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Oz Continued #26
The Purple Prince of Oz
Return to L. Frank Baum’s wonderful world of Oz with this illustrated children’s book series.
Prince Randy of Regalia must prove his right to be a royal. On his adventure-filled quest to fulfill the tasks set him, Randy meets the friendly giant Nandywog, a terrifying monster—then escapes from the city of the villainous Doublemen. He even makes a genuine trip over the rainbow to Oz in the company of the legendary Red Jinn and the incredibly Elegant Elephant Kabumpo.
But can Randy pass the seven magical tests as well as save the conquered Kingdom of Pumperdink—and can Jinnicky’s Red Magic help him?
Praise for the Oz series
“Where the young stay young and the old grow young forever—these books are for readers of all ages.” —Ray Bradbury
“The land of Oz has managed to fascinate each new generation. . . . The Oz books continue to exert their spell . . . and those who read [them] are often made what they were not—imaginative, tolerant, alert to wonders.” —Gore Vidal
“I was raised with the Oz books, and their enchantment, humor and excitement remain with me. They are still a joy and a treasure. I welcome this Oz revival.” —Stephen R. Donaldson
Prince Randy of Regalia must prove his right to be a royal. On his adventure-filled quest to fulfill the tasks set him, Randy meets the friendly giant Nandywog, a terrifying monster—then escapes from the city of the villainous Doublemen. He even makes a genuine trip over the rainbow to Oz in the company of the legendary Red Jinn and the incredibly Elegant Elephant Kabumpo.
But can Randy pass the seven magical tests as well as save the conquered Kingdom of Pumperdink—and can Jinnicky’s Red Magic help him?
Praise for the Oz series
“Where the young stay young and the old grow young forever—these books are for readers of all ages.” —Ray Bradbury
“The land of Oz has managed to fascinate each new generation. . . . The Oz books continue to exert their spell . . . and those who read [them] are often made what they were not—imaginative, tolerant, alert to wonders.” —Gore Vidal
“I was raised with the Oz books, and their enchantment, humor and excitement remain with me. They are still a joy and a treasure. I welcome this Oz revival.” —Stephen R. Donaldson
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1932
1 person is currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Plumly Thompson
108 books51 followersAn avid reader of Baum's books and a lifelong children's writer, Thompson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and began her writing career in 1914 when she took a job with the Philadelphia Public Ledger; she wrote a weekly children's column for the newspaper. She had already published her first children's book, The Perhappsy Chaps, and her second, The Princess of Cozytown, was pending publication when William Lee, vice president of Baum's publisher Reilly & Lee, solicited Thompson to continue the Oz series. (Rumors among fans that Thompson was Baum's niece were untrue.) Between 1921 and 1939, she wrote one Oz book a year. (Thompson was the primary supporter of her widowed mother and invalid sister, so that the annual income from the Oz books was important for her financial circumstances.)
Thompson's contributions to the Oz series are lively and imaginative, featuring a wide range of colorful and unusual characters. However, one particular theme repeats over and over throughout her novels, with little variation. Typically in each of Thompson's Oz novels, a child (usually from America) and a supernatural companion (usually a talking animal), while traveling through Oz or one of the neighboring regions, find themselves in an obscure community where the inhabitants engage in a single activity. The inhabitants of this community then capture the travelers, and force them to participate in this same activity.
Another major theme has elderly characters, most controversially, the Good Witch of the North, being restored to "marriageable" age, possibly because Thompson herself never married. She had a greater tendency toward the use of romantic love stories (which Baum usually avoided in his fairy tales, with about 4 exceptions). While Baum's child protagonists tended to be little girls, Thompson's were boys. She emphasized humor to a greater extent than Baum did, and always considered her work for children, whereas Baum, while first and foremost considering his child audience, knew that his readership comprised all ages.
Thompson's last Oz story, The Enchanted Island of Oz(1976), was not originally written as an Oz book.
Thompson's contributions to the Oz series are lively and imaginative, featuring a wide range of colorful and unusual characters. However, one particular theme repeats over and over throughout her novels, with little variation. Typically in each of Thompson's Oz novels, a child (usually from America) and a supernatural companion (usually a talking animal), while traveling through Oz or one of the neighboring regions, find themselves in an obscure community where the inhabitants engage in a single activity. The inhabitants of this community then capture the travelers, and force them to participate in this same activity.
