Book info

• Title The Tin Woodman of Oz
• Author L. Frank Baum
• Year 1918
• Genre Childrens

Join the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow as they journey across the fantastic magical Land of Oz in search of the Tin Woodman's long-lost sweetheart. In a series of adventures sure to thrill Oz fans both old and new, these beloved friends face such challenges as a selfish giantess and a group of quarrelsome dragons--all to fulfill a promise made long ago to a beautiful Munchkin girl.

Thoughts

At this point in the Oz series, it feels as though we’ve actually hit a new stride in fresh ideas. Rather than repeating the “disaster leads to journey” formula that has served so well in the past, Baum digs into the history of the characters for a new adventure. This time, we’re journeying with the Tin Woodman in search of the bride he left behind.

Of course there are plenty of oddities and imaginative chapters along the way, but I thought this was a far more philosophical book than others. The concept of what humanity is, whether transferring body parts means they no longer belong to you, these are quite deep questions and not really ideal children’s fare!

But they’re only there if you look hard enough for them, and otherwise it could just be another fun adventure with the characters we’ve grown to love through the magical land of Oz.

Rating: 3 / 5