The Frank Baum Library
Kids & Family
About
Step along the shining road and enter a library where stories never grow old. The Frank Lyman Baum Library is a cozy corner of Oz and beyond, where each episode brings a new chapter read aloud with warmth, wonder, and a dash of mischief. Here you will meet curious travelers, kindly companions, and marvelous lands that sparkle with imagination. Wander in for a moment or stay for the whole adventure, this podcast invites listeners of every age to rediscover the cheerful magic of Baum’s timeless tales.
Episodes
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Chapter 2 - The Council with the Munchkins
Chapter 2 details Dorothy's awakening in a magical land, her encounter with the Witch of the North, and the beginning of her journey on the yellow brick road to the City of Emeralds.
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Chapter 1 - The Cyclone
Chapter 1 of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz describes Dorothy's life on the Kansas prairies with her Aunt, Uncle, and dog Toto. A cyclone upends her world when her house is lifted and carried away by the wind.
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Chapter 3 - How Dorothy Saved the Scarecrow
This episode covers Chapter 3 of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, detailing Dorothy's initial journey on the yellow brick road with her silver shoes and basket. She encounters and rescues a talking scarecrow who desires a brain, and they decide…
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 25 - The Fairy-Queen
Chapter 25 of Queen Zixi of Ix features the fairy queen rescinding the magic cloak's wishes, restoring balance and cautioning against witchcraft. The episode concludes with comforting resolutions for Noland’s folk.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 22 - Ruffles Carries the Silver Vial
Queen Zixi devises a plan using a magical elixir to free Noland's citizens from the Roly-Rogues after hearing a dog's story. Bud and Princess Fluff learn the magic cloak is ineffective until it's whole.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 24 - The Sailorman’s Return
Chapter 24 of Queen Zixi of Ix details Noland's recovery under King Bud, with commerce returning to Nole. The arrival of the sailorman and a palace assembly lead to revelations involving magic and justice.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 23 - The Destruction of the Monsters
Chapter 23 details the successful mission of Queen Zixi and the army of Ix to defeat the Roly-Rogues using a sleeping potion. The monsters are removed from the city, leading to celebrations of freedom in Noland.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 21 - The Search for the Magic Cloak
Chapter 21 follows Queen Zixi and companions on their quest to retrieve a scattered magic cloak, facing challenges from village women, woodland creatures, and a piece lost at sea.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 19 - The Bravery of Aunt Rivette
In Chapter 19, Aunt Rivette retrieves a cloak whose powers are not as expected. Undeterred, the children and their companions prepare to seek Queen Zixi's aid, flying over landscapes with Aunt Rivette's help.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 20 - In the Palace of the Witch-Queen
Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 20 details the arrival in Ix and Queen Zixi's story about a stolen magic cloak. Plans are made to recover it, accompanied by a hopeful banquet.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 18 - The Conquest of Noland
Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 18 describes a peculiar army attacking Nole. Aunt Rivette plans to use a magical cloak to restore peace.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 16 - The Plain Above the Clouds
Chapter 16 of Queen Zixi of Ix details the Roly-Rogues, a people who live in the North Mountains and roll instead of walk. Upon seeing the city of Nole, they decide to descend from their home.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 17 - The Descent of the Roly-Rogues
Chapter 17 of Queen Zixi of Ix details a period of peace in Noland disrupted by the mysterious appearance and subsequent mass descent of Roly-Rogues.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 15 - The Theft of the Magic Cloak
Queen Zixi disguises herself as Adlena to steal a magic cloak from Princess Fluff’s palace. Despite obtaining the cloak, she learns that stolen magic does not fulfill her deepest wishes, reflecting on universal longings and disappointments.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 13 - Tullydub Rescues the Kingdom
