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The Road to Oz: Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum
KATHLEEN KRULL’S LIVELY text traces the life of L. Frank Baum from his dreamy privileged childhood in mid-19th-century upstate New York through the many detours on his road to Oz. A failure as an actor, a breeder of prize chickens, a merchant in a wild west town, among other occupations, he finally made a success doing exactly what he had always loved to tell stories for children. Along the way, we see the antecedents of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, green glasses, and other characters and attributes of the famous fantasy land. This is the first biography of L. Frank Baum that children can enjoy.
With the same verve she brought to her biography of Dr. Seuss, Kathleen Krull’s wry prose couples with Kevin Hawke’s exuberant paintings and drawings to create a book not to be missed by Oz fans of all ages.
With the same verve she brought to her biography of Dr. Seuss, Kathleen Krull’s wry prose couples with Kevin Hawke’s exuberant paintings and drawings to create a book not to be missed by Oz fans of all ages.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published September 23, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 24, 2016
Krull never does anything less than excellent work. This was no exception. I enjoyed how she and Hawkes combined to show hints of where various Oz characters came from. The story of Baum's life was interesting. The illustrations were fantastic. While not a deep book, since meant for early grades, it covers the essence of his life, and lauds what a wonderful family man Baum was. Which led to his greatest success, the Oz books. He would tell stories to his kids who brought along friends to hear them as well. He learnt from the experience what kids, love and don't love (romance was a no-no!) which gave him his preparation for writing. While he wrote an enormous amount, certainly his legacy are the Oz titles. I need to put them on my list to read since I don't think I've read them all. Another well done title by Krull. Come to think of it, I need to put her books on the to read list as well. She is a local San Diego author, and probably the best known local author. Or should be since people tend to not know nonfiction authors unless adult unfortunately. I always felt the way to approach learning a new field is to start with the children titles. They assume that children know nothing about the subject and they really explain everything, if on a child level.
April 30, 2017
First, I'll say that there were 2 things I didn't like about this book. First, on the second 2-page spread, Krull puts down the name Lyman: "No one dared call him Lyman--who wouldn't hate that name?" Well, what if some kid with that name reads this book and feels bad about his name? Krull might better have simply said that Baum didn't like his first name. Second, she kept inserting comments in parentheses throughout the text, which broke it up and annoyed me.
Having said that, however, I really enjoyed the book. Not only did Krull bring out a lot of the interesting and unusual occupations that Baum tried in his life, but she brought out some of his quirky personality. Baum was born in Chittenango, NY, not far from where I live. They still hold an Oz festival every year there. I hadn't realized, however, that his wife was the daughter of Matilda Joslyn Gage, a feminist from the Syracuse area. I must read an adult biography of him to find out how they met. A most interesting man.
Having said that, however, I really enjoyed the book. Not only did Krull bring out a lot of the interesting and unusual occupations that Baum tried in his life, but she brought out some of his quirky personality. Baum was born in Chittenango, NY, not far from where I live. They still hold an Oz festival every year there. I hadn't realized, however, that his wife was the daughter of Matilda Joslyn Gage, a feminist from the Syracuse area. I must read an adult biography of him to find out how they met. A most interesting man.
March 5, 2011
Being a huge L. Frank Baum fan, I really wanted to read this biography. Kevin Hawkes did a fantastic job with the illustration, esp the end pages and the mini-drawings of Ozian characters at the bottom of every 2 pages. The story just seemed a bit disjointed, like the author just grabbed a bunch of facts about Baum and threw them together to make a story. Baum had a large number of failed business ventures before he finally made it big with the publishing of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" in 1900, and from there he because more prosperous and led a more comfortable life. I was glad the author included the storyteller's note in the back, which I thought gave a more complete view of Baum's life. I liked that he was a supporter of the women's rights movement and his own mother-in-law was famous for helping Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony found the National Woman Suffrage Association. The author also has a short list of sources she used and his bibliography of Oz books.
February 16, 2017
Loved this children's book about Frank Baum! Now I have to read an adult book about him.
March 8, 2019
I thought I knew everything about Oz. I was wrong. This great look into the story of L. Frank Baum shares his life's up's and down's, and how he became known as the master of the American Fairytale through his Oz books.
Many of the elements of Oz, like authors before him, reflected on the society he grew up in: Chicago was his Emerald City, or how he worked in a hardware store and had made a display of a tin-man.
Did you know that he was a terrible salesman, a terrible actor, a terrible writer, and terrible with finances (sounds like me)?
