Yellow Bricks and Golden Arches

Anticipation has been building since the first announcement from Madame Alexander at the International Wizard of Oz Club's Munchkin convention in August of 2006. McDonalds Madame Alexander Wizard of Oz Happy Meal Toy Promotion kicked off March 23rd. Miniature dolls based on Madame Alexander's perennial favorite Wizard of Oz line are free with the purchase of a Happy Meal or can be bought separately at most McDonalds'.

Characters on hand vary from location to location. Prices and availability depend on location, ownership, and volume of business at various restaurants. During week 1 of hte promotion many stores only offered dolls 1 Dorothy and 2 Glinda. Some collectors have been allowed to purchase entire sets at more high traffic locations. Dolls are priced from $1.00 - $2.49 plus applicable sales tax.

The 5" - 6" Happy Meal Toys are fine replicas of their larger counterparts. The dolls are plastic and cloth with rooted hair. They bear the hallmark Alexander doll faces and sleep eyes with four points of articulation so dolls can be posed. Each individually packaged doll wears an indentifying wrist tag. These charming dolls are very well done and not much detail is sacrificed for their small size. The Wicked Witch even has green eyes! They are well worth the minimal price especially considering the full sized dolls retail for $60 - $125. Easter is just around the corner and the dolls would be great for Easter baskets.

So tap your heels together 3 times and think to yourself 'There's No Place Like McDonalds' to pick up your Madame Alexander dolls today.

Special Happy Meal Notes

McDonalds sometimes sells boy toys and girl toys in their Happy Meals. The Wizard of Oz promotion is for the girls while the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are the suggested boy toys. Be sure to specify when you order.

For restaurants that aren't stocked with the entire set the release schedule may be like this:

Week 1 March 23 1 Dorothy 2 Glinda
Week 2 March 30 3 Wicked Witch of the West 4 Cowardly Lion
Week 3 April 6 5 Wicked Witch of the East 6 Tin Man
Week 4 April 13 7 Daisy Munchkin 8 Scarecrow


The promotion runs from March 23 until April 19th or while supplies last. Due to the popularity of these toys, I suggest checking in with your local McDonalds often.



Be sure to click photos to enlarge.

Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion stand at 8" and were introduced late 2006 for the 2007 line. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion have changed appearance this year to more resemble the lovable characters from the 1939 classic.

The Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda, the Wicked Witch of the East are all 10" and were released in 2006 and are all current styles. The Wicked Witch and Glinda are based on the characters from the MGM film while the Wicked Witch of the East sprang from the fertile minds at the Alexander Doll Company.

The Daisy Munchkin in the 8" size was available for 2 years retired after 2002. A doll in a 5" size was part of the Petite Munchkin Set produced from Fall 2003 until 2005.

Anyone interested in purchasing any of the larger dolls please contact Karen Owens

http://www.wizardofozland.com/madamealexander.php

High Res Images of Happy Meal Toys

http://www.mcdepk.com/happymeal/hirez.html

Breygent Cards Update

Apparently they have recently acquired a prop from which small pieces will be used for prop cards. Artist Darla Ecklund who did sketch cards for series 1 has been removed as an artist for series 2.

http://www.breygent.com/wizardofoz2.htm

Word on the sketch artist message boards were the release date would be March 31st. As of this writing I do not know if the new prop cards will affect the release date.

Toys ready to debut on Happy Meal site

http://www.happymeal.com/robo-mlp/

Look for high res photos to appear soon.

Mickey's Off to See the Wizard!

To order Mickey's Magical Time in Oz please call The Hamilton Collection at

1-800-545-2077

Thank you Jean Dixon for scanning your flyer and thank you Jim Whitcomb for providing the number for The Hamilton Collection.

Larger Happy Meal Photo

From MadameAlexander.com

http://madamealexander.com/mcdonalds.php

Hybrid Tees

Hybrid tees has created a line of fashionable Wizard of Oz shirts in vibrant colors for girls and Jrs. The Jrs. sizes are available now at Kohls and Sears. The girls shirts will be at Kohls and some Targets in the near future.

Click on photos to enlarge for more detail.

The Jrs. Kohls shirt has a distressed look with the Wicked Witch of the East's feet under Dorothy's house with the Wizard of Oz logo and Glinda's famous warning "Be Gone! Before someone drops a house on you too." The shirt is accented with soft rainbow hues making a perfect casual look for spring and made with fabric that feels luxurious against the skin.








