THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ

Liza Ross capably handles the many characters in Baum’s sequel to THE WIZARD OF OZ. She develops a voice and sensibility for each character and adapts her voice for quick-moving dialogue and nonstop adventures. Ross depicts a youthful Tip, a boy who lives with his guardian, the witch Mombi. The witch brings to life Jack Pumpkinhead, whom Ross incarnates with a voice as stiff as the squash-headed figure's unbending legs. Threats from Mombi send these unlikely heroes to the Emerald City, where they unite with the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman to recapture the city from an all-girl army. New characters join the familiar ones, all of whom Ross imbues with appropriate vocal qualities. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2009]