However, he was big into travel and fairytales, and did you know that he created 14 OZ books, which are part of the 70 Children's Books that he published in his life.
Check out his very interesting and unique story. I didn't realize I had so much in common with an author whose work I respect so much.
Many of the elements of Oz, like authors before him, reflected on the society he grew up in: Chicago was his Emerald City, or how he worked in a hardware store and had made a display of a tin-man.
Did you know that he was a terrible salesman, a terrible actor, a terrible writer, and terrible with finances (sounds like me)?
However, he was big into travel and fairytales, and did you know that he created 14 OZ books, which are part of the 70 Children's Books that he published in his life.
Check out his very interesting and unique story. I didn't realize I had so much in common with an author whose work I respect so much.
December 5, 2008
I love just about anything by Kathleen Krull, and this is yet another great, interesting biography by a master. My favorite part is that L. Frank Baum kept a record of all his rejections from publishers in a book he called his Record of Failure. I hear ya, Frank.
February 18, 2009
I would have liked to have known Frank Baum. He did a little bit of everything in his life, and stayed upbeat while he lost job after job. I enjoyed seeing where pieces of Oz came from.
November 28, 2017
The story of L. Frank Baum, author best known for creating Oz and its many characters, had an interesting life. This book effectively covers much of it in a kid friendly, engaging method. It was one that my daughter selected in the library because she wanted to know more about the author who created Oz. The book is richly illustrated and the narrative is well constructed. Baum’s life was one of indecision and determination in equal measure. Born into some manner of wealth, he had privilege but lacked a path he felt comfortable pursuing as he grew older. He never stopped trying, which is an important lesson for young readers and allows easy comparison to more modern authors such as how other authors such as Rowling struggled before creating popular fantasy worlds.
The book is well done if not flawless and sheds light on the life of an author well known but rarely examined. My daughter enjoyed it and my wife encouraged me to read it as well. For those unsure of directions or still in pursuit of a dream, Baum’s life as presented for children here may well strike a powerful chord. A solid, factual, and engaging examination masquerading as a great introduction to biographies of key authors.
The book is well done if not flawless and sheds light on the life of an author well known but rarely examined. My daughter enjoyed it and my wife encouraged me to read it as well. For those unsure of directions or still in pursuit of a dream, Baum’s life as presented for children here may well strike a powerful chord. A solid, factual, and engaging examination masquerading as a great introduction to biographies of key authors.
June 27, 2017
I didn't know a lot about L. Frank Baum and I've always had a bit of an interest in The Wizard of Oz, so I got this book and read it. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and make this book. It's a nice quick read for a child that maybe wanted an intro. into biographies. This was really engaging. 5 out of 5 stars.
February 15, 2018
I was in awe of this biography picture book about L. Frank Baum. I never knew about him other than The Wizard of Oz, to know of all of his failures and bumps along the road how he managed to prevail is mesmerizing. I highly recommend this book.
One thing though my daughter asked what's the Wizard of Oz, my cue for a movie night!
One thing though my daughter asked what's the Wizard of Oz, my cue for a movie night!
September 17, 2018
Really interesting! I didn't know that much about his life before.
April 24, 2019
Not for preschool, as designated by Amazon. Should've read a number of his books first. Very informative.
July 2, 2020
Some interesting bits and pieces about Baum. Nice if you are a fan of his works, but definitelly it doesn't work as child's tale.
February 26, 2021
Amazing to find out that while many know about The Wizard of OZ almost no one knows about the author.
October 20, 2022
A fun biography to read to 4th grade! It made those who had never read The Wizard of Oz want to actually read it. The illustrations were great.
January 12, 2024
Really interesting mini-biography on Baum!
June 11, 2025
Quite a nice look at a non-linear life and how Baum used the pieces he picked up along the way.
