We're off to see the wonderful world of Frank Baum books

The name L. Frank Baum conjures images of a magical land somewhere over the rainbow thanks to that famous film starring Judy Garland.

“The Wizard of Oz” was just the first in a series of no fewer than 14 titles featuring Dorothy, the Scarecrow and a host of other fascinating characters. The last title to take readers to Oz was “Glinda of Oz." Anyone wishing to immerse themselves into this unique adventure will find the whole series of titles available either on shelf or via our free Hoopla streaming service.

While the Oz books are arguably Baum’s most famous, and popular series, it is just part of his creative endeavors. During his life, Baum wrote 41 other novels, 83 short stories and 200-plus poems. Available via Hoopla, “The Complete L. Frank Baum Collection'' states that it contains all of his essential titles including the Aunt Jane’s Nieces and the Mary Louis detective series.

“The Sea Fairies” and “Sky Island” are two titles in the Trot & Cap’n Bill series featuring an underwater adventure with mermaids and aristocratic codfish. Baum wrote many stand-alone juvenile titles on a variety of subjects. “Dot and Tot of Merryland” follows two children on a magical river voyage through the Valley of Clowns, Valley of Lost as well as many other wondrous places.

“The Master Key: An Electrical Fairy Tale, Founded Upon the Mysteries of Electricity and the Optimism of Its Devotees," is a foray into science fiction and originally was written for boys, more specifically, Baum’s own son but will be enjoyed by any young reader who loves “wholesome adventure and exciting incident”.

Baum also created original works inspired by classic themes.

“Mother Goose in Prose” contains prose fables based on familiar nursery rhymes. Different in style is “American Fairy Tales” which contains 12 fantasy tales that originally appeared in major newspapers in serialized form. His 1902 book, “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus," explored Santa’s history and was later adapted into a film by famed seasonal filmmakers, Rankin-Bass, released in 1985 under the same title.

Baum occasionally dabbled in less fantastical fiction intended for adult readers using several pseudonyms. The novels included such themes as adventure, corruption, political intrigue and romance with such titles as “Daughters of Destiny," “Fate of the Crown” and “The Last Egyptian” which was adapted into a 1914 silent film.

Learn more about the author and his life as well. Part of the American Experience series “American Oz” (via Hoopla) tells the remarkable story of this uniquely American writer, the true wizard behind the curtain. He restlessly pursued a string of jobs, from chicken breeder to shopkeeper, but never lost his childlike sense of wonder.

L. Frank Baum, the man, is perhaps as interesting as the many worlds he created on the page.

From Aunt Jane’s Nieces to The Wizard of Oz series, Baum captured the imagination of readers with fantastical locations and endearing characters. If you have never experienced Baum’s work, or would like to explore more, the Abilene Public Library has a wide assortment of titles for all ages both on shelf as well as through our free Hoopla streaming service.

Stop by a location, or our website, to find a wonderful new read today.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: We're off to see the wonderful world of Frank Baum books