Another major theme has elderly characters, most controversially, the Good Witch of the North, being restored to "marriageable" age, possibly because Thompson herself never married. She had a greater tendency toward the use of romantic love stories (which Baum usually avoided in his fairy tales, with about 4 exceptions). While Baum's child protagonists tended to be little girls, Thompson's were boys. She emphasized humor to a greater extent than Baum did, and always considered her work for children, whereas Baum, while first and foremost considering his child audience, knew that his readership comprised all ages.
Thompson's last Oz story, The Enchanted Island of Oz(1976), was not originally written as an Oz book.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 2, 2024
I enjoyed the vast majority of this book. I also enjoyed the brief resume Kabumpo made of the events of the 16th book, making this book the direct continuation of Kabumpo in Oz. (Kabumpo is probably my favorite character created by Thompson.)
As it is customary in Thompson's books, the characters embark on an almost endless journey, spinning around between castles, princesses, and strange and weird people... easily forgettable most of them.
The third act, after their trip over the rainbow, the story decays a lot, falling into its usual loop of repetition. Also, in this part, there's a lot of violence, which I dislike in this or any other Oz book. First, the killing of the Combinoceros, an accident that was necessary for Randy to achieve, to pass his seven magical [and completely unnecessary] tests. The Double Up country and its Double King are beyond wickedness. And then, there's this Ozwoz, without nothing really Wonderful, but a killing military army with firearm. (Again, the only one resource introduced by Mr Baum for the first time in Tik-Tok of Oz that I really hate. Firearms.)
Although the idea of Faleero as a wicked mischievous fairy seems pretty interesting, we had none of this. In fact, it was more of the kind of wicked old witch... which could have been Mombi if the author had figured out a way to bring her back. (Thanks goodness this wasn't the case.) Finally, the outcome of the story feels very rushed... more than usual, with too many things taking places at once.
One of the great things I take away from this book is the character of Jinnicky, the Red Jinn, and the narrative coherence with the events that occurred in Jack Pumpkinhead of Oz. I did like it a lot.
As it is customary in Thompson's books, the characters embark on an almost endless journey, spinning around between castles, princesses, and strange and weird people... easily forgettable most of them.
The third act, after their trip over the rainbow, the story decays a lot, falling into its usual loop of repetition. Also, in this part, there's a lot of violence, which I dislike in this or any other Oz book. First, the killing of the Combinoceros, an accident that was necessary for Randy to achieve, to pass his seven magical [and completely unnecessary] tests. The Double Up country and its Double King are beyond wickedness. And then, there's this Ozwoz, without nothing really Wonderful, but a killing military army with firearm. (Again, the only one resource introduced by Mr Baum for the first time in Tik-Tok of Oz that I really hate. Firearms.)
Although the idea of Faleero as a wicked mischievous fairy seems pretty interesting, we had none of this. In fact, it was more of the kind of wicked old witch... which could have been Mombi if the author had figured out a way to bring her back. (Thanks goodness this wasn't the case.) Finally, the outcome of the story feels very rushed... more than usual, with too many things taking places at once.
One of the great things I take away from this book is the character of Jinnicky, the Red Jinn, and the narrative coherence with the events that occurred in Jack Pumpkinhead of Oz. I did like it a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2020
This was a delightfully splendid tale from the Land of Oz. It follows up the earlier book Kabumpo in Oz by bringing readers back to the tiny, but highly-esteemed Gillikin kingdom of Pumperdink. Prince Pompadore and Princess Peg Amy have been married for about six years now. Their little daughter Princess Pajonia is one of the only births ever mentioned in Oz where no one ages anymore or grows old or supposedly dies.
Kabumpo the elegant elephant is regarded as both a prince and adviser by King Pompus. He is one of the book's main protagonists. The other is newcomer and mystery-boy Randy. Randy gets into trouble with General Quakes who brings him before King Pompus for judgement. Kabumpo intervenes, saying he will handle the boy's punishing. The elegant elephant takes pity on the boy's predicament and decides to keep him on as a servant and dresser while he learns more about the young stranger.
Faster than you can say "Follow the--you know" the two are faced with danger from Pompus's bad brother Kettywig and a magician calling himself Nishibis. They flee the kingdom together to search for help.
Their journey is fraught with adventure and danger, but the two persevere and bond during their quest. They seek the help of the Red Jinn who becomes the third member of their party. Jinnicky, as he is known by his friends, proves to be an invaluable ally. The rich and powerful magician can't be bought, but will help a friend until his problem is solved. He is an interesting and rounded character.
The relationship between the three main characters is entertaining and compelling. The principal characters of Oz are sidelined for most of the tale. They do appear, though, and interact with the heroes.
