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The Wizard of Oz has been one of my favorite movies since childhood and it was high time I read the book. To my surprise, it was nothing like the movie. The main characters were essentially the same; Dorothy is endearingly innocent and kind, the Scarecrow is still my favorite, and the crew still needs to kill the Wicked Witch of the West, but that's where the similarities stop. I expected to compare each moment to the film—one I have seen at least 20 times, probably more like 50—yet I especially enjoyed the book because of how different it was.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz reminds me more of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass than it does The Wizard of Oz (movie). There is so much more to Dorothy & company's journey than the movie shows. In fact, getting to the Emerald City doesn't even stand out as the main adventure for the gang. There are so many magical little lands in Oz and dozens of fun characters to meet. I love how imaginative the whole story is. I particularly enjoyed the Dainty China Country where everyone and everything is made of china. They can only move in their own country; in any other land, they simply sit on the shelf and look pretty. I don't think I'll look at my porcelain dolls the same.

This is definitely a story best suited to younger children, but it is utterly charming and a good read for anyone who enjoys the film.