Wonderful Wizard of Oz

January 28, 2013
Baum’s classic comes to life in this winning audio edition. When a cyclone whisks Dorothy Gale to the Land of Oz, her only hope of returning to Kansas is to find the Wizard, who lives in the heart of the Emerald City. Following the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy encounters friends and foes—e.g., the endearing Scarecrow and the malevolent Wicked Witch of the West—that help and hinder her journey. Tavia Gilbert’s whimsical narration will appeal to listeners young and old. Additionally, the distinct voices she creates for each character make for a delightful listening experience. Those only familiar with the film adaptation will be pleasantly surprised by the original story and Gilbert’s fantastic narration. Ages 10–up.

October 24, 2011
Ninth in Ingpen’s series of illustrated classics, this atmospheric outing blends elements of American realism with elegant whimsy. With surprising emotion, Ingpen conveys the Tin Woodman’s grim transformation, one limb at a time, from a human into a metal automaton; his scrawny Wicked Witch of the West, with her spidery black hair, overcoat, and striped stockings, would be equally at home roaming New York City’s West Village as she would the yellow brick road. Readers yet to discover the story of Oz will find a wholly original vision in this edition. Ages 10–up.

They're all here, of course: the Cowardly Lion, witches and the Tin Man. Not to mention the Scarecrow and the mighty Wizard! Into this magical land come Dorothy and Toto, who only want to find their way back to Kansas. If your only experience with Baum's fantasy is the Judy Garland film, you ought to spend a couple of hours with this lively full-cast presentation. This adaptation is performed in radio-theater style with sound effects and music. The packaging--two cassettes in a flimsy cardboard case--will never last long with kids, however. P.B.J. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine