The Wizard of Oz

French illustrator Coudray creates a bright, carnival-like mood for this picture book adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s first Oz story, part of the My First Classics series. Filippini’s retelling moves briskly through the story, including elements from Baum’s original (such as a run-in with the bear/tiger hybrid Kalidahs) that will be new to readers who only know the 1939 film. Coudray doesn’t let the story’s darker moments get too scary—the first time readers see the Wicked Witch of the West she’s already melting, “like sugar in a cup of hot milk,” thanks to Dorothy—and her playful characterizations contribute to the upbeat, magical atmosphere: her Scarecrow resembles a friendly, scruffy clown, while the Tin Woodman’s limbs incorporate cans of salmon, corn, and chile con carne. A lively and visually distinctive return to Oz. Ages 5–7. (Aug.)