Discovering Wonderland in Our Living Room: A Review of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Commemorative Pop-Up
As a mom of two energetic little ones, bedtime can sometimes feel like running a marathon—one filled with giggles, questions, and the occasional dramatic declaration about how they aren’t tired at all. I often find myself frantically searching for the perfect book to bring calm after the chaos. That’s when I stumbled upon The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Commemorative Pop-Up by Robert Sabuda. As a fan of the classic tale, I was enchanted by the idea of sharing its magic with my kids, hoping to transport us all to the whimsical land of Oz together.
This pop-up masterpiece invites you into the heart of Dorothy’s journey, from that twister that whisks her away to the enchanting Emerald City. As we turned each page, my kids were absolutely entranced by the vibrant illustrations and intricate pop-ups. There’s something magical about seeing the characters leap off the page, and honestly, it was just as much fun for me as it was for them! My son particularly loved the moment when the Wicked Witch appeared, her presence eliciting gasps of excitement and curious questions about where her flying monkeys were (side note: we had a lively discussion about whether they were nice or naughty!).
The writing style is straightforward and engaging, perfectly suited for the younger crowd’s attention span. As we read through the story, both my kids chimed in, echoing Dorothy’s famous line, “There’s no place like home.” The combination of the story’s moral and the pop-up features sparked a delightful conversation about what home means to each of us—a beautiful moment that stretched beyond the pages.
One of my favorite reactions came from my daughter, who was utterly fascinated with the Cowardly Lion. “But he is brave!” she exclaimed, pointing at the lion standing tall in one of the pop-up elements. It warmed my heart to see her processing the themes of courage and friendship at such a young age. Often, I love to pause and ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” and “Why do you think Dorothy was sad?” This book provided the perfect opportunity for fostering their little imaginations.
However, a word of caution: the pop-ups can be delicate. While my kids are generally good with books, I was careful to supervise their interactions. It becomes a shared joy, as we take turns delicately lifting the flaps to reveal hidden wonders, but this gentle approach makes it feel even more special!
Whether you have toddlers or slightly older kiddos, this book is a gem that appeals to kids aged 2 to 6 and beyond. It’s also a treasure for parents who grew up with the story, as it beautifully bridges generations. I’d definitely recommend it as a gift for parents who appreciate imaginative storytelling or as a sweet keepsake for your little bookworm.
In our new family tradition of cozy bedtime stories, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has found a cherished spot on our bookshelf. It’s more than just a one-time read; it’s a beautiful experience that has woven itself into our family’s nightly routine. Who knew a pop-up book could ignite such heartfelt conversations while also whisking us away on an adventure through Oz? Here’s to many more storytelling nights filled with wonder! 🌈✨
Dive into the magic of Oz with this enchanting pop-up book! >>
