So, the Wizard of Oz is back, and he's brought 21st-century ambition to a fairyland. He's invented Ozoplanes—flying machines that look like giant, colorful plates—and he's itching to show them off. He convinces Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, Cowardly Lion, and others to join him on a celebratory cruise across the skies of Oz. It's meant to be a peaceful sightseeing trip.

The Story

Of course, peace never lasts long in an adventure. Their maiden voyage gets blown off course by a strange storm, leading them to a mysterious, icy land floating high above Oz called Stratovania. This frozen kingdom is in trouble. Its true rulers, the Stratovanians, have been imprisoned by the frosty and power-hungry King Strut of the Strutters. Our Oz friends, never ones to ignore someone in need, immediately get tangled up in the conflict. What follows is a classic Oz caper: clever escapes, ridiculous inventions (like the Wizard's 'Find-All' searchlight), encounters with strange new creatures, and a battle to restore the rightful rulers before the whole kingdom is locked in eternal winter.

Why You Should Read It

Ruth Plumly Thompson had the tough job of continuing L. Frank Baum's series, and here she really makes it her own. She keeps the heart of the characters—Dorothy's pluck, the Scarecrow's cleverness, the Lion's hesitant bravery—but throws them into a fresh, sci-fi-lite setting. The joy is in seeing these familiar faces react to flying saucers and frozen palaces. The book moves at a breakneck pace, packed with silly puns, narrow scrapes, and that warm, comforting feeling that good friends will always find a way to win. It's like visiting old friends who've just remodeled their house in a wonderfully weird way.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for fans of the original Oz books who are ready for a new, sky-bound adventure with the gang. It's also a great pick for younger readers (or the young at heart) who love fast-paced, imaginative stories where friendship and quick thinking save the day. If you enjoy classic fantasy with a dash of early 20th-century invention and a lot of heart, grab an Ozoplane and take off with this one.