The Mystery of the Ruby Shoes
A TOTALLY OZSOME ADVENTURE IN THE WONDERFUL LAND OF OZ
The Wizards of OZ
"Imagination has given us the steam engine, the telephone, the talking-machine and the automobile, for these things had to be dreamed of before they became realities. So I believe that dreams -- day dreams, you know, with your eyes wide open and your brain machinery whizzing -- are likely to lead to the betterment of the world. The imaginative child will become the imaginative man or woman most apt to create, to invent, and therefore to foster civilization. A prominent educator tells me that fairy tales are of untold value in developing imagination in the young. I believe it."
L. Frank Baum - Writer
Lyman Frank Baum (May 15, 1856 – May 6, 1919), better known by his pen name L. Frank Baum, was an American author chiefly known for his children's books, particularly The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. He wrote thirteen novel sequels, nine other fantasy novels, and a host of other works.
In 1900, Baum and Denslow (with whom he shared the copyright) published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to much critical acclaim and financial success.[23] The book was the best-selling children's book for two years after its initial publication. Baum went on to write thirteen more novels based on the places and people of the Land of Oz.
His works anticipated such century-later commonplaces as television, augmented reality, laptop computers (The Master Key), wireless telephones (Tik-Tok of Oz), women in high risk, action-heavy occupations (Mary Louise in the Country), and the ubiquity of advertising on clothing (Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work).
W. W. Denslow - Illustrator
William Wallace "W. W." Denslow (May 5, 1856 – March 29, 1915) was an American illustrator and caricaturist remembered for his work in collaboration with author L. Frank Baum, especially his illustrations of the "Only American Fairy Tale" The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Although remembered today almost solely for that one work, Denslow made significant contributions to other areas of American commercial art. He produced some of the most important children’s books of his day. Born in Philadelphia on May 5, 1856, William Wallace Denslow began submitting illustrations to the magazines when he turned 16. He soon developed into an extraordinarily adaptable designer. He earned his first international reputation for his newspaper, book and magazine posters during the art poster craze of the late 1890s.