Follow the Yellow Brick Road- Resources on L. Frank Baum

Lyman Frank Baum, or L. Frank Baum, as he liked to be called was a noteworthy and creative author best known for his Oz series books. He habitually referred to himself as the Royal Historian of Oz, and his accounts of the wonderful world of Oz are documented in 14 books. His most acclaimed work, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was adapted to screen and stage and is commonly known as the great American fairy tale. Although Baum never lived in Kansas, his characters who alleged lived there are as famous as if they were real persons. The wonder of Oz lives on, generation after generation, in the hearts of children everywhere.

Biography

Baum and the Wizard of Oz – An in-depth look at Baum and the influencing factors of his private life reflected in his writings.

Eternal Emerald City – Brief biography of the book and movie.

Not From Kansas – Although he was not from Kansas, L. Frank Baum’s Oz Series brought fame to that state.

The Master Key – Biography detailing other works of Baum not as well known as the Oz series.

L. Frank Baum – Library of Congress Biography.

Royal Historian of Oz – L. Frank Baum maintained the title of Royal Historian of Oz until his death.

Woggle Bugs and Munchkins – Short biography of Baum with an extensive lists of his works and their publication dates.

The Wizard of Oz

Allegory and Oz – Examines the monetary allegory and symbolism in the story of Oz.

Baum and Populism – Was the Oz story really a parable on populism?

Baum and the Wizard – The story of the man behind the wizard of Oz.

Dorothy and Luke Skywalker – Comparison of a female hero (Dorothy) to a male hero (Luke Skywalker).

Symbolism and Oz – Brief look at the characters and other parts of the novel with theories about the possible symbolism.

An American Fairy Tale – A short history of the Oz story with illustrations and other information.

More than a Story – Excellent report showing the depth of Baum’s writing.

Oz Trivia - How to make a horse of a different color and other little known secrets of Oz.

Wizard of Oz - The Movie

Movie Review – Comprehensive review of the classic movie.

Wizard of Oz Movie – Brief history of the production and cast members of the MGM film adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s work, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Ruby Slippers – The history of Dorothy Gale's famous footwear.

No Place Like Home – Comparison of four famous films, one of which is The Wizard of Oz, that explains why home is the best place of all.

Oz Tornado – The behind-the-scenes expose of how the tornado special effect was accomplished.

Lesson Plans

Develop Character with the Wizard – How-to-guide showing how Oz stories can help children develop character traits like honesty and courage.

Oz Lesson Plans – Comprehensive lesson ideas for ways to coordinate Oz with all curriculum areas.

The Wonder of Oz – Detailed lesson plan geared toward seventh and eighth grade students.

Tinman and Rust – Short lesson plan teaching about rust using a video of the Tinman from the movie The Wizard of Oz.

Oz and Film Making – Fifth grade lesson plan using the movie The Wizard of Oz as a vehicle to introduce students to the concept and process of movie making.

Off to see the Wizard – Lesson page designed for elementary aged students.

E-Texts

Electronic Text – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – Complete text with thumbnail pictures of the book and each page.

The Emerald City of Oz – Digital text of the story of the Emerald City and its inhabitants, complete with illustrations.

A Kidnapped Santa Claus – Short story by L. Frank Baum.

The Marvelous Land of Oz – Find out how Tip brings the Pumpkinhead to life and follow their adventures in Oz.

Oz Online – Read Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz online or download to an MP3 player.