My, what imaginations these children have developed! Sometimes I am
fairly astounded by their daring and genius. There will be no lack of
fairy-tale authors in the future, I am sure. My readers have told me
what to do with Dorothy, and Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, and I have
obeyed their mandates. They have also given me a variety of subjects
to write about in the future: enough, in fact, to keep me busy for
some time. I am very proud of this alliance. Children love these
stories because children have helped to create them. My readers know
what they want and realize that I try to please them. The result is
very satisfactory to the publishers, to me, and (I am quite sure) to
the children.

I hope, my dears, it will be a long time before we are obliged to
dissolve partnership.


L. FRANK BAUM.

Coronado, 1910



1. How the Nome King Became Angry


The Nome King was in an angry mood, and at such times he was
very disagreeable. Every one kept away from him, even his
Chief Steward Kaliko.