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e hope of the world.
--Oscar Hammerstein II
THE FOREST MONSTER OF OZ
By Bob Evans
(author of _Dorothy's Mystical Adventures in Oz, Abducted to Oz_, etc.)
and Chris Dulabone
(author of _Toto in Oz, The Lunechien Forest of Oz_, etc.)
Illustrated by Doré Meers
Founded on and continuing the famous Oz stories by
L. Frank Baum
Royal Historian of Oz
This book is dedicated to Lachie Dunn who first discovered the existence of Saber-Tooth Light-bulbs
CHAPTER 1
THE COWARDLY LION'S HEROIC DEED
In all the world, there is no country or township known that can ever compare against the beauty and magnitude of the Marvelous Land of Oz. This is not a debatable issue. The Land of Oz is not only beautiful with the glittering gemstones that are found commonplace in this remarkable fairyland, but its enchantment goes ever farther. In all the territory of Oz, there is clean, fresh air and gorgeous trees and scenery. There is peace and quiet when such is desired, and there is high adventure and excitement at other times. In Oz, no one ever grows older than he chooses, and death is practically unheard of. The country is situated in the center of a vast continent, and is surrounded by an impassable Deadly Desert.
Although the vast Deadly Desert Around Oz aptly prevents tourism from abroad, those who are fortunate enough to live on the proper side of this sandy enigma will surely testify that the land is as no other.
The country itself is divided into five distinct regions. The most important of these is the Emerald City. This famous area lies in the exact center of the oblong land, and is home to the supreme ruler over Oz. Her name is Ozma, and she is but a tiny child. Even so, no other ruler in any other country has ever been more respected, loved, or envied. To the south of Ozma's remarkable palace is the Quadling