Shirt can be found in Kohls Department Stores or at Kohls.com
http://www.kohls.com/products/product_page_vanilla2.jsp?PRODUCTfolder_id=428995005&prtID=pfx&src=k22350&cm_mmc=Performics-_-DataFeed-_-I-search%20(Froogle)-_-DDI%20Link








Sears carries a variant of the Be Gone shirt with striking red & glittered features.

A second style at Sears is emblazoned with everyones favorite emerald complexioned villainess (or with respect to Wicked fans...perceived villainess) striking an ominous pose in a bold green color with her menacing threat "I'll get you my pretty and your little dog too.'

Both of these tops can be found in stores or online.

My Pretty

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=002AM123000&vertical=Sears&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

Be Gone

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=002AM122000&vertical=Sears&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

A design of the Wicked Witch in flight should be on retailers' shelves soon.

Look for these girls styles soon in a Kohls or Target near you.

More expected this summer. I'll do my best to keep everyone appraised of new styles and where they can be found.

More Shoedoodle styles

Contact Karen Owens for pricing and ordering info. storylandmi@aol.com

Bookendz News & Updates

A rep from Cumberland House Press has informed me that the release date for Short & Sweet: The Life and times of the Lollipop Munchkin by Jerry Maren has been pushed back to the fall. No reason was given for the delay.



Two new editions of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Usborne books Hardcover 64 pages

Due June 2007 from Children's Classics. Hardcover 192 pages.

Joshua P. Dudley's debut effort Lost in Oz will receive the graphic novel treatment starting late spring. Info on the novel can be found at http://www.lostinozbook.com/

Look for a review in a forthcoming issue of The Baum Bugle. Check out these links for additional info.

http://www.lulu.com/content/604153

http://www.newhampshire.com/article.aspx?headline=NH+author+gets+lost+in+Oz&articleid=504

The Dorothy comic still publishes periodically. They have just released issue 7. Be sure to check their website regularly for updates. http://www.dorothyofoz.net/

And last for today is the new hardcover edition of Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz by Baum successor Ruth Plumly Thompson. This book is loaded with new features and boasts a glorious cover illustrated by Eric Shanower.

http://www.hungrytigerpress.com/books/ozoplaning.shtml

I try to limit my book collecting to different versions of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (though I do stray occasionally) and in that I don't read very many Oz books other than what's written by the Baums ( L. Frank and Roger) or books about the MGM movie. However, I know a lot of ozphiles that are avid readers of anything Oz. If anyone cares to offer a critique of any Oz books, I'd be delighted to post your thoughts.

Hallmark 2007

Three new Oz ornaments for us this year!

Dorothy Gale is 4 1/2" tall and is wearing a fabric dress. She is priced at $16.50

King of the Forest Scene Magic Ornament You wind a key to hear 'King of the Forest' $32.00

Wicked Witch of the West Magic Ornament is 4" tall and holding her broomstick. The smoke at her feet flashes read and she speaks a line from the movie. She is $18.50

Look for these at your local Hallmark starting July 14th.

Photo courtesy of Els Garcia

Lenox Wizard of Oz ornaments

As Announced by Karen Owens.

http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/everythingoz/message/59891

For those that didn't get the larger Lenox pieces either due to space or pricing I believe you'll be pleased with these smaller versions. Be sure to scroll down for more of the latest Oz news.

Happy Meal Madame Alexander Dolls

Madame Alexander Happy Meal toys have been very popular promotions for McDonald's. Doll collectors and children seem to adore the miniaturized Alexander dolls. This year the Madame Alexander toys are all based on the successful Wizard of Oz line. This will undoubtedly be a hugely popular promotion for both Alexander doll and Oz lovers. Thanks to Karen Owens, Kelly Pepin, Valerie Dunaway, Jim Whitcomb, Laurae Kozlik, and Deb Dwyer for breaking the news and regularly updating about these adorable little dolls. Teamwork and networking is after all one of the major themes of both the Oz novel and the MGM film. And now here's a first look at the first ever McDonald's Wizard of Oz Happy Meal toys. Coming to a McDonald's near you starting March 23. (don't forget to click on the picture to enlarge it.)

Hawthorne Masterpiece

I apologize for the low quality of this picture. I will post a better one when and if I'm able. This looks like another must have for the Oz collection and it's been a long time coming. It was first announced in 2004 and is finally shipping to collectors now.

Wonderful Wizard of Oz Game

Press release for 2007 games debuted at Toy Fair from Front Porch Classics

http://www.frontporchclassics.com/_news/news_story.php?NEWS_ID=35

More from CNN Money

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/RBI-0067-14408559.htm


Thanks to Jim Whitcomb for tracking down a photo of the game!

