The Woggle Bug

By Frank Baum

One of the 16 Frank Baum books about Oz.A short collection of short stories, including:The Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger,Little Dorothy and Toto, Tiktok and the Nome King,Ozma and the Little Wizard, Jack Pumpkinhead and the Sawhorse, andThe Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seltzer Books
• Release date: Mar 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781455372485

Frank Baum

Lyman Frank Baum was an American author chiefly famous for his children's books, particularly The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its sequels

Book preview

THE WOGGLE-BUG BOOK by L. FRANK BAUM

published by Samizdat Express, Orange, CT, USA

established in 1974, offering over 14,000 books

Books about Oz by Frank Baum available from us:

The Wizard of Oz

The Marvelous Land of Oz

Ozma of Oz

Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz

The Road to Oz

The Emerald City of Oz

The Patchwork Girl of Oz

Little Wizard Stories of Oz

Tik-Tok of Oz

The Scarecrow of Oz

Rinitink in Oz

The Lost Princess of Oz

The Tin Woodman of Oz

The Magic of Oz

Glinda of Oz

The Royal Book of Oz

The Woggle-Bug Book

feedback welcome: [e-mail]

visit us at samizdat.com

Originally published by:

The Reilly & Britton Co., Chicago

1905

Copyright

1905

by

L. Frank Baum

Every Right Reserved

The Unique Adventures of the WOGGLE-BUG

ONE day Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E., becoming separated from his comrades who had accompanied him from the Land of Oz, and finding that time hung heavy on his hands (he had four of them), decided to walk down the Main street of the City and try to discover something or other of interest.

The initials H. M. before his name meant Highly Magnified, for this Woggle-Bug was several thousand times bigger than any other woggle-bug you ever saw. And the initials T. E. after his named meant Thoroughly Educated--and so he was, in the Land of Oz. But his education, being applied to a woggle-bug intellect, was not at all remarkable in this country, where everything is quite different than Oz. Yet the Woggle-Bug did not suspect this, and being, like so many other thoroughly educated persons, proud of his mental attainments, he marched along the street with an air of importance that made one wonder what great thoughts were occupying his massive brain.

Being about as big, in his magnified state, as a man, the Woggle-Bug took care to clothe himself like a man; only, instead of choosing sober colors for his garments, he delighted in the most gorgeous reds and yellows and blues and greens; so that if you looked at him long the brilliance of his clothing was liable to

Reviews for The Woggle Bug

[librisissimo · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Reluctant by obliging, Baum's second book about Oz is without Dorothy or the Wizard, and secondary appearances of the Scarecrow and Tin Man. he young boy Tip runs away from the evil witch Mombi, who has raised him from infancy, and either creates or encounters the fanciful Jack Pumpkinhead, the Wooden Sawhorse, and H.M. Woggle-Bug T.E.Just in case you haven't read the book: Tip is really the girl sovereign of Oz; the Wizard defeated her father and gave her to Mombi, who enchanted her -- first literary transgender? -- and is restored to her rightful form and throne at the end by Glinda. One wonders why she didn't do it sooner. Tip has no difficulty making the transition, this being a make-believe country.I had forgotten the Wizard was not such a good man as in Book 1; maybe "Wicked" is not so far off target; however, Baum "forgets" about this part in Book 3).

[aliceanna-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very enjoyable tale from Frank Baum and a lovely followup to the original Wizard of Oz. Such wonderful imagination in the creation of pumpkinhead and sawhorse characters. And then to bring back the Tin Man and the Scarecrow (and Glinda!) is such a treat. And honestly, the ending caught me totally unawares so good on you, Mr. Baum, good on you!

[breton07 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"The Land of Oz" is a delightful follow-up to its more famous predecessor, The Wizard of Oz. This second book tells the story of Jack who, in absence of his guardian, the witch Mombie, creates a live man with a pumpkin head and a live saw horse to keep him company. He has many adventures with his friends after the sorcerer's apprentice-like beginning!-Breton W Kaiser Taylor

[hamburgerclan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I felt guilty reading this book. Well, not the book, really, but the advertising in the front of the book. In it, the Oz books are touted as nigh a foundational work of fantasy literature. Me, I've only seen the movie. I feel so... inferior. Anyway, I then read the book. This is the sequel to The Wizard of Oz. Apparently a large enough number of people nagged Mr. Baum to write it. The story follows a young boy named Tip who runs away from his guardian, a cranky old lady who dabbles in magic and has threatened to turn him into a marble statue in punishment for trying to scare her. He travels to the Emerald City and meets up with the Scarecrow, who is the current ruler, just in time to help the latter escape from an invasion by General Jinjur and her army. The two join up with an unusual assortment of companions and together they seek to restore the rightful ruler to the ol' green burg. It's an enjoyable book--quite imaginative, really. I really couldn't rave on about it like the advertising blurbs, but it's certainly worth checking out. Maybe if I read a greater number of the books, I'll be able to join the chorus of praise.--J.