The moral of the story is a good one. Randy proves himself a worthy friend and hero. All in all this story deserves four out of five stars. It does its job extending the Oz narrative. The adventures are dark, but the characters account for themselves well in the face of danger and hardship.
Kabumpo the elegant elephant is regarded as both a prince and adviser by King Pompus. He is one of the book's main protagonists. The other is newcomer and mystery-boy Randy. Randy gets into trouble with General Quakes who brings him before King Pompus for judgement. Kabumpo intervenes, saying he will handle the boy's punishing. The elegant elephant takes pity on the boy's predicament and decides to keep him on as a servant and dresser while he learns more about the young stranger.
Faster than you can say "Follow the--you know" the two are faced with danger from Pompus's bad brother Kettywig and a magician calling himself Nishibis. They flee the kingdom together to search for help.
Their journey is fraught with adventure and danger, but the two persevere and bond during their quest. They seek the help of the Red Jinn who becomes the third member of their party. Jinnicky, as he is known by his friends, proves to be an invaluable ally. The rich and powerful magician can't be bought, but will help a friend until his problem is solved. He is an interesting and rounded character.
The relationship between the three main characters is entertaining and compelling. The principal characters of Oz are sidelined for most of the tale. They do appear, though, and interact with the heroes.
The moral of the story is a good one. Randy proves himself a worthy friend and hero. All in all this story deserves four out of five stars. It does its job extending the Oz narrative. The adventures are dark, but the characters account for themselves well in the face of danger and hardship.
May 23, 2023
If you’ve seen any of my previous Oz reviews then you probably know what to expect here. It’s pretty much more of the same, although I will say that this is probably the best of the last half dozen or so in the series.
As usual, it’s the puns that really stood out to me, although I wouldn’t say they’re any better here than they have been. It’s the plot where we see a bit of a difference, because there are one or two fresh ideas that stop it from feeling as though Thompson is out of ideas and resorting to imitating L. Frank Baum and, of course, herself.
Still, don’t go into this expecting any great innovation, because the general idea is still the same. We’re looking at an adventure that spans the length and breadth of Oz in which a bunch of unlikely friends come together to save the day. By this point, there are enough characters in Oz lore that Thompson can bring them together in new combinations to create all sorts of fun interactions.
Mostly, though, you can just expect more of the same, and that’s no bad thing. I thought it was pretty fun, and with a satisfying payoff at the end.
As usual, it’s the puns that really stood out to me, although I wouldn’t say they’re any better here than they have been. It’s the plot where we see a bit of a difference, because there are one or two fresh ideas that stop it from feeling as though Thompson is out of ideas and resorting to imitating L. Frank Baum and, of course, herself.
Still, don’t go into this expecting any great innovation, because the general idea is still the same. We’re looking at an adventure that spans the length and breadth of Oz in which a bunch of unlikely friends come together to save the day. By this point, there are enough characters in Oz lore that Thompson can bring them together in new combinations to create all sorts of fun interactions.
Mostly, though, you can just expect more of the same, and that’s no bad thing. I thought it was pretty fun, and with a satisfying payoff at the end.
September 14, 2019
The book has certain flickers of being interesting at some points, but gets heavily bogged down by filler chapters that don't go anywhere. It's not the worst of the Thompson Oz books, but is mediocre for the most part.
December 20, 2020
This one the bad guy is hoofahchoo or some spelling (do not have the book in front of me). This was a fun story but is racist towards the Chinese or just people from the Far East. Just thought I would warn nylon who might choose to read this in the future.
November 6, 2015
The Purple Prince of OZ happens to be a purple elephant who has been promoted to prince of the land so he is with the royal family always. The book starts when Kabumpo saves a young boy from dipping-the worst punishment in the land. Randy becomes his assistant and even attends dinner with him. But then one night an "entertainer" arrives to display his skills for the royal family. He does a "trick" and the King, the Queen, the prince and his wife and their all disappear. Only Kabumpo, Randy, and the Kings brother stay. The King's brother takes control of the kingdom and Kabumpo and Randy must start off to find the royal family. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
December 3, 2022
One of my favorite of the non-Buam Oz books, as an exiled boy-king, his faithful elephant , a wizard in a jar and a rather large wind up toy soldier struggle to regain his throne from the evil types that have overthrown him.
Lots of fun fantasy moments.
Lots of fun fantasy moments.
September 24, 2011
Nowhere close to the charm, magic, and inventiveness of the originals. These books should not be considered Oz canon.
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September 1, 2013Book 26
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews