Kabumpo in the Land of Oz. The Cowardly Lion from the Land of Oz

In the magical tale "Kabumpo in the Land of Oz," Prince Pompadore and the wise Elegant Elephant Kabumpo set off to the Emerald City to marry Princess Ozma. However, their journey is fraught with numerous trials... The second story included in the book, "The Cowardly Lion from the Land of Oz," is a witty and spirited continuation of the famous series that retains the spirit of Baum's original works while introducing new adventures in the magical world of Oz.

Illustrations by John R. Neill, the classic artist of the series, add charm and visual brightness to the stories.

American writer Lyman Frank Baum (1856–1919) created an astonishing world full of adventures and wonders. His series of books about the Land of Oz, vivid and unusual, quickly gained fans worldwide and continues to capture the hearts of young readers today. The name for the magical land was almost randomly conceived. In May 1898, while telling stories to children, Baum glanced at a filing cabinet with drawers labeled A–N and O–Z — and thus the name "Oz" was born. The first book, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," was published in 1900 with illustrations by William Wallace Denslow. The publisher released it in a large print run for those times, but its success exceeded all expectations: the book became a bestseller, and the print runs had to be reprinted. Initially, Baum did not plan to write sequels; however, children sent him thousands of letters requesting new stories. He surrendered and became the "Royal Historian of Oz" — a title he held until the end of his life. Overall, Frank Baum managed to write 14 stories and a collection of tales. His last book, "Glinda of Oz," was published posthumously in 1920. The publisher then decided to continue the series, appointing Ruth Plumly Thompson (1891–1976) as the new "Royal Historian." She wrote 21 books: the last one in 1976, shortly before her death. Since 1904, the outstanding artist John R. Neill (1877–1943) became the permanent illustrator of the series. He created illustrations for all of Baum's books, starting with the second, as well as for Thompson’s books and even for three of his own written for this series. His works have been beloved by many generations of readers and have become classic illustrations in the Oz cycle.

This edition features the second and third stories by Ruth Plumly Thompson about the extraordinary land: "Kabumpo in the Land of Oz" (1922) and "The Cowardly Lion from the Land of Oz" (1923). They continue the narrative of the adventures of both familiar and new heroes in the mysterious and magical land of Oz. "Kabumpo in the Land of Oz" will inform readers about the beautiful Prince Pompadore, who is unexpectedly told on his birthday that his kingdom is at risk of disappearing forever unless he marries a True Princess. In the story "The Cowardly Lion from the Land of Oz," readers will learn about the danger threatening their glorious friend, the Cowardly Lion, and about an unusual collection that a certain Mustafa from Madja desires to add to. The wonderful stories in this edition are decorated with charming illustrations by John R. Neill.