[sean191 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Having heard about some of Frank Baum's personal life on NPR a few years ago, I knew he was a little strange, but some of the ideas in his books really reinforce the notion. I can't go into the surprise twist at the end because I don't want to spoil things for others, but let's just say... it's weird. We have a pumpkinheaded character (Jack) who's head keeps falling off (inspiration for Tim Burton?)We have a giant talking bug that became giant through interesting circumstances, along with a flying, mooseheaded couch and old favorites like the Tin Woodman and Scarecrow. And Baum offers a lot of amusing misunderstandings of language between characters and plays on words.I also raised an eyebrow at all the times a character called another character "stupid" or an "idiot" and things of that nature...but overall, it was an enjoyable book to read filled with interesting characters and situations.

[soulflower1981 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was thrilled to discover that my university library had a copy of this book that I have been wanting to read since childhood. The oz series has always fascinated me, but due to the fact that there are so many books in the series I have never been able to acquire all of them. I discovered that my university library has 13 out of the original 14 that are written by L. Fran Baum which thrills me.

The book in many ways can be seen as an early American story that involves a transgender character, if you really want to think about it in those terms. What the book is though is a magical romp in a land that most of us are familiar with. We are introduced to new characters, like Jack Pumpkinhead. We are also revisited by familiar favorites, like the Scarecrow.

The book feels like a wonderful journey into the land of oz for those of us that deeply appreciate what Baum was doing with these stories. Baum uses current issues, like the women's suffragist movement of his time, beautifully in his books. This book showcases that movement and also is a really good fairy tale story. It holds up to the original classic that most of us love.

The book is primarily focused on a young boy named Tip that escapes the evil clutches of Mombi. Mombi is a low-level practicing witch, since it is forbidden to be a true witch other than the ones previously mentioned in Wizard of Oz. The book is about his journey and how ultimately he discovers what he is in the land of oz. The book is fun, beautifully written, and just a darn good read for anyone that wants to take an additional trip down to Oz.

[karin7-11 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

One of the only 2 books of these I owned & read as a kid (my dad read it to me first). Not that good.

[bibleblaster · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was an unexpectedly bizarre ride through a world that I thought I knew (Oz), and I was thoroughly entertained. It is much wilder and unpredictable than the Oz I imagined. I found myself cringing a bit at some of the dated, stereotypical attitudes on gender, and then marveling at some of the provocative plot twists that sounded as if they could have been written today (or tomorrow).

This passage made me think of "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg:
****
"I am convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones. For the common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed."

"Spoken like a philosopher!" cried the Woggle-Bug, as he assisted the Tin Woodman to set Jack upon his feet.
****

I was just going to read a couple more in the Baum series to prepare for reading the Gregory Maguire reimaginings, but I just may read them all.

[bruce_deming_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Oz books were great fun.

[rbeene-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful tale with a surprising ending.

[nx74defiant · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great Oz book.General Jinjur and her army of young women take over the Emerald City. Tip has fled the evil witch Mombi when he joins the Scarecrow. They discover what had happened to the legitimate ruler - Ozma. This is where we meet Ozma. And she is in every book from now on.

[rrainer-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've always struggled with this book, because on the one hand Baum has an abundance of female characters and female protagonists who drive the story (here and in all of the Oz books) but on the other it is rife with appalling gender stereotypes. Baum might have been a feminist, but in 1904 that did not mean he was entirely enlightened. It has Ozma, who is glorious and I could go on about the gender issues touched upon there, but it also has Jinjur, who is a general, yes, and that is great, but she's a general who only wants to laze around with jewels and her soldiers are women and therefore obviously must be terrified of mice. But then there is also this:

"What has happened?" the Scarecrow asked a sad-looking man with a bushy beard, who wore an apron and was wheeling a baby-carriage along the sidewalk.

"Why, we've had a revolution, your Majesty as you ought to know very well," replied the man; "and since you went away the wome have been running things to suit themselves. I'm glad you have decided to come back and restore order, for doing housework and minding the children is wearing out the strength of every man in the Emerald City."

"Hm!" said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully. "If it is such hard work as you say, how did the women manage it so easily?"

