Just a block south of Baum's home, Humboldt Boulevard cut a swath through the lush greenery of Humboldt Park, twisting and turning -imagine it at night, in the glow of street lamps not unlike his famous yellow brick road. Built as part of the city's park and boulevard system for the 1893 World's Fair Exhibition, the avenue was lined by majestic homes that suggested the new American prosperity.

Though his original home has been razed and subsidized townhomes now exist on that corner (only a modest marker serves as a reminder), at the time Baum was alive, Humboldt Boulevard was a splendorous thoroughfare. Trapped on a pedestal of admiration, Baum became the Wizard incarnate: Wanting very much to do other things but too good-natured (and sometimes too broke) to turn away his fans.īaum wrote 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' while living in Chicago at 1667 N. It helps to select the format and device so that the illustrations and text are clear and easy to read aloud.The success of the original 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' book was so overwhelming that every time Baum tried to put an end to the 14 sequels that followed it, legions of children would write him feverish letters that would drive him back to his writing desk. However, some modern editions have tiny type and no illustrations.Ĭopyright on the books has expired and free digital versions are available from the Internet Archive. Paperback reprints are often obtainable on the used book market for a few dollars. Also, both you and your audience will want to keep reading to the point of absolute exhaustion. Your listeners might grab the book when your back is turned and read ahead.

The cliff hangers are the only problem with the series. Dorothy is stuck in the evil Nome King’s cave.

The Scarecrow is stuck halfway up a cliff with the birds pecking out his straw. Baum anticipates television, Face Time and a host of other “new” inventions, as well as some inventions that will no doubt be familiar to future generations such as commuting by tornado.Īs Baum hit his stride in the later books, every chapter ends with a cliff hanger. And they are surprisingly modern in tone. You will find that the Oz books are absolutely magical when read aloud. Next, start reading the books aloud, a chapter at a time. They only get better as Baum abandons literary pretense and concentrates on fun.

You do not want to run out unexpectedly and it is best to read them in order. I think part of the reason the later thirteen volumes are not as popular is that modern readers don’t know how to read them in the best manner.

The wizard of oz books in order