Bill and The Purple Cow in Oz [Paperback]

Chris Wright (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2005

Bill's Grandfather, an old sea captain smart in the ways of the world, takes him up to the attic to help stack some old newspapers. While doing so he begins to tell Bill about his mysterious adventures in the South Pacific those many years past. As a present he gives his young grandson an old empty treasure sack from a rather strange ship they encountered on one of their storm tossed voyages. It's not until Bill examines the sack very closely that he is magically whisked off to the Land of Oz. Landing not quite in Oz, Bill meets Flower, the persnickety talking cat, on a remote pirate island in the Nonestic Ocean. During his journey he also meets Princess Betsy Batters from the Kingdom of Dough, on her own mission to save the production of the old monarchy. With her is a crusty Texas longhorn that has turned purple and has a sayin' or anecdote about everything and anything. The troop of odd companions make their way through Oz towards the Emerald City, with a little help, and sometimes a little hindrance from the many more odd but delightful characters they meet along the way. At the capitol of Oz, the Wizard discovers that Bill might not be able to get home ever again.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Chris. J. Wright is a third generation native son of California. He served in the United States Army, was an Officer for the California Highway Patrol, then became a State Game Warden for the California Department of Fish and Game. After retiring he served as a California State Fair Director. Before leaving law enforcement he wrote his first published article in 1985 for the International Game Warden Magazine titled, "The Pursuit of the Red Baron." Since that time he has been published in numerous magazines and newspapers, telling tales about his humorous childhood experiences, some fascinating historical events, and unique travel destinations. He also wrote a historical/political satirist column for the "The Lost River Star" Newspaper covering northern California and southern Oregon under his pen name Townsend Twainhart. He is a member of the Western Writers Association. Recently Mr. Wright completed three new "Oz" books, continuing the enchanting adventures based upon the classic series by L. Frank Baum with delightful characters of his own creation. Tutored when he was younger by his Great Uncle Zeno Klinker (head write for Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy for twenty two years), Chris conveys wit and tongue in cheek humor in all his story telling. Mr. Wright is also an accomplished artist and has sold numerous pieces. He had his initial training in art from his Great Aunt, Orpha Klinker (renown western oil painter), and his grandfather Jud Wright (a commercial artist), who both worked in the Los Angeles area. In addition to writing these creative books he has illustrated them in a thirties style pen and ink fashion. Mr. Wright now lives in Modoc County, California near the Oregon border on a small ranchette where he writes, rides, sails and raises chickens.

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (October 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 142087635X
• ISBN-13: 978-1420876352
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,185,617 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new fun story brings you back to Oz. Great gift!, December 4, 2005

By 

H.R.A. Cane "Holly" (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bill and The Purple Cow in Oz (Paperback)

I bought this book because I love everything Oz, and I was NOT disappointed! This book has great illustrations to help your imagination along, and my son loved them. The brand new characters come to life and soon have you rooting for them.
This is just good fun, no worries about the content or need to censor. My kids loved the talking animals. While this may be considered a "children's" book, there are puns and plays on words that the adult reader will enjoy. It is a most welcome addition to our Oz collection. I hope there are more on the way from this author. I am buying more copies to give as gifts.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful tale, great illustrations. Five Oz stars!, January 18, 2006

By 

Ghia Voltair (Shreveport, LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bill and The Purple Cow in Oz (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book that I found in the children's book section of the book store, but I very much enjoyed it myself. I read it with my baseball playing son, and he quickly identified with the main character, Bill Potts from San Diego.

Bill's baseball plans get rained out, but he ends up having a great weekend adventure after all, in Oz. The characters are all new, and although the Scarecrow does have a minor part, it is very much a brand new Oz story. The babbling brook was wonderful, A.M. Healer reminded me of a pharmacist I knew as a child, and my son now pretends our carpet runners are magic like the one in this book.

This book would appeal to many people as it has talking animals (they can talk in Oz) and the young readers can relate to Bill. I loved this book because it took me back to Oz, but was completely new and different from the famous movie.

There are also deeper values in this book, like not judging someone on their appearance, accomodating needs without a second thought, sharing, working together as a team, and not giving up because of some obstacles. These are all values that our children do not get enough of today. I was so pleased with my purchase that I am recommending this to all our carpool kids, and the school library.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars J Menefee, Keno, Or. Oz follower, December 11, 2005

By 

J Men "JM" (kENO, oR.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bill and The Purple Cow in Oz (Paperback)

I just finished reading it, what an adventure story for the yound and old. Very well illustrated and well written. Once, I started reading I could not put it down. I'm buying two more for my Kids in Calif.