The Frank Baum Library

In which a brave young lad encounters a wondrous being clothed in shimmering light and flame, who reveals himself as the Demon of Electricity, bound to obey the touch of the Master Key. They discourse on the mysteries of electrical power, the nature of demons, and the curious truths behind scientific marvels and celestial speculations.

In which a young and ingenious boy, encouraged by his father, transforms his attic workshop into an extraordinary electric wonderland complete with bells, alarms, and animated mechanical figures, much to the chagrin of the rest of the household. Through a delightful betrayal of wires and switches, the boy's latest experiment culminates in a dazzling burst of light that reveals a mysterious and maj...

In which a gentle country child named Dorothy wins the trust of a timid rabbit and learns from him about the secret life of woodland creatures and the enchanting joys of Santa Claus’s toy-making workshop. Their tender exchange reveals the rabbit’s cautious world and the warm magic that connects all beings during the Christmas season.

In which an elderly lady, having lost her daughters, finds herself caring for sixteen lively grandchildren all under one roof, transforming her quaint house into a bustling, shoe-shaped home filled with the cheerful chaos of childhood. Amidst the many demands of their upbringing, the children learn lessons in obedience and mischief, while the grandmother’s steadfast love and patience shine through...

In which a young girl, Little Miss Muffet, is surrounded by wealth and servants but yearns for the simple pleasures of childhood and a taste of freedom beyond her gilded cage. Taking a bold escape to a country farm, she discovers both unexpected labour and delight, leading to a promise that will change her daily life and restore her health.

In which three men of Gotham, each adorned with the semblance of great wisdom yet harbouring varying degrees of folly, earn the admiration of their neighbours through little more than appearances and vague pronouncements. Their earnest yet misguided attempt to prove their learning by venturing to sea in a fragile bowl serves as a gentle reminder that true wisdom is rarely found where it is merely...

In which young Prince Lilimond, struck by the plight of the beggars in his father’s kingdom, secures a rare promise to rule for a day so he might offer relief to the poor himself. With thoughtful care and counsel, he discerns between the truly needy and impostors, thereby learning a valuable lesson on justice and the responsibilities of power.

In which a young egg named Humpty Dumpty, after an unfortunate tumble from his nest, ventures out with a new companion to explore the wonders of a splendid royal garden and palace. Amidst the marvels and dangers of the outside world, a kind-hearted princess befriends Humpty, whose story later becomes the heart of a curious riddle that determines a princess's future.

In which a hungry boy named Tom, the piper’s son, endeavours to earn a penny by playing his pipes, but finds himself drawn into mischief under his father’s sly influence. Through a series of unfortunate events involving a stolen pig and a stern lesson, Tom learns the value of honesty and the merits of honest labour.

In which a curious and venturesome pussy-cat sets off from the countryside to London, braving dogs and strange streets in pursuit of curiosity and adventure. She ultimately finds herself in a grand palace where a small mouse’s appearance causes a great commotion, prompting her to retreat hastily back to the comforting familiarity of home.

In which a resourceful and clever boy named Tommy Tucker, hungry and homeless, wins the favour of a kindly alderman through his wit and impromptu verses, finally securing a place to live and serve. The story gently unfolds Tommy’s cleverness and good nature as he impresses a wise mayor, setting him on a path to education and future respectability.

In which a gentle shepherdess named Little Bo-Peep tends her sheep upon the Sussex hills, learning about observation and patience through an unexpected encounter with a mysterious old woman. Her quest to find the missing tails of her sheep leads to a whimsical lesson in knowing the true nature of things, wrapped in a quaint and pastoral charm.

In which a little man named Jimson, who has stopped growing and longs to be taken seriously, fashions a tiny gun and attempts to join the local hunting season with earnest determination. His adventures by the brook, including a case of mistaken identity and an unexpected legal dispute, illustrate the quaint challenges faced by one so small in a big world.

In which a brave mother mouse ventures into a human pantry to provide for her three young children, who, restless and curious, embark on a daring nocturnal exploration of the strange and wondrous household surroundings. Their adventure leads them to a mysterious ticking clock and a startling experience that reminds them of the wisdom in heeding their mother's counsel.

In which a solitary miller, known for his ceaseless singing of a melancholy tune, discovers a mysterious infant by the river and, despite his unfamiliarity with care, finds his heart unexpectedly kindled with love. Over time, the child grows into a cherished companion, bringing joy and change to his quiet life amidst the gentle creaking of the mill-wheel by the river Dee.

In which young Jack Horner, living with his ailing grandparents at the edge of a great wood, bravely takes up the task of gathering wood to support the household despite his tender years. His courageous spirit leads him to rescue a stranger trapped in a treacherous bog, an act that brings unexpected kindness and comfort to the humble cottage at Christmas time.

In which a remarkably wise boy named Solomon astounds his townsfolk with simple yet profound truths, earning a reputation that grows with his cleverness through boyhood and manhood. His wisdom is tested by a rival and culminates in a curious adventure involving bramble bushes that only serves to deepen the town’s admiration for their wondrous wise man.

In which a lonely Man in the Moon, curious about earthly ways and especially eager to taste the famed pease porridge of Norwich, slides down a moonbeam only to find himself quite out of place in a bewildering, contrary world where cold can burn and neighbours doubt his tale. Observed by sincere townsfolk and guided by a kindly astronomer, he embarks on a quaint adventure that gently explores the c...

In which a poor, merry fiddler named Cole, content with his humble belongings and undaunted by fortune’s whims, stumbles quite by chance into kingship through a peculiar law of the land. As king, his good humour and simple pleasures bring gaiety and generosity to his court, endearing him to his subjects despite his reluctance and odd royal customs.

In which a little girl named Mary, left alone with her mother while her sailor father and brothers voyage afar, lovingly tends a garden of cowslips, dingle-bells, and cockle-shells, naming each flower for her absent family. Through gentle visits from the kindly Squire and heartfelt reflections on nature’s ways, Mary learns patience and comfort watching the wild flowers bloom and fade until the pro...

In which a black sheep reflects on the curious custom of having its wool sheared by the farmer and contemplates the purpose of the fleece in keeping the humans warm. With a kind heart and a sense of generosity, the sheep promises to grow a fine fleece to help a poor little boy in the lane, leading to a thoughtful tale of care and mutual kindness.

In which a small, devoted boy named Little Boy Blue is entrusted with the gentle duties of shepherding on a kindly squire's estate, bringing joy to his ailing mother and community. Yet, through tender mishap and heartfelt care, he finds that even a lapse in duty can lead to unexpected kindness and enduring friendship.

In which a lonely country boy finds solace in playing his fiddle by the brook, accompanied by his faithful dog, a cat, and a gentle cow, their companionship enlivening the quiet farmstead. A curious accident of tail and string sets off a merry uproar that inspires a whimsical new tune, blending imagination with the charm of pastoral life.

In which a kind-hearted orphan boy named Gilligren sets out to London with but sixpence in hand, only to find that fortune can come in the most unexpected forms—such as a sack containing just a handful of rye and four-and-twenty lively blackbirds. Through a clever bargain and the goodwill of the King's cook, he finds himself amidst royal festivities, where wit and kindness open the door to new opp...