In 1939, Alexander Volkov, one of the famous writers of the Land of Soviets, created a story that became a favorite for many children. Why is she so interesting? Your attention is the "Wizard of the Emerald City" (summary).
It’s worth starting with the fact that this literary masterpiece is a kind of retelling of the work of another writer, Frank Baum. The prototype of “The Wizard of the Emerald City” was a fairy tale called “The Wizard of Oz”, which was released in the USA (the first publication was 1900). True, Volkov significantly changed the source material. Should children read this book? The answer to this question will be given by the “Wizard of the Emerald City” (summary of the work). Of course, each book has an annotation, but it is usually quite brief and cannot fully reveal the essence of the work. Therefore, learn useful information!
What does the “Wizard of the Emerald City” begin with, a fairy tale that has been popular for over 70 years?
The story begins with a description of the life of a simple Smith family, who lives in the Kansas steppe. This is father John, mother Anna and their little daughter Ally. They also have a pet - dog Totoshka. Instead of the usual house made of wood or brick, the Smiths have only an old van removed from the wheels. Once a hurricane begins, which picks up a light van and carries it (along with Ellie and Totoshka inside it) to unknown distances.
"The Wizard of the Emerald City": a summary of the adventures of Ellie and her comrades
The hurricane, as it turned out, brought Ellie and her faithful doggie to an unknown Magic country, in which all living creatures spoke and eternal summer reigned. It turned out that the hurricane was caused by the crazy mad sorceress Gingema, who thought of destroying all people in this way. But a kind fairy named Willina found out about her plans and decided to change the course of events. She made Ellie's house land directly on the head of the evil Gingham. True, the fairy hoped that the house would be empty. Gingham was defeated, but Ellie, who really wanted to go home, got into the Magic Land! It turned out that this was practically impossible, because this mysterious country was separated from the "big world" by a huge desert and high mountains. Looking into the magic book, Villina read there that the girl would be able to return home if she could help the three beings fulfill their most cherished desires, and Goodwin, the great wizard of the Emerald City , would help her in this.
Ellie sets off on the journey, putting on the charming silver shoes that Totoshka finds for her in return for her lounging shoes. Its landmark is a road paved with yellow brick.
At the very beginning of wanderings, Ellie meets a scarecrow made of straw, which more than anything else wants to get brains. His name is Scarecrow. Then, the Lumberjack joins them, whose secret dream is the heart. Later, friends meet the Cowardly Lion, who wants to get a little courage.
Little Ellie and her friends have to endure many trials: the battle with the Eater, crossing the river, the battle with saber-toothed tigers, a dream on a poppy field, which almost became eternal. They come out of all adventures with honor, thanks to the strengths of each member of this "squad"
When they get to the Emerald City, Ellie and her friends are disappointed - Goodwin (here, by the way, the answer to the question about the name of the wizard of the Emerald City) refuses to fulfill the wishes of his comrades until one of them defeats Bastinda, the evil sorceress of the Violet Country . It was incredibly difficult, but the company of friends coped with the task!
When Ellie, Totoshka, Scarecrow, Lumberjack and Leo returned to the Emerald City, it turned out that Goodwin was not a sorcerer at all, but an ordinary artist, who was blown into the Magic Land by a hurricane many years ago. He decided to fix his ball and so return home with Ellie. Note that the imaginary wizard endowed all Ellie's friends with what they asked for: brains from bran, pins and needles, a rag heart and a portion of “courage”.
Unfortunately, a gust of wind blew a ball into which Ellie and Totoshka did not have time to sit. And again, friends go on the road. This time - to Stella, the sorceress of the Pink Country, who holds the secret of eternal beauty and youth. And again, dangers and adventures: warlike marranes, a flood. Stella reveals to the girl that she could return home the same day as she got into the Magic Land - all that was worth was to hit the shoes that Totoshka brought to each other. The girl does so. And in three steps he is at home! True, losing wonderful shoes!
Well, now you know what is meant in the story “The Wizard of the Emerald City” - a brief summary allows you to understand the general meaning of the work, but does not allow you to plunge into the fairy-tale world of real friendship and amazing charms. This book is definitely worth reading in full! She will teach the child a lot!