L. Frank Baum 
The Road to Oz 

First published in 1909, L. Frank Baum’s “The Road to Oz” is the fifth story by Baum of the magical Land of Oz and is the Dorothy’s fourth visit to this special place. Baum takes the young Kansas girl and her faithful dog Toto on a circuitous journey to Oz for Princess Ozma’s birthday. Dorothy begins her adventure trying to help a stranger, the Shaggy Man, find the road he seeks. They are joined on their way by a perpetually lost boy named Button Bright and a fairy called Polychrome, the daughter of a Rainbow. Through a series of encounters with foxes, donkeys, and other characters, both new and familiar, the group braves the Deadly Desert to reach the Emerald City for the royal birthday celebration. “The Road to Oz” continues Baum’s tradition of charming and entertaining stories in a tale that ultimately takes its characters where they wish to go, but not always by the expected path. This edition includes a biographical afterword.