This book is not your average Oz story. It certainly captures the whimsical style of L. Frank Baum and faithfully retains his main characters, however, while the author introduces many new characters he also weaves into the story a most interesting but perhaps controversial philosophy. We feel that Baum might have said some of these things in his time had he dared. (After all, he was a Theosophist), but because of the times he lived in he had to bring his beliefs through in a very subtle way. Having said that, we do think that the spiritual lessons given by this author, although much more obvious in their intent, could be very helpful to a young person just beginning to formulate his or her values. In fact, we venture to say that if children everywhere were to adopt just a few these principles, they would find themselves, as adults, in a vastly improved world, one that would be relatively free of violence (both in the media, and in reality), and perhaps more importantly, free of intolerance. A world where a new sense of honesty would exist -- not only in individual citizens, but in corporate America, and in politics. (An Oz-like reality on earth?) The story itself takes place prior to Dorothy's moving to Oz permanently. Still back in Kansas our heroine is reminiscing on Oz when she begins to feel faint. She is caught up in a terrible vortex not unlike the original twister that first transported her to Oz when she suddenly finds back once more in that magical kingdom. Upon being reunited with her charming old friends the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Woodman, Dorothy soon learns of yet another Wicked Witch, the Wicked Witch of the Deep South, who spends a good deal of her time in a fascinating place called Negativethoughtland where cruel or evil thoughts take on tangible physical form. The Fabulous Four embark on a quest to stop the evil Witch from filling Oz with these repugnant forms and to bring back the beauty and happiness that we all associate with Baum's delightful fairyland. Along the way, we are treated to encounters with various new residents of Oz such as the Fuzzy Yellow Woggle Bugs, not to mention several strange creatures with names like Ticklemonsters, Girrephalumps, and Octapong.... During the journey there is a beautiful sojourn with a community of American Indians, as well as a meeting of the minds with members of a unique club consisting entirely of United States presidents. (Topics covered range from George Washington’s economic system to the importance of education, and of treating one another with respect and dignity.) During the good natured bantering between themselves some of the presidents provide interesting historical information on their lives. Another chapter is devoted to an important meeting with UFO people who represent an extremely advanced civilization. They make some remarkable revelations and speak with great wisdom, but since the dialogue is extensive, younger children could safely skip most of this without losing any of the story.) Following is a brief quotation from this segment to give you some idea of its content: "...You see, beloved friends, it is much easier for you to doubt your abilities, your powers, than it is to try to realize the potentials that lie within you. Accept your challenges of today. Cope with them and be not concerned for the future ... Each of you has tasks before you that you will perform and, if you will allow yourself to flow with the tide, you shall find that these things will come to you in proper sequence. There is a constant flow of energy around your planet. The entire cosmos is energy. We, too, are energy. Swim in it! Feel yourself as a pulsating, living part of the universal energy; feel yourself to be in tune with this energy - to be flowing along with it, in harmony with it. If you become disturbed or distressed, you have stepped out of the flow. If you go against your conscience, you will go against the flow and be p