Licensed Cell Phone Charms

Many of you are familar with Casa D'Oro for their modular italian charm bracelets. Now there are cell phone charms in four styles. Scroll down to view the Oz designs.

http://www.italiangoldcharms.com/Licensed_Dangle_Cell_Charms.html

Oz Shoe Charms

I'm not familar with the shoes these are meant for, but how cute are these!!

http://www.nofeargear.com/nofear/dept.asp?s%5Fid=0&dept%5Fid=6291

And the shoes they are meant for

http://www.crocs.com/home.jsp

Mattel Winkie/Monkey Update

Sit down for this one, it'll make your head spin. The reps can't seem to agree on anything. First the Winkie was to be a Walmart exclusive. Now some people have been told it's a KB Toys & Toys R Us exclusive. And someone else has been told the Winkie won't be an exclusive at all. And no definite release date, but possibly spring. Maybe there will be an announcement from Toy Fair next month.

This doll line has been particularly troubling for collectors. The Wizard of Oz dolls were originally slated for release in February 2007. Collectors were very surprised to learn the dolls had showed up at Walmart Super Centers in December. In addition to the surprise release, it was disappointing to learn the dolls wouldn't play music and dialogue from the movie. Now there are many conflicting reports about where the Winkie will be available. It sure seems an odd way to do business and retailers and customers have been very frustrated to say the least. It will be interesting to see in the coming months if this turns some retailers and consumers off of Mattel.

Vandor

Hold on to your hats witch fans! Another great year for you guys!!! New cookie jar.



Also new are Glinda/Wicked Witch glasses, Dorothy/Toto glasses, Dorothy/Toto alarm clock and new mugs.

San Francisco Music Box

Some really great pieces this year and the last one I think is especially unique. Be sure to enlarge the photos to see more detail.

Wizard's Balloon $80.00




Emerald City Waterglobe




And now some stellar pieces to make the Wicked Witch fan happy.

Glinda/Wicked Witch Musical $60.00




Wicked Witch Dorothy Waterglobe $60.00



And now the best for last, the Wicked Witch Hat Waterglobe priced at $125.00 and it looks well worth the price!!!


For more detailed info and to reserve these pieces email Karen Owens at storylandmi@aol.com

Kurt Adler 2007

Kurt Adler has some really neat stuff for this year!!

An 18" book shaped backdrop with four 7 1/2" figurines of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion; for Christmas we have a new Glinda tree topper, a Wicked Witch of the East stocking, Glinda and Wicked Witch stringed lights, a set of glass ornaments, and a Steinbach Nutcracker of the Winkie Guard. Last we have a light up figurine of Dorothy and Glinda. For more detailed info, pics, and pricing info please see Karen Owens webpage linked below.

http://www.wizardofozland.com/adler.php

Figurines, Bobbles & Banks, Oh My!!!

New for 2007 from Westland Giftware

http://www.westlandgiftware.com/products/product_cat.php/subid=3819~page=0~start_num=0~full=20/index.html


This is the time of year collectible companies debut their new items and as far as Oz is concerned, they do not disappoint. Some really outstanding pieces coming. Stay tuned for news from Vandor, San Francisco Music Box, Lenox, and probably some surprises as well!

First look at Alexander 2007

Miss Gulch http://www.matildadolls.com/wizard_46355.htm

Sleepy Head Munchkin http://www.matildadolls.com/wizard_46350.htm

Munchkin Soldier http://www.matildadolls.com/wizard_46345.htm

Lollipop Munchkin http://www.matildadolls.com/wizard_45535.htm

Dress Up Set http://www.matildadolls.com/wizard_46365.htm

Elphaba http://www.matildadolls.com/hollywood_45910.htm

Glinda http://www.matildadolls.com/hollywood_45905.htm

I can not emphasize how THRILLED I am to finally see Wicked dolls. I was really pleased to see the waterglobe, but I'm just ecstatic about the dolls. I hope we'll see more from other companies in the future.

Madame Alexander 2007

I got a sneak peek at the Alexander line which is due to be officially revealed tomorrow I believe. There are three new munchkins, a new Miss Gulch, adress up trunk for the 8 inch Wendy doll, and best of all two dolls based on the musical Wicked!!!! More tomorrow when things are official.

