The Scarecrow of Oz

1915, undated probably 1970s Rand McNally edition
L. Frank Baum
Illustrated by John R. Neill
The Scarecrow of Oz
Bought new for $1.95
Waterlogged paperback
B-

Our old friend doesn't show up until the second half of this Oz book, although he sort of saves the day.  It could more accurately be called Orks in Oz, after the bird-like creatures that come to the rescue several times, but I suppose that wouldn't have sold as well.  Or it could've been Trot and Cap'n Bill in Oz, since those two find their way to the fairyland.  There are some references to their two earlier adventures, but the main thing you need to know is he's like her unofficial uncle.  (I think her father is dead, although her mother is mentioned, but forgotten later in the series.)  I think their pre-Oz journey, with concerns about running out of candles and food, is more interesting than what happens in Jinxland, another of the mini-kingdoms on the edges of Oz.  It is notable that there are still wicked witches, despite Ozma's decree.


Our favorite good witch is now back home in the Quadling Country, looking out for people with her Great Book of Records of course, but I still can't tell if she's ruling the South.  She sends the Scarecrow to Jinxland, with a spider-bridge reminiscent of one of the Mo adventures.


Speaking of Mo, Trot and Cap'n Bill spend a night in that land, Baum having forgotten that there is no night in Mo.  They meet the Bumpy Man and eat their way through a popcorn snowstorm, finding an old friend in a snowbank.

Button-Bright is back, having met Trot and Cap'n Bill in Sky Island.  He's older now and more articulate than in DatW, although he's also further developed his habit of getting lost.  The three of them permanently move to Oz, with no immigration debate, or concern for the families back home.  Uncle Henry and Aunt Em, by the way, now live in a cottage near the palace, allowing Dorothy to continue her aristocratic lifestyle.  Yet, she's still down to earth.  Betsy has undergone a personality change and is now shy, rather than Oklahomically frank.


Neill's best drawings this time are of the title character, in many moods, and Princess Gloria of Jinxland.  Ozma and Glinda are supposed to be more beautiful, but I like the way Neill does Gloria's hair.