Egmont to release Wizard of Oz picture book

Egmont will next September publish a picture book adaptation of L Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz, retold by Sam Hay and illustrated by Meg McLaren.

In this version, Dorothy is “little Dot” - a younger, pre-school heroine designed to appeal to picture book readers.

Melissa Fairley, publishing director of the picture book and gift division, bought world language rights from Gemma Cooper at The Bent Agency (Hay’s agent) and Paul Moreton at Bell Lomax (McLaren’s). She said: “Meg McLaren has reimagined Dorothy as a sturdy pre-schooler and the Tin Man as a small tin can. Paired with Sam Hay’s original adaptation – where giant jelly snakes block the Yellow Brick Road and the witch is defeated by a pot of yoghurt – this is an exciting adventure story for very young children.”                                

The Wizard of Oz will be published 6th September in paperback, priced at £6.99.       

Last year, HarperCollins Children's Books announced their version of The Wizard of Oz, penned by Michael Morpurgo. Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz, told with Dorothy's canine companion as the focus of the story, was released last September.