Kabumpo in Oz: Amazon.ca: Ruth Plumly Thompson, L. Frank Baum, John R. Neill: Books

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5 Reviews

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4.6 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Magically clever, adventurous, and fun!, Feb 12 2004

By

Daniel (Sterling, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kabumpo in Oz (Paperback)

Wouldn't it be awful if, on your tenth birthday, your wonderful birthday cake exploded right in front of your face; and a scroll was found inside, which read that if you didn't marry a "proper" princess by the "proper" time your kingdom would disappear?

Ruth Plumly Thompson, author of "Kabumpo in Oz," continued the Oz series after creator L. Frank Baum's death. After taking Baum's unfinished notes, she wrote "The Royal Book of Oz." Then she wrote 18 more Oz books. (Including this one) Even though this book is more than 80 years old, it is just as fantastic as it was in 1922. This book is number 16 in the series.

This story begins in a small kingdom of Pumperdink in the northern country of the Land of Oz. It is Prince Pompadore's birthday and all is well. The cooks are summoned and out comes the most wonderful birthday cake you have ever seen. Alas, no matter how hard the prince blows, the candles stay lit. Kabumpo, the Elegant Elephant of Oz, attempts the strange dilemma and not only do all of the candles blow out, but the whole cake explodes! The only clue to this unfortunate accident is a scroll, threatening that if the prince does not marry a "proper" princess by the "proper" time, Pumperdink will disappear! The novel continues as Kabumpo and Pompadore search for a "proper" princess and on the way the meet their comrades Peg Amy, a large wooden doll, and Wag, a large comical rabbit.

I found this novel very clever, adventurous, and fun. The only thing that bugged me was how few problems the adventurers had with the evil side. Glegg, the "bad guy" appears in a cloud of smoke and threatens to take Peg Amy away. (Who is really the former human princess of Sun Top Mountain) But just when you realize what has happened, he disappears and isn't shown again anywhere in the novel. I just wish the author could have developed more conflicts to encounter with Glegg specifically; other than Rith Metic, where invaders have to work their way through by solving math equations; and the Illumi Nation, where candles with flame heads try to light intruders up. Actually, there were a lot of conflicts to encounter, but Glegg just came and went too fast!

Anyone who enjoys fantasy, such as Narnia or Prydain, should read the Oz books. Don't be surprised if you can't put this book down.

"The Cowardly Lion of Oz" is the next book in the series.

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5.0 out of 5 stars WRITTEN IN TRUE OZZY FAHSION, Dec 22 1999

By

Gehan Cooray - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kabumpo in Oz (Hardcover)

The story begins when Prince Pompadore of the Kingdom of Pumperdink stes off with his elegant elepaht Kabumpo to seek the 'proper' princess for him to marry, or his kingdom will dissapear forever. Meanwhile, Ruggedo finds a box of mixed magic, grows to the size of a giant and carries Ozma's palace away from the Emerald City on his head. Its upto Prince Pompadore to rescue Princess Ozma, whom he thinks to be his 'proper' princess, but only Wag the Giant Rabbit and Peg Amy the live wooden doll have teh secret to rescue Ozma and save Prince Pompadore's kingdom from dissapapearing. This is one of Ruth Thompson's best books, for that matter, one of the best Oz stories ever, The characters are very 'ozzy', especially Kabumpo and so are the plot-lines and teh adventures.....A must for all Oz fans!

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4.0 out of 5 stars A childhood book that sticks in the memory, Oct 20 1999

By

Nancy Levine (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kabumpo in Oz (Hardcover)

I'm especially affectionate about this book because some sweet person gave it to me when I was recovering from having my tonsils out (a common operation, long ago). My sister and I read it to shreds and can still quote bits from the poems. I am delighted it is available; it's going to be my Christmas gift to my sister. The Elegant Elephant is a splendid animal. The ending is perhaps predictable in a satisfactorily classic way. Oh, my purple wool socks! give it to the kids and maybe some big kids.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of fun with many old and some new characters.
Somehow I missed Kabumpo when I read all the Oz books as a child. This is a great story with lots of action, sure to appeal to everyone. Read more

Published on July 29 1998

4.0 out of 5 stars Another good Oz book
I have read and really enjoyed most of the Oz books. This book, Kabumpo in Oz, is a charmer, but has a little less charm than some others written by Thompson. Read more

Published on July 18 1998