Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum
by Kathleen Krull
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 do: 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 Krulls wry prose couples with Kevin Hawkes exuberant paintings and drawings to create a book not to be missed by Oz fans of all ages.
"Starred Review. [T]his profile not only provides a similarly illuminating peek beneath the authorial curtain, but leaves readers understanding just how groundbreaking The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was, as an adventure story with both a female protagonist and no overwhelming Moral Lesson." - Kirkus Reviews.
"Hawkes's merry paintings of the author and his characters invoke the magic of Oz within the great author's real-world setting. The Road to Oz will provide students with an inspiring introduction to Baum's life." - School Library Journal
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Picture book/biography, ages 9-12.
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