Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz

Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz is the thirty-third book in the Oz series and Ruth Plumly Thompson's final contribution until 1972. The 1939 publication coincided with the release of the MGM film, leading to the strategic inclusion of "The Wizard of Oz" in the title and a focus on characters from L. Frank Baum's original story. The plot centers on a dinner party in the Emerald City attended by familiar characters from the first Oz book. The Wizard reveals his latest invention - two silver aircraft called ozoplanes named Ozpril and Oztober - leading to an unexpected series of events when the guests examine the vehicles. The story follows two groups of characters as they navigate separate adventures in the skies above Oz. Their journey introduces readers to new locations in the Oz universe and presents challenges for both parties to overcome. The book combines elements of science fiction with classic Oz fantasy, exploring themes of loyalty, diplomacy, and the consequences of technological advancement. It stands as Thompson's interpretation of how the familiar Oz characters handle modern innovations while maintaining the whimsical spirit of the series.

Readers find this one of Thompson's weaker Oz books, with many noting it feels rushed and disconnected from the main Oz canon. The science fiction elements and flying sequences interest some fans, while others say the departure from traditional Oz magic doesn't work. Liked: - Creative technology concepts - Fast-paced air adventures - Return of familiar characters like Jellia Jamb Disliked: - Thin plot with forced conflict - Characters acting out of established personality - Too much focus on mechanical details - Lacks traditional Oz charm and whimsy Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (84 ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (6 ratings) "The story feels mechanical and soulless compared to earlier Oz books," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another writes: "An odd mix of science fiction and fantasy that never quite gels." Multiple readers point out this was Thompson's last Oz book, suggesting she may have lost interest in the series by this point.

Sky Island by L. Frank Baum A young girl travels to a floating island kingdom with magical creatures through the use of an umbrella that grants the power of flight.

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie Children embark on airborne adventures to a magical realm where they encounter fairies, pirates, and a boy who refuses to grow up.

The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois A professor discovers a hidden civilization on a volcanic island while traveling the world in his hot air balloon.

Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones A carpet merchant obtains a magic carpet and becomes entangled in a quest involving flying castles and djinn magic.

The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet by Eleanor Cameron Two boys build a spaceship and journey to a mysterious mushroom-covered planet where they help the inhabitants solve a crisis.

🌟 Ruth Plumly Thompson wrote 19 of the 40 official Oz books, more than any other author including L. Frank Baum himself. ✈️ Published in 1939, "Ozoplaning" was Thompson's last contribution to the Oz series, marking the end of her 19-year journey writing Oz stories. 🎨 The book's innovative blend of technology and magic predated the steampunk genre by several decades, making it ahead of its time. 🏰 Thompson was personally selected by L. Frank Baum's publisher to continue the Oz series after Baum's death in 1919, at just 28 years old. 📚 Before writing Oz books, Thompson worked as a newspaper columnist and wrote a successful children's column called "The Perhappsy Chaps."