November 17, 2011
This is a picture book biography of L. Frank Baum the author of The Wizard of OZ. The book starts with Frank Baum being a young child and tells us of his love for reading, writing and being imaginative. He grew up in a wealthy family and was somewhat pampered. Frank and his younger brother Harry even wrote and printed their own monthly newspaper. Next the book follows Frank into his teen and young adulthood years, where he started a novel, performed in a traveling theater, founded his own theater company, breed chickens and then wrote his first published book. He continued to try many other jobs but never gave up hope that he would succeed in something! When Frank was twenty-six he married his true love Maud Gage, who he would bring a box of candy once a week. Frank and Maud had four sons which who Frank loved to play and spend time with. Frank loved being a father and telling his boys stories; his sons enjoyed them so much that they brought their friends to listen as well. He continued to try different jobs such as opening a store in North Dakota. Eventually Frank decided to write done the stories he told his children. He wrote many short stories but the one that he had taken quit sometime on was “The Emerald City” a green version of Chicago with a girl from Kansas and her dog. He changed the books name to the “Wizard of OZ” the publishing of this book came just in the nick of time for the Baum family, they were down to their last pennies when the first check came in the mail right before Christmas for quit a bit of money. Frank continued the rest of his life in comfort; they moved to Hollywood and lived in a large estate with large gardens and lots of chickens. Children would come from all over to hear Frank Baum tell his stories and imagine the wonderful place and people he created.
This book is recommended for Primary – Intermediate age level, however it could really be a good read for anyone wanting to know a little about Frank Baum’s life. The font is a little small and on most of the pages there are a lot of words in a small area. The vocabulary could also be a bit challenging since it is full of large words such as bloodcurdling, fascinated, and disembodied. However, If the child is being read to or with then the words and some of the context of the story could be explained.
The illustrations in this book are wonderful. Lots of different and bright colors are used making the pictures pop. The text on each page is boxed allowing the reader to spot the words easily and focus on. Some of the pictures are on both pages while others are not, giving the book a nice change of pace. Each page also has at least one green and white illustration from/of the Wizard of OZ, really connecting the author and his work.
I enjoyed reading this book for many different reasons. The pictures were beautiful and there were little clues of how Frank Baum was inspired by things in his life to create his stories. Next, I like that a biography could be so short, informative, and entertaining at the same time. It is an excellent way to introduce children to a biography without over whelming them.. Finally I loved the message it gives children. Despite the fact that Frank couldn’t find his career path he never gave up on himself and kept trying. I would diffidently recommend this book to others.
This book is recommended for Primary – Intermediate age level, however it could really be a good read for anyone wanting to know a little about Frank Baum’s life. The font is a little small and on most of the pages there are a lot of words in a small area. The vocabulary could also be a bit challenging since it is full of large words such as bloodcurdling, fascinated, and disembodied. However, If the child is being read to or with then the words and some of the context of the story could be explained.
The illustrations in this book are wonderful. Lots of different and bright colors are used making the pictures pop. The text on each page is boxed allowing the reader to spot the words easily and focus on. Some of the pictures are on both pages while others are not, giving the book a nice change of pace. Each page also has at least one green and white illustration from/of the Wizard of OZ, really connecting the author and his work.
I enjoyed reading this book for many different reasons. The pictures were beautiful and there were little clues of how Frank Baum was inspired by things in his life to create his stories. Next, I like that a biography could be so short, informative, and entertaining at the same time. It is an excellent way to introduce children to a biography without over whelming them.. Finally I loved the message it gives children. Despite the fact that Frank couldn’t find his career path he never gave up on himself and kept trying. I would diffidently recommend this book to others.
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November 22, 2016Brief Review:
A fun biography for kids about the life of L. Frank Baum leading up his success from writing his beloved tale 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'. The illustrations in this book are incredible, and really help bring the book to life. The Wizard of Oz is a popular tale that most everyone is familiar with, but students may not realize where it came from.
Content areas:
This book is a quick read about an author in America that could be used to teach the basic components of a biography. Students could read this book before writing a biography of their own in an English class. This book could also be used in history, to help make a period of American History (post civil war, reconstruction) that can be somewhat boring, a bit more interesting.
Comprehension questions:
1: If Frank's father hadn't bought him and his brother a printing press, how do you think things would have turned out differently?
Answer: The printing press is what got Frank first writing and publishing pieces of work, they began as small family newspapers, and grew into his well known stories today. Without the access to the printing press, I do believe that he would still have become a successful author. He was incredibly driven, and it took him numerous times to finally be published. Having the printing press helped set him just a little bit ahead, and helped him realize that writing is really what he wanted with his life. Along with that, Frank gave the printing press to his own children when they were old enough, and without that he would not have bonded with his children over it.
2: What is the significance of the inspiration for the Emerald City?
Answer: The inspiration for the Emerald City was Chicago, also known as the White City. Frank and his family moved there and lived there for several years, while there he attended the Worlds Fair in 1893. While there, he was inspired by many of the attractions for his writing.
Wonders:
1: Of all the Oz books, which one was Frank's favorite?
2: Did any of Frank's children grow to be great writers as well?
