The Sea Fairies

L. Frank Baum: Beyond Oz

By: L. Frank Baum, Eric Shanower

Narrated by: Rebecca K. Reynolds, Adam Verner

The novel involves Mayre Griffiths, nicknamed Trot, or sometimes Tiny Trot, who is a little girl who lives on the coast of southern California. Her father is the captain of a sailing schooner, and her constant companion is Cap'n Bill Weedles, a retired sailor with a wooden leg.

Public Domain (P)2022 Oasis Audio

BAUM'S ADVENTURE BEYOND OZ IS A MAGICAL TREAT

I've had an appreciation of Baum's Oz books since I was in college. But his children's fantasies did not all originate in Oz. The Sea Fairies was written in 1911, following the release of what Baum initially said would be his last Oz book, The Emerald City of Oz. The outcry of young fans lured in back to Oz in 1913 for The Patchwork Girl of Oz. But 1911 saw the release of Baum's non-Oz story of a little girl named trot, and her family friend, Cap'n Bill. This story is very much a Baum fairy tale. Trot and Cap'tn Bill are taken on an adventure under the sea by the queen of the mermaids. They face some dangers and meet some interesting characters including a gang of devil fish, snooty lobster waiters, and a giant sea serpent.

I chose this version as it is not just a public domain book. The publisher has included a very insightful introduction by Oz expert and writer/artist of the award-winning "Age of Bronze" graphic novel series, Eric Shanower, to write a new introduction.

The introduction is narrated with precision by Adam Verner whose young but authoritative voice sets the tone for this book. The story itself is narrated by a woman named Rebecca K. Reynolds, who may have the single-best voice for children's titles. Her annunciation is clear, and her pace is even. Her voice is sweet, and her characterizations are unique. I'm particularly fond of conversations between Trot and Cap'n Bill, a salty old sailor. Her voice will engage and entertain children.

While I acknowledge this is a 113 year old story, I found it engaging. Today's children may not love it as much as I did. But I'm going to begin listening to the sequel, Sky Island, right now because I am hooked.

Brilliant.