# Author's Note explained — Ozma of Oz

> Chapter companion for Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## What happens

L. Frank Baum addresses his young readers, acknowledging that their letters inspired this new Oz book. He responds to requests for more stories about Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, Ozma, and other familiar characters, and introduces new ones like Billina, Tiktok, and the Hungry Tiger. He hopes the children will find this story 'real Ozzy' and looks forward to their letters.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

Baum responds to readers' affection for Dorothy and her friends, emphasizing the bond between characters and the author's loyalty to his audience.

### Magic and Wonder

The note promises new 'queer and unusual' characters, reinforcing the magical, wondrous tone of the Oz series.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy Gale

Mentioned as a character readers want to hear more about.

### Cowardly Lion

Readers ask what became of him.

### Ozma

Readers ask what Ozma did after becoming Ruler of Oz.

### Scarecrow

Listed among the old friends returning in this story.

### Tin Woodman

Listed among the old friends returning in this story.

### Billina

Introduced as a new character described as 'real Ozzy'.

### Tik-Tok

Introduced as a new character described as 'real Ozzy'.

### Hungry Tiger

Introduced as a new character described as 'real Ozzy'.

## Key lines

> My friends the children are responsible for this new “Oz Book,” as they were for the last one, which was called The Land of Oz.

Children inspired this new Oz book, just as they did the previous one, The Land of Oz.

_Baum credits his young readers for the book's creation._

> Their sweet little letters plead to know “more about Dorothy”; and they ask: “What became of the Cowardly Lion?” and “What did Ozma do afterward?”

Children's letters beg for more stories about Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, and Ozma's life after becoming ruler.

_Readers' questions shaped the content of the book._

> One little friend, who read this story before it was printed, said to me: “Billina is real Ozzy, Mr. Baum, and so are Tiktok and the Hungry Tiger.”

A child who previewed the story told Baum that Billina, Tiktok, and the Hungry Tiger truly fit the Oz spirit.

_Baum values a child's opinion on the authenticity of new characters._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ozma_of_oz_se/chapters/author-s-note
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ozma_of_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ozma_of_oz_se/chapters