A fun biography for kids about the life of L. Frank Baum leading up his success from writing his beloved tale 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'. The illustrations in this book are incredible, and really help bring the book to life. The Wizard of Oz is a popular tale that most everyone is familiar with, but students may not realize where it came from.
Content areas:
This book is a quick read about an author in America that could be used to teach the basic components of a biography. Students could read this book before writing a biography of their own in an English class. This book could also be used in history, to help make a period of American History (post civil war, reconstruction) that can be somewhat boring, a bit more interesting.
Comprehension questions:
1: If Frank's father hadn't bought him and his brother a printing press, how do you think things would have turned out differently?
Answer: The printing press is what got Frank first writing and publishing pieces of work, they began as small family newspapers, and grew into his well known stories today. Without the access to the printing press, I do believe that he would still have become a successful author. He was incredibly driven, and it took him numerous times to finally be published. Having the printing press helped set him just a little bit ahead, and helped him realize that writing is really what he wanted with his life. Along with that, Frank gave the printing press to his own children when they were old enough, and without that he would not have bonded with his children over it.
2: What is the significance of the inspiration for the Emerald City?
Answer: The inspiration for the Emerald City was Chicago, also known as the White City. Frank and his family moved there and lived there for several years, while there he attended the Worlds Fair in 1893. While there, he was inspired by many of the attractions for his writing.
Wonders:
1: Of all the Oz books, which one was Frank's favorite?
2: Did any of Frank's children grow to be great writers as well?
October 18, 2011
Genre: Biography
Awards:
Age Group: Primary - Intermediate
Summary: This book tells the story of L. Frank Baum, the man who created the Wizard of Oz book series. Frank came from a very wealthy family, but that did not deter him from his desire to work and create his own wealth. At a very early age his father bought him a printing press, thus beginning his love affair with the written word. Along his journey Frank wrote several unsuccessful books including The Book of Hamburgs about chickens and The Art of Decorating Dry Goods Windows. It wasn't until he transcribed the bedtime story he had been telling his own children, that Frank reached a level of commercial success. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was the first illustrated original novel for children and is still loved today.
Evaluation: I gave this book four of five stars because it met the biography criteria of being accurate, have multidimensional characters, and illustrations that help transport the reader to the actual time and place being discussed. The unifying theme of this book was rejection and ultimate success. Despite many rejection letters during his career, and many unsuccessful business ventures, Frank Baum pushed forward in a desire to support his family. He never relied on the fact that he came from wealth, instead remaining determined to reach financial success on his own. The vividly impressionistic photos grab the reader's attention and give a sense of Frank's varied and colored past.
I think this book would be a solid way to introduce children to the genre of Biography. It teaches a valuable lesson that dreams and goals can be achieved with hard work and determination. Many children have seen the Wizard of Oz and this book would offer them the opportunity to learn more about the man who created the cultural phenomena.
Awards:
Age Group: Primary - Intermediate
Summary: This book tells the story of L. Frank Baum, the man who created the Wizard of Oz book series. Frank came from a very wealthy family, but that did not deter him from his desire to work and create his own wealth. At a very early age his father bought him a printing press, thus beginning his love affair with the written word. Along his journey Frank wrote several unsuccessful books including The Book of Hamburgs about chickens and The Art of Decorating Dry Goods Windows. It wasn't until he transcribed the bedtime story he had been telling his own children, that Frank reached a level of commercial success. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was the first illustrated original novel for children and is still loved today.
Evaluation: I gave this book four of five stars because it met the biography criteria of being accurate, have multidimensional characters, and illustrations that help transport the reader to the actual time and place being discussed. The unifying theme of this book was rejection and ultimate success. Despite many rejection letters during his career, and many unsuccessful business ventures, Frank Baum pushed forward in a desire to support his family. He never relied on the fact that he came from wealth, instead remaining determined to reach financial success on his own. The vividly impressionistic photos grab the reader's attention and give a sense of Frank's varied and colored past.
I think this book would be a solid way to introduce children to the genre of Biography. It teaches a valuable lesson that dreams and goals can be achieved with hard work and determination. Many children have seen the Wizard of Oz and this book would offer them the opportunity to learn more about the man who created the cultural phenomena.
October 6, 2017
Subject
L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) is the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its sequels.
Scope
Like Kathleen Krull's other picture book biographies, this one is a comprehensive portrait of the subject's life, beginning in childhood. Using the symbol of a road, which is so important in the Oz books, Krull traces the unlikely path Baum took to success. She describes his childhood in a well-to-do family, his time acting on stage, his economic hardships after traveling West, and the bedtime stories he told his children which inspired the world of Oz.