So. Conflicted. It's problematic, but it's also progressive? Ultimately, the balance falls on the side of good for me, in no small part because of Ozma, but it will never be unreserved love.

[capiam1234 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The sequel to the Wizard of Oz was another great book by Frank Baum. It wasn't exciting as the first but it keeps you moving through the land setting the stage for even further adventures in Oz.

[cassiewinters-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was thrilled to discover that my university library had a copy of this book that I have been wanting to read since childhood. The oz series has always fascinated me, but due to the fact that there are so many books in the series I have never been able to acquire all of them. I discovered that my university library has 13 out of the original 14 that are written by L. Fran Baum which thrills me.

The book in many ways can be seen as an early American story that involves a transgender character, if you really want to think about it in those terms. What the book is though is a magical romp in a land that most of us are familiar with. We are introduced to new characters, like Jack Pumpkinhead. We are also revisited by familiar favorites, like the Scarecrow.

The book feels like a wonderful journey into the land of oz for those of us that deeply appreciate what Baum was doing with these stories. Baum uses current issues, like the women's suffragist movement of his time, beautifully in his books. This book showcases that movement and also is a really good fairy tale story. It holds up to the original classic that most of us love.

The book is primarily focused on a young boy named Tip that escapes the evil clutches of Mombi. Mombi is a low-level practicing witch, since it is forbidden to be a true witch other than the ones previously mentioned in Wizard of Oz. The book is about his journey and how ultimately he discovers what he is in the land of oz. The book is fun, beautifully written, and just a darn good read for anyone that wants to take an additional trip down to Oz.

[switchknitter · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I found this really interesting. It has to have spawned a ton of feminist academic lit, because it it the armies are made up of girls and a boy turns into a girl. A ragtag army of girls marches on the Emerald City, wielding knitting needles, because they want to raid the treasury for jewels and avoid housework. Glinda the Good Witch and her real female army go in and kick ass because the male heroes have no luck. And Tip, the boy protagonist of the book, is really the Princess Ozma. There's enough to keep scholars interested in gender identity and feminism in children's lit busy for quite a while. I'll have to look and see what I can find. It's be cool to read some of the analyses.

[bzedan_2 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Dude, the Scarecrow is kind of a pompous jerk. Every time I've read this book, I've been glad that he decides to hang out with Nick Chopper more. Know-it-alls, am I right?Saw-horse rocks my world, though.

[mirrani_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of my favorites of all of the Oz books. The conversations between the characters and the lines that come from them are some of the most memorable that I have ever read. As always, Baum's remarkable ability to tell the story of Oz continues in this book as we travel through new countries and meet new friends.There is just enough description throughout to allow the reader to make a clear picture in their mind and let the world grow inside of them. Through unique bedtime-like storytelling the adventures of the characters come across as clearly as if you were watching them happen and easily move you along on the journey with them. Anyone who has fallen in love with one of the movies needs to read all of the books to truly fall in love with all that Oz is.

[jedimarri · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"The Marvelous Land of Oz" is the second book that L. Frank Baum wrote about the delightful land of Oz. It came out four years after the first one because, well, he originally had no intention of writing any more! He received many letters asking for more books though, and he finally gave in and kept writing them. In "The Marvelous Land of Oz" we meet some new characters and rejoin some of our old friends. Tip, a young boy, is the main character of this book. He's grown up with a mean old sorceress, but after the accidental creation of Jack Pumpkinhead, he runs away. Tip and Jack get into many adventures on their way to the Emerald City, where the Scarecrow now rules. Unfortunately they arrive right as a bunch of girls, lead by General Jinjur, decide to take over the city!Tip and Jack ended up joining forces with the Scarecrow and the Tin Man to win back the Emerald City. Along the way a flying Gump is created, we visit with Glenda the Good Witch, and the long lost Ozma is finally found! I had a lot of fun joining this motley crew on their journey and I'm sure you will too.

[yougotamber · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was really cute and made me remember how clever Baum's imagination is. This would be stories I would read to my kids at night (if I had kids). Can't wait to see what else the series brings.

[bryndahlquis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just about as much fun as the first Oz book! Old characters return, but new ones are also introduced who are just as amazing as the ones from the first book. A grand adventure taking the band of heroes all through Oz (and beyond) with some clever escapades and solutions. A great read for all ages!

[lizzybeans11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The second book in the series, this one follows the Tinman, Scarecrow and some new characters around Oz. I listened to the LibriVox audio book which didn't have a great reader and I found it hard to follow. Still an interesting continuation of the fantasy.