Dorothy's New Dress From Tonner

Just a little tidbit I thought I'd mention .... I don't know if this is the case or not but it appears to me that the Picnic with Auntie Em outfit was inspired by a test dress for the Wizard of Oz film. The dress was started and may not have been entirely completed when it was decided Dorothy's shoes would change from silver to red. It's not a great pic, but here it is in the upper left of the page. A red jumper with white polka dots.
http://ritadubasdesign.com/wizardryofoz/oz_04.html

This dress can also be seen in The Judy Garland Collector's Guide by Edward Pardella.

I always thought it would be really neat for someone to do a series of Dorothy dolls based on the test dresses and hairstyles from early test photos. The Tonner dress is the next best thing! Dorothy aficionados like me might want to consider adding this to their collections.

Tonner 2007

The new doll introductions have begun and Tonner is off to a running start. The new dressed Wicked Witch is nothing short of AMAZING. The detail on the costuming, really incredible. The new blue Glinda isn't too shabby either. She's isn't something that would immediately stand out as an Oz doll but she's gorgeous nonetheless and Glinda's separate outfits are really beautiful. There's also a new Emerald City maiden this year. Without further ado........the 2007 Tonner Oz line:

http://www.tonnerdoll.com/wizofoz.htm

Wicked Snowglobe

Here are photos of the Wicked Defy Gravity Glitter Globe by Araca Exclusives. Again, it is available for $75 wherever Wicked is playing. Thanks to Clare Washington for taking the time to send the manufacturer info and the pictures. Very much appreciated!

Happy New Year!!!

For Oz collectors 2007 came early with some surprise releases.

Everything Oz Club member Alan Wise found the newly designed 8" Madame Alexander dolls. The storybook styled Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion have been retired to make way for dolls that are styled after the MGM film. Dorothy's appearance remains much the same but she now has a plush Toto and she carries a pair of ruby slippers.



Pebz Zimmerman, also an Everything Oz Club member, found the Barbies had been released early at WalMart. Originally slated for February, collectors were excited to learn of the early release. The dolls were to play music and dialogue from the film, but it appears those plans have been scrapped. The Wicked Witch makes her first appearance in the Barbie line as does the forthcoming Winkie & flying monkey.



Many thanks to these sharp eyed Oz collectors for sharing the wonderful news.




A very cute set of teddy bears came out in December. I do not know what company made the bears, but they do resemble the plush bears made by Cuddle Factory.





There is now a Wicked musical snowglobe available wherever Wicked is playing. Priced at $75 Elphaba is Defying Gravity in the globe with her cape trailing beneath her. The base is a relief design of cogs and wheels with the Wicked logo.

Members of the Tonner Doll Club were treated to a sneak peek of the 2007 line including a new Glinda wearing a blue gown and she has matching blue hair!! She looks beautiful.

Dept. 56 recently announced their spring 2007 line-up. King of the Forest is the new addition to the Hot Properties Collection. New in the bejeweled boxes collection are Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, ruby slippers, and Toto.



More 2007 announcements are expected in the coming days and so far it's not a bad start to the new year!! Stay tuned!

Glass Ornaments

May Co. Department stores sold this set of blown glass ornaments for one holiday season.



Soffieria De Carlini made these glass figural ornaments that were sold at the Smithsonian for a short time. Dorothy was made in blonde and brunette versions.



Susan Cherry made this set of Oz ornaments fully licensed by the Baum Trust.



I would say the creme de la creme of blown glass ornaments are made by Christopher Radko. Radko produced licensed Oz ornaments for the Warner Brothers Studio Stores. The Wicked Witch seen here was produced independently of Warner Brothers. Prototypes were made, but not produced when the merger between Time Warner and AOL forced the closing of the retail stores. Radko modified the witch's coloring and changed her name to 'I Mean Green' to avoid copyright infringement.



So far we have no glass ornaments of our favorite cairn terrier, but glass cairn ornaments by Joy to the World Collectibles would make lovely stand-ins.

Homemade Ornaments

Handmade ornaments add a certain kind of beauty and charm to the Christmas tree that no store bought ornament could possibly provide. Oz is popular theme among the creative and there are many handcrafted ornaments to choose from. A couple are shown below.

Crafty people could make their own ornaments with these craft kits from Bucilla.




For at least 12 years , Finegan & O'Brien have made darling clay ornaments sold at the Wizard of Oz festival in Indiana. They have been a favorite among festival attendees and each passing year brings more characters. The witches from the Broadway musical Wicked made their debut this year.



This year the Everything Oz Club exchanged Christmas among it's members. One lucky club member received this lovely ornament made by Randy Ward.