Novel Kicks Book Club: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Happy New Year and Hello January. 

I hope everyone enjoyed welcoming in 2025. Was it me or did 2024 go really quickly?

Like many people, I always feel a little sad at this time of year. I don’t like saying goodbye to the Christmas tree, lights and brightness. Everything always feels a little plain. Of course, the weather doesn’t help this feeling of melancholy.

So, for January’s book club choice, I wanted to pick a book that sends us into a magical, colourful world – the wonderful world of OZ.

I wanted to join in with the buzz of Wicked but I feel that the novel that inspired this story needs a little love too. That is why I’ve chosen The Wonderful Wizard of OZ by L. Frank Baum.

I was shocked to realise that, although I know the 1939 movie, I’ve never read the novel. So, here we are. I think it’s the perfect story to kick off 2025.

How to join our book club – 

As our book club is online, you can join in from the comfort of your own sofa. You can also start reading and join the conversation at any point in the month. Maybe you’ve read it and find you want to rediscover it? Or, like me, it’s a book you’ve been meaning and wanting to read but never had the chance before. Whatever the circumstance, all are welcome.

I have added a question below to kick off the conversation. I look forward to talking about this book with you.

About The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 

Discover the magical journey of Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they traverse the whimsical land of Oz. This Wizard of Oz chapter book comes complete with the original illustrations by W.W. Denslow, bringing the story’s vivid characters and vibrant settings to life like never before. Perfect for bedtime stories or solo reading, this edition is tailored for both children and adults, ensuring every reader is drawn into the adventure.

This beautiful edition features an ornate cover, easy-to-read typography, and contemporary formatting—it’s designed to be treasured. Plus, dive deeper into the world of Oz with fun facts about the author, L. Frank Baum, and engaging discussion questions that will spark meaningful conversations.

Make The Wonderful Wizard of Oz a cherished part of your collection today. This magical book for kids and adults is the perfect gift for any occasion, inspiring imagination and adventure for readers of all ages.

The version pictured was published in 2024. Click to buy on Amazon and Waterstones. 

Ab0ut L. Frank Baum: 

Lyman Frank Baum was born in Chittenango, New York, on May 15, 1856. Over the course of his life, Baum raised fancy poultry, sold fireworks, managed an opera house, opened a department store, and an edited a newspaper before finally turning to writing.

In 1900, he published his best known book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Eventually he wrote fifty-five novels, including thirteen Oz books, plus four “lost” novels, eighty-three short stories, more than two hundred poems, an unknown number of scripts, and many miscellaneous writings.

Baum died on May 6, 1919. He is buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, in Glendale, California.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.