Product Description

This special 100th-anniversary edition of L. Frank Baum's classic features eye-catching embossed gold foil on a centennial medallion as well as on the title. Santore's Wizard of Oz is widely acknowledged as the quintessential illustrated version of the tale for the picture book audience. His lush, full-color illustrations grace every page of the faithfully condensed text--no language other than Baum's has been used. This special edition is the perfect one to share with the youngest children.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #210379 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-12
• Released on: 2000-09-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 96 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780375811371
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Amazon.com Review
In the 100 years since L. Frank Baum first published his Wonderful Wizard of Oz, countless authors and illustrators have adapted, interpreted, and retold this story of Dorothy and her unusual companions, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion. But for sheer opulence and sumptuous color, award-winning artist Charles Santore's 100th anniversary edition takes the cake. Santore's large, fairy-tale style watercolors feature ominous, shadowy forests, magnificent but deadly poppies, the whimsical, green-tinted landscapes of Oz, and the golden gray fields of Kansas. Each page is awash in color; many of the two-page spreads have no text to distract readers from the illustrations' myriad details--not-yet-blooming poppy buds, the Tin Woodman's watering can head, and the radiant good witch, Glinda, posing on her ruby-encrusted throne. The text is condensed rather than adapted; so virtually every word is Baum's own. Although some scenes have been left out, Baum's classic story rings through, loud and clear. Sharing this lush edition with a favorite child would be the perfect way to celebrate a century of Oz. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly
Santore's illustrations for this new edition of Baum's classic tale work on two levels. They capture the story's epic sweep in numerous colorful landscapes and dramatic tableaux, and they are models of sustained characterization. Though the paintings occasionally lapse into Saturday morning TV cartoon art, they generally evoke the many beloved scenes with verve. In contrast to a rather mundane scarecrow, Santore's cowardly lion is a splendid beast--looming over his companions, lower jaw ever a-quiver. The episodes in the Emerald City are appropriately green-tinted (the book's pages, in fact, are green in these sequences) and cleverly framed by faceted, emeraldlike borders. Unfortunately, the text is abridged, and significant sequences and characters are missing. These cuts have robbed Santore of the chance to realize fully his vision of Oz, and readers of the opportunity to enjoy the story as Baum told it. Morrow's facsimile of the first edition illustrated by W. W. Denslow and Holt's edition illustrated by Michael Hague are better versions of this enduring favorite. All ages.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 4-- While not precisely a picture-book version, this title features full-color illustrations on every page and a considerably shortened text. Santore's paintings are striking and they effectively mirror the familiar adventures of Dorothy and her friends. Unfortunately, the abridgment of the text is less successful. Much is made of the fact that few additions were made, leaving much of Baum's language intact. However, the deletion of some descriptive and transitional phrases and of various events creates a text that is much flatter and less engaging than the original. While the brevity and brisk tone do make the story suitable for very young listeners, the danger exists that those who have enjoyed Santore's version will never experience the magic of Baum's complete work. This concern, of course, must be weighed against the fine quality of the artwork and the fact that the book will undoubtedly prove useful in many collections. The decision to include abridged texts rests with each library. For those who do include such items, this Wizard of Oz will be a worthwhile investment. --Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

A reader and an uncle
I have not found a more beautifuly illustrated book yet, in any genre of book.
This book is marvelous!

This is the Wizard of Oz book to own. The pictures are very different from the movie, but incredibly beautiful and enchanting. The realistic and fantasy lighting in this book is beyond description, its the very best of any chilrens book I have ever seen.

My mother gave me this book when I was a child and I have cherished it ever since.
The story could not be presented in a more complimentary and beautiful way, its wonderful.

I recommend this to anyone, parents, child, or single adult, the book is wonderful!

It may be hard to find, but it is well worth it. This book will teach its readers and viewers to aprechiate great art.

Beautifully illustrated, wonderful for younger kids (4+)
We gave this to our 4.5-year-old son for Christmas this year, and have been reading it over and over every since. The illustrations are spectacular, and the story is so beautifully extracted that -- especially with this audience -- it doesn't seem lacking at all. We are enjoying it to the hilt and plan to buy copies as gifts for other kids his age.

Wizard of Oz story for toddlers
It was very hard to find the Wizard of Oz story for toddlers... it is certainly close to impossible to find it in stores! This book is beautiful and just perfect for the 3-4 year old I purchased it for. Wonderful pictures and story is perfectly written for toddlers to understand and sit through, captivate.