SOLVED. Children's fantasy: three girls on "Wizard of Oz" themed adventure, meet "spuds" (eyed potatoes). [s]

[Nadia]

Looking for this children's fantasy chapter book that I read when I was maybe 10. Published probably early 2000's, a thick book with black-and-white illustrations by the author (maybe Elsie something?) Written in English, author was American or British. It was my favorite book but sadly I remember almost nothing about it, and I'd appreciate any help!.

I think the color was a grey wall with a door in the center and three girls peering through the door. One is very tall and thin, one is short and fat, one looks very "bookish" with round eyeglasses. Behind the girls is a noxious green background.

Here are some plot points I remember...

-The book is based loosely off another famous children's book, I think it's "The Wizard of Oz". The characters have all read "The Wizard of Oz" and love the story, and wish they could have an adventure of their own.

-The book is set around modern times, with a quirky fantasy vibe.

-The main character has a depressing life. Her parents mostly ignore her. There's something about a storm, like she caused a storm when she was a baby. The other girls make fun of her. She reads a lot.

-This new girl moves in named Priscilla or Penelope, who has a very glamorous house. She and the main girl bond over books. They make a third friend somewhere along the way.

-The girls escape from their school? or something and go on an adventure. Their school is very strict and has a well in the courtyard, which becomes important later.

-They travel to some of the Wizard of Oz locations. The only one I remember is a potato-themed town where they talk to potatoes, which have literal seeing eyes in each of their "eyes." The potatoes are called "spuds" and talk in thick accents. The girls go to a spud boarding school or processing facility where the spuds get cut up into fun shapes to make fries. They escape, but somehow get really dirty along the way.

-One character keeps repeating, "Every window is also a door", or maybe vice versa. At the very end of their adventure, they crawl through this window and find themselves at the bottom of the well from the very beginning.

Any help appreciated! <3

[Rosa]

The Secret Order of the Gumm Street Girls

[Nadia]

WOW that was fast! Thank you so much!

[Rosa]

You're very welcome! It sounds funny!