The Marvelous Land of Oz

April 29, 2013
In the first sequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a boy named Tip builds a pumpkin-headed stickman that he animates with magic and calls Jack Pumpkinhead. Their adventure begins when the two run away from Tip’s evil-sorceress guardian, eventually finding themselves in the company of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Glinda the Good Witch, along with several other unusual folk, on a quest to determine the legitimate ruler of the Emerald City now that the Wizard has departed. Narrator Tara Sands lends the many characters distinct and appropriate voices. However, at times, her delivery is somewhat stiff and affected, almost like a teacher reading a picture book to small children, rather than an actress embodying a role. Ages 10–up.

Flo Gibson's inviting voice is like hearing Baum's classic told from a grandmother's lap. The story opens at a brisk pace as Tip flees the wrath of an evil sorceress and searches for safety. Passing through the Emerald City, Tip witnesses the overthrow of the scarecrow king by some unlikely foes. Gibson's overly dramatic telling of angry young maidens brandishing knitting needles and usurping the scarecrow's throne will have listeners in stitches. Her animated characterizations of the eclectic group of creatures Tip and the Scarecrow recruit to regain the crown recreate the exotic world of Oz. Full of humor and adventure, Gibson's performance will be enjoyed by all ages. M.P.T. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine