Here are some reviews of two Oz books I've read recently. Again, they are both published by Chris Dulabone, though the first one is a later one by Tails of the Cowardly Lion and Friends, while the second is an earlier book from Buckethead Enterprises of Oz.
Dr. Angelina Bean in Oz is by Ruth Morris, and is a follow up to her earlier Oz book, The Flying Bus in Oz. I haven't read that one, but the back cover of this book advertises that one with enough information to fill you in on anything that goes on in it that this story doesn't.
A little girl named Joy has her two dolls Angelina and Mellie. Angelina is considered to be the smarter of the two dolls, and even claims she has fourteen Ph.Ds, meaning she's Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Angelina Bean. Joy has all the Oz books and visited in Flying Bus. Angelina reads the Oz books and feels Ruggedo was woefully mistreated in them, and wants to go to Oz to help Ruggedo finally get the justice he deserves. Through a surprise gift, Joy, Angelina, and Mellie soon find themselves in Oz, where Angelina starts looking for Ruggedo, much to Joy's disappointment.
Surprisingly, Ruggedo is looking for Angelina. He has his own plans in mind and asked a magic lake to show him his perfect ally: Dr. Bean. What does Ruggedo plan to do? Is Angelina thinking properly? Will everything turn out all right?
The story is rather fun, even though it branches off into some very... well... girly stops. (A place where they have tea parties over and over, and time even stops outside so they can have as many as they want without losing any time. ... Seriously?) There's some other really interesting stops, including some rather elitist communities.
The book is illustrated by Dr. Corrine Morris, who uses one of the simpler art styles seen in these books. It's charming nonetheless.
You can get a copy here.
A more intimate reformation likes in the story of Coke Kane, a drug addict who is transformed into a giant playing card, specifically, the King of Spades. He manages to enjoy his new life, and the companionship of Ozma's confidant Jennifer.
However, one Willie Lie proves a tough one to reform as he doesn't care to be reformed and flatly lies to Ozma. In fact, he even tricks Spades to take him to Ev where he meets with Kaliko who has some rather nasty plans for Oz.
So, can Willie be reformed? Will Ozma stop Kaliko's evil scheme in time?
The book is rather good story, though I must admit I didn't care for how the Nomes were handled.
Marcus Mebes illustrated, and I think this is one of his best illustration jobs, from the few I've seen.
You can get a copy here.
Dr. Angelina Bean was pretty good, but I did think the dolls coming to life wasn't all that Ozzy. Oh, well. I haven't read Healing Power.
ReplyDelete