Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz, by Ruth Plumly Thompson

I've been waiting for ages to read this Oz book. Ozoplanes? Sign me up!

My main question is whether the "Oz" in Ozoplane should be pronounced as in "ozone" or like "Oz." Probably Oz.

Basic plot: the Wizard designs and builds two ozoplanes--the Ozpril and the Oztober--with which to explore the skies. As he's giving a tour, the Tin Woodman, Jellia Jamb, and the Soldier with the Green Whiskers accidentally launch the Oztober, which carries them off far away. The rest try to track them in the Ozpril.

There's a sky kingdom called Stratovania, whose ruler tries to invade the Emerald City and usurp Ozma's throne. In the end, Ozma uses her magic belt to end the threat and everything right.

Ozma's magic belt is a problem. It's too powerful, and it's the plot resolution device for too many Oz books. That and Ozma's magic picture are just too much.

Overall, the book was OK. Not the worst, but also not nearly the best.

Also, a nitpick: Thompson names the Soldier with the Green Whiskers as Wantowin Battles. Earlier books clearly established his name as Omby Amby. I disliked the unnecessary name change.