About the Illustrations
The pictures by Kevin Hawkes include many details to evoke the time in which Baum lived, as well as spot drawings in green ink that are much like the illustrations in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Each illustration tells a story of its own, and adds emotional depth to anecdotes told within the text. I especially like the spread where Baum is shown on the floor playing with his sons.
Author's Note
Krull provides a "Storyteller's Note" which further contextualizes Baum's life, mentions The Wizard of Oz film, and also describes how Baum died. Also included in the back matter are sources for more information and a bibliography of the Oz books in chronological order.
Additional Comments
I am a Kathleen Krull fan - her Jim Henson and Theodor Geisel biographies were two of my go-to read-alouds for school-age kids when I worked in the library. This book, like the others, does a nice job of telling about the person, not just about his achievements. She also makes it interesting for kids by making sure to connect the narrative to things they would know about or be able to understand based on their own experiences.
L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) is the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its sequels.
Scope
Like Kathleen Krull's other picture book biographies, this one is a comprehensive portrait of the subject's life, beginning in childhood. Using the symbol of a road, which is so important in the Oz books, Krull traces the unlikely path Baum took to success. She describes his childhood in a well-to-do family, his time acting on stage, his economic hardships after traveling West, and the bedtime stories he told his children which inspired the world of Oz.
About the Illustrations
The pictures by Kevin Hawkes include many details to evoke the time in which Baum lived, as well as spot drawings in green ink that are much like the illustrations in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Each illustration tells a story of its own, and adds emotional depth to anecdotes told within the text. I especially like the spread where Baum is shown on the floor playing with his sons.
Author's Note
Krull provides a "Storyteller's Note" which further contextualizes Baum's life, mentions The Wizard of Oz film, and also describes how Baum died. Also included in the back matter are sources for more information and a bibliography of the Oz books in chronological order.
Additional Comments
I am a Kathleen Krull fan - her Jim Henson and Theodor Geisel biographies were two of my go-to read-alouds for school-age kids when I worked in the library. This book, like the others, does a nice job of telling about the person, not just about his achievements. She also makes it interesting for kids by making sure to connect the narrative to things they would know about or be able to understand based on their own experiences.
June 20, 2012
The Road to Oz by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Kevin Hawekes is a nonfiction picture book biography of L. Frank Baum. The book covers highlights of Baum's childhood, early adulthood and the events that lead up to him writing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Kevin Hawkes's acrylic paintings bring together the Victorian era and the motifs of Baum's Oz books. Artistically the paintings try to show the real world inspirations for Baum's fantasies.
Thematically the book is about the struggles of doing something you love and the responsibilities of providing for a family. I've seen it with my own family and I'm going through that now as I transition careers.
What's missing though is a sense of cohesion. As it's a picture book there's not much time spent on any particular time of Baum's life. It's mostly a sampling of his life.
Kevin Hawkes's acrylic paintings bring together the Victorian era and the motifs of Baum's Oz books. Artistically the paintings try to show the real world inspirations for Baum's fantasies.
Thematically the book is about the struggles of doing something you love and the responsibilities of providing for a family. I've seen it with my own family and I'm going through that now as I transition careers.
What's missing though is a sense of cohesion. As it's a picture book there's not much time spent on any particular time of Baum's life. It's mostly a sampling of his life.
August 3, 2016
I have greatly enjoyed reading the graphic novel adaptation of the Wizard of Oz series by L. Frank Baum and look forward to reading the original works at some time with my daughter. After reading this fascinating picture book on Mr. Baum I am even more excited to read the Oz collection. Did you know that before his successful release of the Wizard of Oz, at age 44, Baum did numerous odd jobs unsure of what to do for a career that would allow him to support his large family? Although he had written several editorials and a few uninspiring books Baum didn’t consider himself an author until he finally penned the oral stories he had been telling his children for years. The Oz collection was unlike anything else written before that time and revolutionized children’s writing forever. Absolutely loved this informative little biography!
December 5, 2014
The Road to Oz: Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum, by Kathleen Krull, is the little known story of the man who wrote one of America's most beloved children's book. Oz and the Emerald City are fantastical places that every child would want to see. What had started out as bedtime stories and an enjoyable pastime, eventually turned into the crowning achievement of Baum's life. After many obstacles and letdowns in his life, Frank Baum never gave up his goal of providing for his family and becoming a success. Little did he know his journey would lead him to Oz. The beautiful illustrations from Kevin Hawkes bring Baum's story to life and keep the story moving along. With small sketch-like caricatures and illustrations that one might mistake for coming from the Wizard of Oz playing in the text boxes, there is something fun or colorful on every page.
