[adapted]

by
L. Frank Baum

Chapter 1.
The Cyclone

Dorothy lived on the wide Kansas plains with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. They lived in a small one-room house with simple furniture and two beds. There was a small cyclone cellar under the house. It was a dark hole where they could hide during a storm.

Everything around the house was gray. The land was dry, and the grass was burned by the sun. Aunt Em and Uncle Henry were serious and never laughed. They worked hard every day. Only Toto made Dorothy happy. He was her small black dog, and they played together often.

One day, Uncle Henry looked at the sky with worry. The wind began to rise from different directions.

“A cyclone is coming!” he shouted, and ran to the animals.

“Quick, Dorothy! Run to the cellar!” Aunt Em cried.

Toto ran under the bed. Dorothy caught him, but before she could follow, the wind roared loudly. The house shook, and she fell.

Then the house began to turn and rise into the air. The strong winds lifted it high into the sky and carried it away. Inside, it was dark and noisy. At first, Dorothy was afraid. But the house moved gently, and she became calm. Toto fell through the open trap door, but Dorothy pulled him back and closed it.

Time passed. Dorothy felt less afraid, but very lonely. She waited quietly to see what would happen. At last, she lay on her bed. Toto lay beside her. The house moved in the air, and the wind howled. Soon, Dorothy fell asleep.

Chapter 2.
Dorothy Meets the Munchkins

Dorothy woke with a sudden shock. The house was no longer moving. Bright sunlight filled the room. Toto was beside her. She ran to the door and looked outside. She saw a beautiful land with green grass, trees, flowers, and a small stream. It was very different from Kansas.

A group of small people came toward her. There were three men and one old woman. They wore strange clothes and pointed hats. The old woman came forward and bowed.

“You are welcome,” she said. “You have killed the Wicked Witch of the East and set our people free.”

Dorothy was surprised. “I did not kill anyone,” she said.

“Your house fell on her,” the old woman replied. “Come and see.”

Dorothy looked and saw two feet under the house. The feet wore silver shoes. “Oh no!” Dorothy cried. “What can we do?”

“There is nothing to do,” said the old woman. “The Witch of the East is dead. The Munchkins are now free.”

“Who are you?” Dorothy asked.

“I am the Witch of the North,” she said. “I am a good witch.”

Dorothy was surprised. “I thought all witches were bad.”

“No,” said the Witch. “In the Land of Oz, two witches are good and two are bad. Now only one bad witch is left. She lives in the West, in the land of Winkies.”

Dorothy told her about Kansas. The Witch said she did not know that place.

“Can you help me go home?” Dorothy asked.

The Munchkins shook their heads. They said there was desert all around Oz. It was too dangerous to cross. Dorothy began to cry. Then the Witch used her magic. A message appeared:

“LET DOROTHY GO TO THE CITY OF EMERALDS”

“You must go to the Emerald City,” said the Witch. “The Wizard of Oz lives there. He may help you.”

“Is he good?” Dorothy asked.

“He is a great wizard,” the Witch said. “I have never seen him.”

“How can I get there?” Dorothy asked.

“You must walk,” said the Witch. “Follow the road of yellow bricks.”

Dorothy was afraid to go alone. The Witch kissed her on the forehead. “This will protect you,” she said.

Dorothy took the silver shoes. Then the Witch disappeared. The Munchkins said goodbye and left. Dorothy stood alone, ready to begin her journey to the Emerald City.

Chapter 3.
Dorothy Meets the Scarecrow

Dorothy ate some bread and drank water from a stream. She gave some to Toto. Then she put on a clean dress and filled her basket with bread. She saw the silver shoes on the table.

“I wonder if they will fit me,” she said. She tried them on, and they fit well. “Come along, Toto,” she said. “We will go to the Emerald City and ask Oz to help me go home.” She locked the house and started along the road of yellow bricks.

The land was green and pleasant. The Munchkins greeted her and bowed as she passed. In the evening, she came to a large house where people were dancing. They invited her to eat and stay. A man named Boq welcomed her.

“You must be a great sorceress,” he said.

“I am not,” Dorothy answered. They gave her food and a place to sleep. In the morning, she asked, “How far is the Emerald City?”

“It is a long way,” said Boq. “The road can be dangerous.”

Dorothy said goodbye and walked on. After some time, she saw a Scarecrow on a pole in a field. As she looked at it, one eye winked.

“Good day,” said the Scarecrow.

“Did you speak?” asked Dorothy.

“Yes,” he said. “Can you help me down?”

Dorothy lifted him off the pole.

“Thank you,” he said. “I feel like a new man.”

“Who are you?” he asked.

“My name is Dorothy. I am going to the Emerald City to see Oz.”

“I have no brains,” said the Scarecrow. “Do you think Oz could give me some?”

“I think he might,” said Dorothy. “You can come with me.”

“Thank you,” he said.