Chapter 13 of Queen Zixi of Ix details the impending battle between Ix and Noland, highlighting Queen Zixi's leadership and the influence of a magical cloak. Strategic moves and enchantments create tension on the battlefield.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 14 - The Rout of the Army of Ix
Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 14 details the Noland defenders' ingenious preparations for battle, including Aunt Rivette's flight and a dog's interference, which ultimately disheartens Queen Zixi's forces without combat.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 12 - Zixi Disguises Herself
Queen Zixi disguises herself to infiltrate Noland and obtain a magical cloak, but her plan is thwarted by Princess Fluff's growing suspicion. The queen then resolves to take more direct action.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 10 - The Counselors Wear the Magic Cloak
Chapter 10 of Queen Zixi of Ix describes the magical cloak bestowing powers of growth, reach, and riches upon its accidental wearers. These enchantments unfold in the palace gardens of Noland, highlighting the consequences of wishes.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 11 - The Witch-Queen
Chapter 11 of Queen Zixi of Ix follows Quavo the minstrel to the realm of Ix, ruled by Queen Zixi. The queen, despite her benevolent rule, desires a magical cloak to fulfill her wishes, driven by a secret sorrow revealed by her mirror.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 7 - The Wings of Aunt Rivette
In Chapter 7 of Queen Zixi of Ix, Aunt Rivette unexpectedly takes flight with her magic cloak, causing a stir in the kingdom. Meanwhile, Bud and Meg discover a lack of entertainment within the palace.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 8 - The Royal Reception
In Chapter 8 of Queen Zixi of Ix, King Bud and Princess Fluff acquire toys and enjoy palace life. King Bud learns about royal responsibilities and amusingly reforms court customs with a dance.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 9 - Jikki has a Wish Granted
In Chapter 9 of Queen Zixi of Ix, Jikki receives six servants after a wish is granted. A general acquires a cloak imbued with curious magic.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 5 - Princess Fluff
Chapter 5 of Queen Zixi of Ix details how Bud becomes king and his sister Meg becomes Princess Fluff. The children begin to experience the privileges and duties of their new royal positions.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 4 - King Bud of Noland
Chapter 4 of Queen Zixi of Ix describes the crowning of a boy and his sister in Noland, followed by a royal procession.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 6 - Bud Dispenses Justice
In this episode, King Bud confronts the responsibilities of leadership, addressing issues like a runaway child and a cow dispute with his sister Fluff's help.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 1 - The Weaving of the Magic Cloak
Queen Lulea and the fairies of Burzee weave a magic cloak that grants a single wish. The cloak is entrusted to Ereol to be given to the first truly unhappy person found in Noland.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 3 - The Gift of the Magic Cloak
In Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 3, two orphans embark on a journey with their aunt. A benevolent youth gifts the eldest child a magic cloak that grants wishes.
- Queen Zixi of Ix Chapter 2 - The Book of Laws
In Chapter 2 of Queen Zixi of Ix, the kingdom of Noland faces a succession crisis. The five high counselors are tasked with selecting a new monarch, guided by an old law. The valet Jikki's anxious inquiries about the bell add a human eleme…
- Sky Island Chapter 28
In Sky Island Chapter 28, the travellers encounter the Frog King, who is offended by Button-Bright's umbrella. A magical transformation creates an elephant that clears a path through a misty fog bank, allowing them to proceed to the Pink C…
- Sky Island Chapter 30
Trot, Cap'n Bill, and Button-Bright return home from Sky Island after a rainbow journey. Their adventures conclude, leaving them with fond memories of friendship and home.
- Sky Island Chapter 29
Chapter 29 of Sky Island sees the Pinkies return home. Trot establishes a law for the ruler to share equally in the people's joys and comforts, leading to Rosalie the Witch's coronation as queen. Trot and her friends then bid farewell.
- Sky Island Chapter 26
Chapter 26 of Sky Island details a grand celebration of peace between the Blue and Pink peoples under Queen Trot's rule. Despite the festivities, underlying tensions suggest a departure is imminent as companions prepare for their next jour…
- Sky Island Chapter 27
Chapter 27 of The Frank Baum Library's Sky Island follows the search for a lost Magic Umbrella, which, despite deceptions, is found. The ruler, Trot, decides to settle matters in the lands she governs before leaving with her companions.
