L. Frank Baum's third Oz book, 'Ozma of Oz,' throws Dorothy Gale right back into the deep end of the magical pool. This time, a storm at sea sends her (and a coop of chickens) overboard. She washes up on the strange and wonderful shores of Ev, where she befriends a talking, no-nonsense yellow hen named Billina. Together, they stumble upon a heartbreaking mystery: the royal family of the neighboring land has vanished.

The Story

Dorothy and Billina's path soon crosses with an old friend—the Tin Woodman—and a new one: Ozma, the young and beloved ruler of Oz, who has come to Ev on a rescue mission. The villain is the Nome King, a grumpy, jewel-obsessed creature who has turned the Queen of Ev and her ten children into beautiful bric-a-brac to decorate his underground palace. To win them back, Ozma's party must play a high-stakes guessing game in the king's lavish ornament hall. Each person gets just one chance to pick the right ornament. Guess wrong, and you become a decoration yourself. With the clock ticking and their group shrinking, it's up to Dorothy's clear-headed bravery and Billina's surprising cleverness to find a way out of this impossible trap.

Why You Should Read It

This book is where the Oz series really finds its joyful, confident stride. Dorothy is older and wiser, but still wonderfully practical. The real scene-stealer, though, is Billina the hen. She's sarcastic, bold, and solves problems with sharp logic instead of magic, which is incredibly refreshing. The Nome King is a fantastic villain—more grumpy and tricky than outright evil, making his underground realm feel dangerous in a fun, puzzle-box way. The story moves at a breakneck pace, jumping from one bizarre and delightful scenario to the next, but it never loses its heart. At its core, it's about loyalty, using your wits, and the power of friendship (even if that friend has feathers and a sharp beak).

Final Verdict

'Ozma of Oz' is perfect for anyone who loves classic fantasy with a big dose of humor and heart. It's a must-read for fans of the original 'Wonderful Wizard,' as it deepens the world and brings Ozma to the forefront. It's also a great pick for younger readers ready for a slightly more complex adventure than the first book, or for adults who want a clever, speedy, and genuinely charming escape. If you enjoy stories where the solution comes from smart thinking rather than just a wand wave, you'll love watching Dorothy and Billina outsmart a kingdom.