In this classic, Baum describes the tale of poor Dorothy, who is hurled by a cyclone away from her uncle and aunt in Kansas into a strange and magical world of wizards and witches. Fortunately Dorothy has the help of several companions that she meets in this new world - a stuffed scarecrow who wants brains, a tin woodsman who wants a heart, and a cowardly lion who wants courage. Together with Dorothy - who wants a return trip to Kansas - they travel to the emerald city where Oz is wizard, to ask him to make their wishes come true. Their journey is fraught with adventures, and when they finally meet Oz they discover a terrible truth, that leads them into even more challenges and adventures.

Baum spins a wonderfully enchanting tale that includes wicked witches, flying monkeys, talking mice, and other fantastic creatures. I have always loved books that introduced a magical world to their readers. You cant help but want to join Dorothy in her journey to find Oz. This book has a good beginning, middle, and satisfying end. It makes me want to be lost in a magical land away from home.

As a lesson, children can write down a list of things that they love about their home town. Another lesson can be to write a story about the evil or good witch.