The Private Citizen, otherwise known as the Tititi-Hoochoo

books:


	• Tik-Tok of Oz (Books of Wonder) L. Frank Baum HarperCollins, 1996 - 304 pages average customer review:based on 13 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

The Private Citizen, otherwise known as the Tititi-Hoochoo

It's funny what stays with you from books.

First of all, let me say that I'm aware that Tik Tok of Oz is generally considered to be a weak Oz book. There are a number of character inconsistencies. Betsy is a poor Dorothy substitute. The Shaggy Man and Polychrome have met each other before this. Reading this as a grown-up who is currently re-reading the whole series, I see these errors and acknowledge the point.

Still, I have to say that as a child, this was one of the Oz books that stuck with me the most strongly. First of all, Polychrome was one of my favorite Oz characters, and I loved every book in which she made an appearance. Second of all, I was secretly quite sympathetic with Ann of Oogaboo. Even at a young age I wasn't very fond of Ozma, absolute ruler. Third of all, I was absolutely fascinated with the Rose Princess, and the idea of a royal family grown on vines. I was heartbroken on behalf of poor Ozga by the reception of her subjects. Something about that bit stayed with me quite strongly, entering my personal mythology.

I do think that the plot is reasonably well-formed in this book, compared to others in the series. While adults may take issue with some of the errors, there are many aspects that I believe would appeal strongly to children. At least, I can say that it certainly appealed strongly to me. As a kid I was reading these from the library, and I must have checked this particular book out twenty times. That's certainly got to earn it some points.

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not his best, but still the fantastic Baum

In the Land of Oz, where animals talk and logic is delightfully warped and fairies mingle with mortals and clockwork men, Betsy Bobbin and her mule Hank are shipwrecked. Along with Queen Ann's army, Polychrome, the Shaggy Man, Ozga (the Rose Princess), and Tik Tok, Betsy and Hank find themselves on a rescue mission for Shaggy's brother imprisoned by the selfish Nome King. Filled with Baum's signature Romanticism and clever logic, it's a lovely (though not particularly unique or as distinct) addition to the Oz series. The Marvelous Land of Oz and The Tin Woodman of Oz are still the strongest in the series. Grade: B

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Books of OZ

We have been buying the series of OZ books called 'books of wonder'. They are so well made and make a wonderful library addition for young children. Couldn't be more pleased with the quality.

One of the best of the Series

I teach creative writing to children and have used this book as an excellent model for the fantasy genre. It has all the great elements of a fantasy story--strange and enchanted happenings, magical creatures, faeries, and a wonderful quest. Many of Baum's books are not so plot-driven; this, like "The Patchwork Girl of Oz" is an exception, and the story works marvelously. Fans of the Oz series will know that this book is a re-telling of "Ozma of Oz," but there are enough new characters, settings, and details to make it a fresh and rewarding tale. Certainly, old favorites such as Tik-Tok, the Nome King, Polychrome, and the Shaggy Man are at their best in this tale (one of the most delightful scenes is when Shaggy "breaks the law"), while new additions Private Files and Quox the Dragon bring much humor and whimsy. Young children will certainly enjoy the test of the three maidens towards the end of the book. This books has a very cohesive direction (not always the case with Baum) and I especially enjoyed how each chapter title is alliterative (I suppose that's the English Lit in me!). And, as usual, the John R. Neil's illustrations are wonderful; my favorite illustration is that of the greedy Nome King strutting out of his kingdom, his countless pockets filled with jewels.

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The best version of the best children's series

The OZ books by L. Frank Baum are my favorite children's books and this series by Books of Wonder are the best. They are the most beautiful versions of the OZ books I've seen, reproducing the original covers with the original illustrations throughout. This series is definitely the one to get and treasure for many years to come.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3

Join Tik-Tok, the Shaggy Man, and a host of other friends--both old and new--on an exciting, imaginative journey through the world of Oz.

The fun begins in an isolated corner of Oz, in the small country of Oogaboo. There Queen Ann Soforth musters an unlikely army and sets off to conquer the rest of Oz. Meanwhile, a girl from Oklahoma named Betsy Bobbin and her companion, Hank the mule, are shipwrecked and washed ashore in the Rose Kingdom, a magical land of talking roses. There they meet the Shaggy Man, who is on a quest to rescue his brother from the clutches of the wicked Nome King. Betsy, Hank, and the Rose Princess join the Shaggy Man on his journey, and before long they meet up with Polychrome, the Rainbow's Daughter; Tik-Tok; and Queen Ann with her army. The rest of Baum's tale is filled with hairbreadth escapes, wild puns, and mystifying magic.

Capturing all the fun are twelve color plates and nearly eighty black-and-white drawings by Oz artist John R. Neill, as well as a facsimile of Neill's full-color map endpapers of Oz and the enchanted realms that surround it--the first maps of Oz ever published!

Tik-Tok of Oz is the eighth Oz novel and the first to bring a girl other than Dorothy to Oz. Now, in this beautiful reproduction of the rare first edition, a whole new generation can discover the enchantment and joy that have made the Oz series such an enduring favorite.

"Join Tik-Tok and friends on an exciting, imaginative journey through the thrilling world of Oz, complete with hairbreadth escapes, wild puns, and mystifying magic....An enduring favorite."--School Library Journal. This lavish reproduction of Oz.

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