[thelostentwife · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

While I didn't enjoy The Marvellous Land of Oz as much as The Wizard of Oz, it still had its moments. In The Marvellous Land of Oz, Dorothy has been returned home and the Scarecrow reigns on the throne of the Emerald City. In a nearby land, a young boy, Tip, serves an old sorceress (not a witch, because those are the most powerful). Tip and the Scarecrow end up crossing paths and a whole slew of new characters are introduced - Jack Pumpkinhead, The Gump (a flying mismash of things) and others were fun to read about, but a bit.. overly silly. I don't know if it's because The Wizard of Oz is just so beloved that I overlook the cheesiness or this book was overly cheesy, but it was just a bit over the top for me. Still, it was a fun read and I'll continue to press on through my personal journey through Oz.

[cbilbo-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In the 2nd book, you have an introduction of a few new characters. I loved this book just because it was so weird. You have a the scarecrow that becomes arrogant. The Tin Man obsessed with his looks. Then you have a little boy that is actually a little girl. A magical saw horse, that is just comical in his description. A flying moody Gump.

As I said, this book is weird! But I love it.

[antiquary_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The second Oz book, in which the Scarecrow is deposed as ruler of Oz by an ambitious young woman named Jinjur, but eventually the true ruler turns out to be Ozma, who for much of the book is the boy Tip. The book also introduces the evil witch Mombi, Jack Pumpkinhead, and H.M. Wogglebug T.E. (Thoroughly Educated). My father used to say my mother's initials V.T.E. stood for "very thoroughly educated." The story includes ,any characters from the first book, but not Dorothy.

[vonze-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Having loved "The Wizard of Oz" movie since childhood, I finally got around to reading the first two books (alas, wish I'd read more as a kid...).

First book was good, a lot differences between the movie. I was surprised at how simple L. Frank Baum's writing style was. I know it's a children's book, and over a hundred years old, but the movie added, in my opinion, a lot more depth to the characters.

The Marvelous Land of Oz was just nonsensical at times. I don't even know how to rightly describe it...akin to Dr. Seuss maybe? (Even though Dr. Seuss is 50 years later.) It's almost as though L. Frank Baum said, "I'm going to sit down and write and whatever I come up with off the top of my head, that's going in the book!"

I plan to read a few more in the series, there's so many I don't know if I care enough about the characters and the world to finish the fourteen L. Frank Baum wrote, plus the many others by different authors.

Hopefully I'll enjoy the next one better when Dorothy returns as a character.

[bookwormteri · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I decided to read this because I enjoyed the movies (Return to Oz being my favorite) and had heard that Return followed the spirit of the books more closely than the original. Having read the first book, I picked up the second at the library. A good, light, swift read. If you keep in mind, when this was written, it is way ahead of it's time. I was amused by General Jinjur taking over the Emerald City so her army could use the treasury to buy pretty dresses and make the men do all of the household chores. Amusing, sexist, but not for it's time.Dorothy does not appear in this book. It follows the scarecrow and the tinmna as they travel through Oz with the Gump, sawhorse, Tip, Jack, and the Woggle Bug. A good read.

[roseannes_9 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I liked this one even better than the first Wizard of Oz book. There was a center section with awesome old illustrations that were really neat and detailed, a nice touch for a chapterbook since they don't usually have illustrations. It's a story that wasn't as well known as the wizard of oz, but I recognized certain parts of it from the movie "Return to Oz" which happens later, I think? Not sure. A young boy learns his true identity in this, going on crazy adventures along the way. I see this as a good book for a unit on fantasy, maybe, or just a self-chosen chapter book.

[rachaelboyer-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

in the kindle edition it's called the marvelous land of oz

[diwanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Stating the obvious here, but these books have so much more depth than the movie, even thought they are short quick reads.

[archerygirl · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was Baum's first sequel to The Wizard of Oz and he quite sensibly gives us a new central figure, Tip, and his collection of odd friends rather than reviving Dorothy immediately. The Scarecrow and the Tin Man both get involved part way through, with the central plot being the invasion of the Emerald City by an army of girls armed with knitting needles and the overthrow of the Scarecrow. I did have a few issues with some of the ideas: the Army of Revolt and the firm belief that the girls should be defeated and returned to their places cooking and cleaning for the men is a little too obviously sexist. The only way to get past that is to remember that these books were written a century ago and reflect the attitudes of the time. Other than that, this is a fun romp through Oz with some great new characters, a few familiar characters, and one or two surprises.