<P><B>"The road to the City of Emeralds is paved with yellow brick," said the Witch, "so you cannot miss it. When you get to Oz do not be afraid of him, but tell your story and ask him to help you."</B></P><P>One of the best-known stories of all time, <I>The Wonderful Wizard of Oz</I>—often shortened to <I>The Wizard of Oz</I>—is a timeless classic. Written as a children's book, it has captured the hearts and minds of generations and can be read and enjoyed at any age. The story chronicles the adventures of a young girl named Dorothy Gale in the Land of Oz, after being swept away from her Kansas farm home in a storm. There she makes her way to the Emerald City, along the way famously meeting the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman, and Cowardly Lion, all desperate to meet the infamous Wizard who they believe has the power to grant their most desired wishes. All Dorothy wants is to go home—but there are no ruby slippers here—they were an embellishment added to the 1939 MGM movie. This story has been translated widely and its huge success led to Baum writing a further 13 books based in the Land of Oz.