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Kings and rulers -- Juvenile fiction Books

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Ingersoll Lockwood

Baron Trump's Marvellous Underground Journey

"Baron Trump's Marvellous Underground Journey" by Ingersoll Lockwood is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. This imaginative tale follows the adventures of a young baron named Wilhelm Heinrich Sebastian von Troomp, also known as Baron Trump, alongside his loyal dog, Bulger. Together, they embark on a fantastical journey in search of the mysterious portals to a 'World within a World,' guided by ancient manuscripts and their sense of curiosity. The opening of the story introduces us to Baron Trump and his concerns for his less-than-happy companion, Bulger, who is weary of the familiar surroundings of Castle Trump. After discovering a musty manuscript by Don Fum, which suggests the existence of an underground world, the baron feels compelled to leave home for adventure. His departure is filled with heartfelt farewells from his parents and preparations for what promises to be a thrilling expedition. As Baron Trump and Bulger journey northward through Russia, they face various challenges and characters, including a treacherous teamster named Ivan, hinting at the dangers and marvels that await them in their quest to discover the unknown.

L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum

The Marvelous Land of Oz

"The Marvelous Land of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1904. This sequel follows young Tip as he escapes his cruel guardian, the witch Mombi, with a magical pumpkin-headed companion. When an all-girl army conquers the Emerald City, Tip joins forces with the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman on a wild adventure involving flying machines, hidden royalty, and shocking transformations that will determine Oz's rightful ruler.

L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum

Ozma of Oz
 A Record of Her Adventures with Dorothy Gale of Kansas, the Yellow Hen, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, Tiktok, the Cowardly Lion, and the Hungry Tiger; Besides Other Good People too Numerous to Mention Faithfully Recorded Herein

"Ozma of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1907. When Dorothy is swept overboard during a storm at sea, she washes ashore in the Land of Ev with a talking hen named Billina. There she encounters menacing Wheelers, a clockwork man called Tik-Tok, and a princess who collects heads. Soon Princess Ozma arrives from Oz on a rescue mission to free Ev's royal family from the Nome King's sinister magic—but the King's challenge threatens to trap them all forever in his underground kingdom.

Ingersoll Lockwood

Travels and Adventures of Little Baron Trump and His Wonderful Dog Bulger

"Travels and Adventures of Little Baron Trump and His Wonderful Dog Bulger" by Ingersoll Lockwood is a children's novel published in 1889. The story follows Wilhelm Heinrich Sebastian Von Troomp, known as Baron Trump, a precocious German boy who journeys through fantastic lands and discovers underground civilizations. Accompanied by his dog Bulger, Baron Trump encounters strange natives, narrowly escapes romantic entanglements, and repeats this pattern of adventure until returning to Castle Trump. The novel remained obscure for over a century before gaining attention in 2017.

L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum

The Emerald City of Oz

"The Emerald City of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1910. Dorothy Gale brings her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry to live permanently in Oz, escaping financial ruin on their Kansas farm. While they tour the magical land, the vengeful Nome King assembles a fearsome alliance to invade Oz and reclaim his stolen Magic Belt. This sixth Oz book weaves together two parallel stories—one of wonder and discovery, the other of impending danger—as Dorothy's peaceful new life faces its greatest threat.

Dinah Maria Mulock Craik

The Little Lame Prince and His Travelling Cloak

"The Little Lame Prince and His Travelling Cloak" by Dinah Maria Mulock Craik is a children's story published in 1875. Prince Dolor, paralyzed from a childhood accident, is secretly exiled to a lonely tower in a desolate wasteland. There, his fairy godmother gifts him a magical traveling cloak that allows him to soar above the world and witness its wonders—though never to touch them. Through these airborne adventures, the isolated prince discovers imagination, develops profound empathy, and learns wisdom that will shape his destiny.

George MacDonald

A Double Story

"A Double Story" by George MacDonald is a fairy tale novel first published in 1875. Two girls born on the same day—Princess Rosamond and shepherd's daughter Agnes—are ruined by their parents' poor parenting, growing into insufferable tyrants. A mysterious Wise Woman intervenes, stealing each girl away to teach them difficult lessons about their true selves through magical mirrors, trials, and discipline. But while one child learns humility and transformation, the other conceals her faults beneath obedience, leading to vastly different fates in this parable about wisdom and self-knowledge.

L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum

The Magic of Oz

"The Magic of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a fantasy novel published in 1919. A Munchkin boy named Kiki Aru discovers a powerful transformation spell and joins forces with the exiled Nome King Ruggedo to conquer Oz. Together they deceive the forest animals and begin transforming friends and foes alike. Dorothy and the Wizard must stop their scheme before the Emerald City falls. Can they master the magic word in time to save Oz and rescue those trapped by enchantment?

L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum

The Road to Oz

"The Road to Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. This installment in the renowned Oz series follows Dorothy as she embarks on another adventure beyond her Kansas home. Alongside her, she encounters the Shaggy Man and various whimsical characters, including Button-Bright and Polychrome, as they navigate the enchanting yet unpredictable landscapes of Oz. At the start of the story, Dorothy meets the Shaggy Man, who is lost and seeking the road to Butterfield. After an amusing exchange, it becomes evident that Dorothy herself is lost, prompting her and the Shaggy Man to set off together. They soon encounter the peculiar Button-Bright, whose confusion amplifies their sense of being lost. The trio, along with Dorothy's beloved dog Toto, embarks on a journey filled with mystery and whimsical interactions, ultimately leading them into the broader and fantastical events that await them in the Land of Oz.

Ford Madox Ford

The Brown Owl: A Fairy Story

"The Brown Owl: A Fairy Story" by Ford Madox Ford is a children's fairy tale written in the late 19th century. This whimsical narrative features Princess Ismara, the daughter of the powerful magician King Intafernes, who bequeaths to her a promise to cherish a mysterious Owl before his death. The story combines elements of magic, adventure, and character-driven drama, particularly revolving around the Princess's journey and her bond with the Owl, which plays a crucial role in the unfolding events of her kingdom. At the start of the tale, readers are introduced to the dying King Intafernes, who urges his daughter Ismara to respect and cherish the Owl, the significance of which remains ambiguous at this point. Following his death, the Princess grapples with her grief, encountering the Owl who behaves unusually in the chaotic aftermath of her father's passing. This includes a comical encounter with the court physician, who is mistakenly terrified of the Owl. The narrative sets the stage for further adventures and conflicts involving the Chancellor, Merrymineral, and establishes a magical realm filled with challenges and allegiances that the Princess must navigate as she comes of age and learns to embrace her newfound responsibilities. The opening portion cleverly blends humor, fantasy, and the tone of classic fairy tales, enticing readers into a world where magic and monarchy intertwine.

L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum

Tik-Tok of Oz

"Tik-Tok of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1914. The eighth book in the Oz series follows the Shaggy Man's quest to rescue his brother from the Nome King's underground kingdom. Along the way, he encounters a shipwrecked girl named Betsy Bobbin, a conquest-minded queen with her army, and the mechanical man Tik-Tok. Their journey leads them through magical lands, dangerous traps, and a confrontation with the vengeful Nome King that will transform his kingdom forever.

L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum

The Emerald City of Oz

"The Emerald City of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1910. Dorothy Gale brings her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry to live permanently in Oz after financial ruin threatens their Kansas farm. While Dorothy tours her relatives through the magical land, the vengeful Nome King assembles a fearsome alliance to invade Oz and reclaim his stolen magic belt. This double-plot adventure explores the utopian society of Oz while building toward a climactic confrontation that will determine the land's future.

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