November 15, 2012
Reviewed by Me for Kids @ TeensReadToo.com
In this biography geared towards children, author Kathleen Krull gives us an up-close-and-personal look at the life of L. Frank Baum.
Beginning with his privileged upbringing in 1860s New York, chronicling his never-ending money woes, and ending with his successful publishing of THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ in 1900, Ms. Krull takes us into the life and times of a brilliant author.
Paired with beautiful illustrations by Kevin Hawkes, THE ROAD TO OZ is a testament to the man who brought us a legendary story that still holds the power to entertain. Even now, over one hundred years after its original publication, both the book and the movie are known throughout the world by thousands.
In this biography geared towards children, author Kathleen Krull gives us an up-close-and-personal look at the life of L. Frank Baum.
Beginning with his privileged upbringing in 1860s New York, chronicling his never-ending money woes, and ending with his successful publishing of THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ in 1900, Ms. Krull takes us into the life and times of a brilliant author.
Paired with beautiful illustrations by Kevin Hawkes, THE ROAD TO OZ is a testament to the man who brought us a legendary story that still holds the power to entertain. Even now, over one hundred years after its original publication, both the book and the movie are known throughout the world by thousands.
June 30, 2014
With all these books, it was interesting to see how much inspiration they gathered from their everyday lives and experiences. It was also nice to read about their perseverance despite setbacks.
With Lucy Maude Montgomery, I saw so much of Anne Shirley in her. It was great and interesting to read about a writer of one of my favorite books.
In the little book Beatrix, Jeanette Winters takes on the persona of Beatrix Potter using some of the celebrated author’s own words!
In The Road to Oz, we travel the route L. Frank Baum took over his life to write one of children’s literature most beloved and influential novels. The standout though were the illustrations by Kevin Hawkes. I love how the pictures hinted of Oz and gives off that feel throughout.
With Lucy Maude Montgomery, I saw so much of Anne Shirley in her. It was great and interesting to read about a writer of one of my favorite books.
In the little book Beatrix, Jeanette Winters takes on the persona of Beatrix Potter using some of the celebrated author’s own words!
In The Road to Oz, we travel the route L. Frank Baum took over his life to write one of children’s literature most beloved and influential novels. The standout though were the illustrations by Kevin Hawkes. I love how the pictures hinted of Oz and gives off that feel throughout.
January 19, 2010
I am a Wizard of Oz lover, the book series much more than the movie. Whenever I come across a biography of Baum I am sure to pick it up, so I was very excited when I came across this book on Goodreads when I searched for Baum.
However, I never actually looked at the description of the book so I did not realize it was a children's book. I was a little disappointed when it finally came to my library and I picked it up and it wasn't what I was expecting.
I did read the book, and it was an excellent children's biography. It gave a lot of great information, and I even picked up a few facts I had not known about before.
However, I never actually looked at the description of the book so I did not realize it was a children's book. I was a little disappointed when it finally came to my library and I picked it up and it wasn't what I was expecting.
I did read the book, and it was an excellent children's biography. It gave a lot of great information, and I even picked up a few facts I had not known about before.
January 22, 2010
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.
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.
July 3, 2016
I never knew how interesting Frank Baum's life was. He was a kind of Renaissance man, but didn't have much success with a lot of his endeavors. Most surprising to me was his connection to the early feminists: His mother-in-law was Matilda Joslyn Gage, who worked with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony to form the National Woman Suffrage Association. He believed in their cause and wrote in favor of it in his newspaper (not a very popular thing to do at the time). You may also notice that most of the heroes of his books were independent girls. I'd just been thinking I wanted to finally read that series, and now I know I need to.
March 19, 2016
The Road to Oz is a creatively written biography about the trials in the life of L. Frank Baum who wrote one of the best children's stories out there, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The book goes through Baum's life and all of the different career choices that he had tried out, attempted at, and failed at. The book mentions that if any of these other career paths would have worked out he would not be nearly as famous and well-known as he is today. Baum's life story is not well-known but it is a true inspiration at working hard and never giving up, which will lead to making your dreams come true. I love how his success came back to his true passion and what he loved doing, storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews