# To My Readers explained — The Road to Oz

> Chapter companion for The Road to Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## What happens

L. Frank Baum addresses his young readers, explaining that this new Oz book is written in response to their many requests for more stories about Dorothy and Oz. He introduces the new characters—the Shaggy Man, Polychrome, and Button-Bright—and hints at remarkable news from Oz that will be saved for a future book.

## Themes in this chapter

### Journey and Discovery

The preface sets up new adventures and discoveries in Oz, including new characters and future revelations.

### Community and Celebration

Baum emphasizes writing to please the children, highlighting the communal bond between author and readers.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy

Mentioned as the protagonist of the requested adventures.

### Toto

Included in the story because readers wanted him.

### Shaggy Man

Introduced as a new character the author is fond of.

### Polychrome

Introduced as the Rainbow's Daughter, bringing a new element of fun.

### Button-Bright

Introduced as a new character, described as stupid little Button-Bright.

## Key lines

> Well, my dears, here is what you have asked for: another "Oz Book" about Dorothy's strange adventures.

Baum directly addresses his readers, presenting the book as a fulfillment of their requests for more Oz stories.

_Opening line establishes the author-reader relationship and the purpose of the book._

> I have received some very remarkable News from The Land of Oz, which has greatly astonished me. I believe it will astonish you, too, my dears, when you hear it.

Baum teases exciting news from Oz that will be revealed in a future book.

_Creates anticipation for the next installment in the series._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se/chapters/to-my-readers
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se/chapters