This story is very original. There is no Nome takeover of Oz attempt. There is no long-lost sibling of one of the recurring Oz characters suddenly recovered from a wicked enchantment. Instead, this book focuses on stimulating converstaion between Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Woodman, and the Scarecrow. I do not always agree with the statements made in these conversations, but they certainly give me much to think about. Please read this with an open mind. I'm not saying that there is no Wicked Witch --don't think for a moment that there is no conflict. But this Witch is more interested in creating negative thoughts than in taking anyone for a slave. She is more comic relief than threat to Dorothy and friends. As they go in search of the Witch, they come in contact with several unique characters along th way. Space aliens, Pinheads, and even some very famous historical figures. All of these are captured brilliantly in Dennis Anfuso's charming illustrations. The cover is a water-color painting by Dore Meers (illustrator of THE FOREST MONSTER OF OZ) which is a fitting tribute to the Oz legacy. It features Dorothy with the famous trio on the Yellow Brick Road. For anyone who loves the famous Oz books by L. Frank Baum and his many successors, this is a nostalgic item that should bring a good deal of happiness.