What happens?
The Scarecrow, Tin Woodman and Lion are very happy with their gifts from the Wizard but Dorothy has to wait. Eventually the Wizard decides to make a hot air balloon to take Dorothy and himself back across the desert. The Scarecrow is left in charge. Unfortunately the ropes holding the balloon break and the Wizard sets off before Dorothy and Toto can climb aboard.
Have a think ..
Take a moment to think about these questions:
And that was the last any of them ever saw of Oz
Do you think the Wizard reached home again?
Dorothy was the only one of the friends who didn’t receive her reward – how would you feel if you were the only one who was left out? Or how do you think a friend would feel if they were left out?
What do you think it would feel like to fly in a hot air balloon? Would it be scary or exciting for you?
Focus on .. hot air balloons
The wizard originally came to Oz in a hot air balloon. How much do you know about them?
Find out more
Who invented the first hot air balloons?
How do you control a hot air balloon?
Hot air balloons come in all shapes and sizes.
Did you know the only Balloon Festival in Scotland is held at Strathaven in South Lanarkshire (most years).
Challenge yourself!
Imagine you could fly to anywhere in the world in a hot air balloon. Where would you go and why? Who would you take with you on your trip?
More to explore
If you loved this chapter, why not check out some more ideas
More to read
These books should be available through your secondary school librarian. If we’ve found a free version online, we’ve added the link after each book.
His dark materials trilogy by Philip Pullman features the balloonist, Lee Scoresby.
Around the world in eighty days by Jules Verne. A wealthy man named Phineas Fogg accepts a challenge to travel right around the world.
The legend of the clouds – Korean folktale. Read online.
Extra yarn by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen is a picture book about a girl whose wool just never seems to run out.
