The Emerald City of Oz volume one

by Eric Shanower

In Kansas Uncle Henry can't pay the mortgage, so Aunt Em, Dorothy, and he must leave their home. Where can they go? To the Land of Oz, of course! Will anyone in Oz survive after the Nomes attack through a secret underground tunnel?

24 pages, Library Binding

First published July 3, 2013

Reviews

[Katy Lovejoy]

A graphic novel version of my favorite oz book? Sign me up!

[Paula]

This is volume one in the “Emerald City of Oz” graphic novel series. Roquat, the Nome King, is angry because he has lost half his magical powers. Knowing that Dorothy won his magical belt and left it in Oz with Ozma, he vows to get it back. He plans to dig a tunnel from his land to Oz so that he can conquer Ozma and the land of Oz once and for all and reclaim his power. In the meantime, Aunt Em and Uncle Henry tell Dorothy they are about to lose their farm. Dorothy re-visits Oz and obtains Ozma’s permission to bring Aunt Em and Uncle Henry to live in luxury in the land of Oz. But the Nome King’s general, having completed the tunnel, has the Nome army of 50,000 march to the land of the Whimsies and enlists their aid in his mission to conquer the land of Oz. Readers will have to read volumes two through five to discover the outcome. Fans of graphic novels and the Wizard of Oz stories will no doubt enjoy this series. Order if needed.

[Cara]

These short volumes contain colorful cartoon illustrations that are well-done, with expressive characters and detailed scenery. Although the very brief stories in each volume may be good for reluctant readers, buying a whole set is not very cost-effective for a library. Children in grades 4-6 will enjoy these retellings of the classic Oz tales.