- Sky Island Chapter 25
In Sky Island Chapter 25, Trot takes command of the Blueskins, supported by Captain Bill. They organize a celebration to welcome the Pinkies, intending to foster harmony.
- Sky Island Chapter 22
In Chapter 22 of Sky Island, Trot explores the Blueskins' palace, freeing a captive and witnessing Ghip-Ghisizzle's escape. She then finds refuge with the Pinkies.
- Sky Island Chapter 23
In chapter 23 of The Frank Baum Library, a young girl uses a magical ring to navigate a sleeping palace and rescue her friend. Simultaneously, allies convene to strategize a plan for reclaiming the throne and bringing justice to the Blue C…
- Sky Island Chapter 24
In this chapter of Sky Island, the Boolooroo captures Cap'n Bill, but a rescue and an unexpected rebellion by a billygoat lead to a reversal of fortune. Trot orchestrates a plan that results in the Boolooroo being bound and held captive.
- Sky Island Chapter 19
Chapter 19 of Sky Island follows the Pinkies as they journey beyond the Fog Bank into the Blue Country, guided by Cap'n Bill and aided by giant frogs to confront the Blueskins.
- Sky Island Chapter 20
Chapter 20 of Sky Island finds the Boolooroo dealing with the loss of the Book of Records and the approaching Pinkies, amid courtly intrigue. Meanwhile, a dispute arises among the Six Snubnosed Princesses regarding the Majordomo.
- Sky Island Chapter 21
Chapter 21 of The Frank Baum Library's Sky Island features the Pinkies battling the Blueskins and their enchanted weapons. Trot, using invisibility, undertakes a rescue mission.
- Sky Island Chapter 17
In Sky Island Chapter 17, the characters face danger from the Pinkies' decree. The Rainbow's Daughter reveals unknown laws, leading to Trot being crowned Queen and the Pinkies accepting the new order.
- Sky Island Chapter 16
In Chapter 16 of Sky Island, the protagonists face a Pinkie council's vote, a mysterious Witch, and a magical vision that reveals truths. Despite looming peril, a sense of fairy protection offers hope as they are led to the island's edge.
- Sky Island Chapter 18
In Sky Island Chapter 18, Queen Trot of the Pinkies, with her friends and Polychrome, plans a quest to retrieve the stolen Magic Umbrella from the Boolooroo, rallying an army for the adventure.
- Sky Island Chapter 13
Chapter 13 of Sky Island describes the adventurers arriving in a vibrant Pink Country where everything glows pink. They encounter the native Pinkies and are taken to meet their ruler, Queen Tourmaline.
- Sky Island Chapter 14
In Sky Island Chapter 14, the travellers reach the Pink Country and meet Queen Tourmaline. She is a modest ruler who governs with duty, service, and fairness, consulting ancient laws to handle the strangers' arrival.
- Sky Island Chapter 15
In Sky Island Chapter 15, Trot, Button-Bright, and Cap'n Bill are taken prisoner by the Pinkies but treated kindly. Their future on the island depends on a decision by Queen Tourmaline and her counsel.
- Sky Island Chapter 12
In Chapter 12 of Sky Island, the adventurers navigate a challenging Fog Bank, encountering various creatures. They eventually use a frog to reach a bright new land.
- Sky Island Chapter 11
In Sky Island Chapter 11, a boy encounters a blue wolf and finds a royal book. He and his companions escape a palace uproar and seek refuge near a dangerous Fog Bank.
- Sky Island Chapter 10
In Sky Island Chapter 10, the protagonists are under the watch of the Blueskins, facing the king's anger. Button-Bright undertakes a dangerous mission to the Treasure Chamber for a magical umbrella.
- Sky Island Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of The Frank Baum Library's Sky Island podcast covers the exploration of the Blue City, its inhabitants, and customs. Visitors uncover secrets of the royal palace and the natives' unease.