for ill.

She is made a tragic, ostracised victim, forced into the "wicked witch" role, just because she tries to do what is right.

She never asked to be a villain, or a hero, for that matter. She just is. Her own wonderful, unique, witchy, existent self.

The "Wicked Witch of the West" - of Oz - also combines angst with action, pity with productivity, melancholy with marvel, feeling blue (figuratively) with bravery and boldness. This helps her to gain sympathy from audiences, so they proudly root for her, no matter how hopeless her cause is.

No matter whether or not her fate is predetermined.

Elphaba is a witch (though not initially), she has different colour skin from others in her society and that immediately makes her an outcast, she's a carer to her disabled sister Nessarose, she's a civil rights and social activist for the oppressed, vilified animals, and all around she's a sweet, kind, caring, emotional, sensitive, smart person, with human limits. She's more powerful than she realises - which scares the so-called "powerful" higher-ups - and she will use that power for genuine good, which means helping others. Who wouldn't look up to her?

Of course she would be demonised and made a scapegoat by a corrupt, capitalist society because of her trying to be altruistic; again, trying to do the right things in a world that's twisted the definition of what is "good" and "evil", or "wicked". Where no good deed goes unpunished.

(Elphaba herself is even one of the very few things I could tolerate and think is decent in the original 'Wicked' novel, which I still hate).

'I Am Elphaba' - a cute tie-in for any fan of the musical, or the film, or both. The artwork is great, colourful, and enchanting, too.

Always defy gravity with Elphaba the witch!

Final Score: 3.5/5

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The other night, I was able to finally read the Little Golden Books, Wicked Edition. I, obviously, started with "I Am Elphaba" and then read "I am Glinda."

Both books tell the story of Elphaba (the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, before the wicked part) and Glinda (the Good Witch of the North) as they arrive as Shiz, as they move from enemies to friends, and as they make their journey to Oz to meet the Wizard. The books end right where the movie is expected to (right were the OG musical ends for intermission), at Defying Gravity.

I loooooved the books. They were definitely adorable and nice easy readers. The illustrations were bright and bold and beautiful.

The more I torture myself with Wicked teaser, the less I can contain myself for the movie.

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[gemsbooknook Geramie Kate Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Elphaba stars in her first-ever Little Golden Book based on Universal Pictures’ Wicked.

This new Little Golden Book celebrates everything that is special about Elphaba, a green-skinned misunderstood woman, from Universal Pictures’ Wicked film. Glinda and the Wizard are also featured in gorgeous retro-style illustrations that will delight children ages 2 to 5, plus Universal Pictures’ Wicked fans and collectors of all ages!’

This book was lovely.
As a massive fan of Wicked, I have read the book, seen the musical five times, and now watched the movie, so I knew I had to have this book. I went into it with high hopes, and I am happy to say it not only lived up to my high expectations, but it well and truly surpassed them.

Given that the Little Golden Books are aimed at children, I went into this book knowing that it wouldn’t be an in-depth look at Elphaba’s life and story, and I was right. Yet, I was genuinely surprised by how much information this book provided.
I also appreciated that, even though this isn’t a particularly long book, again, it is aimed at children, it didn’t in any way feel rushed. The story flows wonderfully, taking the reader on a journey through the ups and downs of Elphaba’s story in a way that will make you want to read it again and again.
Mary Man-Kong has done a wonderful job with this book. It tells the story of Elphaba without going into too much detail, which is perfect for young readers. On top of that, it tells Elphaba’s story; the good and the bad, yet it is written in a way that is informative and not frightening.
Adding to the magic of this book are the stunning illustrations by Elsa Chang. These bright and bold illustrations bring the story to life and perfectly complement Mary Man-Kong’s writing. The combination of the writing and illustrations makes for a beautiful little book.
I Am Elphaba by Mary Man-Kong is a must-have for young readers and all Wicked fans.

Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com

[Gabingy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yo como fan de wicked, tenía que conseguirlo porque los dibujos me resultaron hermosísimos. Sin embargo, en esta ocasión seré un poco picky con la editorial porque me resultaron simples. Es decir, son cartones con 5 hojas, entiendo que es para niños pero igual no me pareció que justificó el precio que pagué por ellos. Ahora, sobre la ilustración, el estilo me recuerda mucho a storyboards de Disney y eso me encantó. Es un resumen muy corto de la película, es inevitable que se salten muchas cosas porque no van a poder adaptar todo en 10 páginas. Sin embargo, creo que como fan de wicked lo disfrutas inevitablemente.

[Manda Marigold · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides readers with a simple origin story of Elphaba. The book details her character traits, as well as her short-lived rivalry and subsequent friendship with Glinda. Elphaba additionally discovers how to use her magical powers for the betterment of the town. She decides to leave Emerald City to attempt to defy gravity. Overall, this book was a quick read. It felt like the same story but from Elphaba's perspective instead. I think the book could have explained more about Elphaba. I completed the book to gain insight into the characters before I watch the movie later this month.

[Kirsti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tells pretty much the entire story of Wicked: Part One, so don't read this unless you are already familiar with the Maguire book, the musical, or the movie. The illustrations are appealing, but I was sad that unlike the movie, which has people of different weights, everybody in this version is extremely thin. I don't think that's a great message for kids—that in a fantasy land, there are only thin people.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations, perhaps too brief an overview - no mention of her mother at all (a key point to the plot), her invite from the Wizard to the Emerald City or how we simply know her friend as Glinda - as opposed to Galinda; with a Ga.

[Jenna Pritchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book to get kids started on wicked and my son loves it.

[Cora-Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a cute little short story about the first half of Elphaba’s life.
Perfect to introduce children to the Wicked universe or a quick refresher before watching the movie or musical.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sums up Wicked nicely.

[Waleska Jungmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't care it was 15 pages. Its Wicked and I'm counting it xD

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Artwork. Not TO spoilery for the play/movie. I am bummed that this and the Glinda book shared some of the same art... But it's beautiful so I'm gonna let it slide. Haha

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells part of Elphaba’s story from her perspective. The drawings are cute with bright colors. But it ends much too abruptly. I wanted more details.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Glinda one so it was only right that I read this too and it was so cute, no notes 🙂‍↕️💚

[ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

a christmas present from my sister with great art, it was all so cute! it was basically a summary of the movie but great nonetheless!!

[Terri Jeker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gift from my daughter! A great addition to follow I Am Glinda! Perfect for the Wicked lover in your family!

[Jillian August · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: Read both Glinda and Elphaba via YouTube

[Katelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

MASTERPIECE

[Zoe Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, easy to read. Explains in brief detail some of what happens in wicked. Great for kids and wizard of oz/wicked fans.

[Bryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The green magic is pretty.

[Emily Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Wicked fan, I had to get this for my cousin’s daughter. Justice for Elphaba!!!

[bay · Rating 5 out of 5]

fr starting a collection of these