Wizard of Oz - Short story version

Wizard of Oz – Shorter Version - one into two double pages spreads (to make 12)

1. Long ago, there lived a girl named Dorothy. She lived on a farm in a place called Kansas with her aunt and uncle, as well as her little dog Toto.

One day, Dorothy was playing with Toto outside, when all of a sudden a storm rolled across the sky. The wind howled and the thunder rumbled as Dorothy began to look for her aunt and uncle, but she could not find them.

2. As a cyclone made its way closer to Dorothy's house, she ran inside and locked herself and Toto in her bedroom. The house spun and rose into the sky, hurtling around in the clouds. Eventually, as the wind stopped the house dropped to the ground with a great crash. It was calm. Dorothy knew she wasn't in Kansas any more. As she opened the door she became overwhelmed with the marvellous beauty surrounding her. She also noticed a row of very small houses and a road made of yellow bricks.

3. Whilst admiring this new land, a woman wearing brilliant white appeared in front of Dorothy, introducing herself as the witch of the north. It was obvious from the kindness she showed towards Dorothy that she was a good witch. Dorothy was shocked to discover that she was now in the land of Oz and her house had landed on the wicked witch of the east and killed her! The witch of the north explained that because Dorothy had saved them from the wicked witch, she was now the owner of her magic silver shoes. However, Dorothy had no interest in taking them. She just wanted to get back to her aunt and uncle.

4. Seeing Dorothy's despair, the good witch told her to follow the yellow brick road which would lead her to the Emerald City and the wizard who could send her home. With encouragement from the munchkins who inhabited the land of Oz, Dorothy and Toto made there way along the road. After walking for some time, they came across a rather solemn looking scarecrow, who admitted that more than anything in the world, he wished to have a brain. 'Maybe the wizard of Oz could help you too!' declared Dorothy, and he joined them on the road to the Emerald City.

5. Along the path and into the woods, they heard a clanking noise. As they walked it became louder and louder. After a while, they discovered a rusty tin man, standing amidst some tall trees and unable to move. At once, Dorothy ran to fetch an oil can. After putting a little oil on his mouth, the tin man began to explain that his tears made him rust. He was sad because he had no heart. A little later, Dorothy had oiled all of his joints and explained their quest to find the wizard of Oz. Along the path they continued.

6. Further into the forest, they heard someone whimpering. Cowering behind a particularly large tree trunk, they found a lion curled up in a ball. He explained that being known as the king of beasts among the other animals was a lot of pressure and he just needed some courage. He too followed Dorothy on the yellow brick road towards the Emerald City.

7. As they carried on with their journey, they had no idea that the wicked witch of the west had been watching them. With the intention of getting her sister's silver shoes back, she observed Dorothy's journey through her crystal ball. Summoning her flying monkeys, she ordered them to capture Dorothy. Meanwhile, the four friends entered a enchanted poppy field. Whoever stayed in this area for too long became very sleepy, and Dorothy and Toto fell asleep. The others strived to help them across the field.

8. On the other side of the field, they found themselves next to a wide blue river, seeing the green glow of the Emerald City ahead. The water was choppy and they weren't quite sure how they were going to cross it. The scarecrow had an idea, he was made of straw and wood, so he would float. With great difficulty they made it across on the scarecrow's back. Finally, they approached gates to the city! Suddenly, as they headed to the palace, the wicked witch's monkeys surrounded them.

9. Capturing them, the monkeys took Dorothy, Toto, the cowardly lion, the tin man and

the scarecrow to stand before the wicked witch. She told them of her desire to take her sister's silver shoes and fought with Dorothy to get hold of them. Picking up a nearby bucket of water, Dorothy threw it over the wicked witch, who immediately started to melt!

10. They made their way back to the palace to see the wizard of Oz and he thanked them for ridding the land of both the wicked witch of the east and the wicked witch of the west. 'As a reward, I shall grant you any wish', he said. The scarecrow got his brain, the tin man got his heart and the lion got his courage. However, he told Dorothy that he could not help her get home. The power had been with her all along, and all she needed to do was click the heels of her silver shoes three times to go to any place she desired.

11. It was time for Dorothy and Toto to say goodbye to their new friends. Dorothy clicked her heels three times and immediately she was back in Kansas with her aunt and uncle. She was happy to be home safely but would never forget the adventure she had with her friends.