Ruth Plumly Thompson

Timeline

Lifetime: 1891 - 1976 Passed: ≈ 48 years ago

Title

American Writer

Country/Nationality

United States
Wikipedia

Ruth Plumly Thompson

Ruth Plumly Thompson was an American author known for her contributions to children's literature. Born on July 27, 1891, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Thompson gained recognition as the second official author of the popular "Oz" series following the death of L. Frank Baum, the series' original creator.

Thompson's principles as a writer were rooted in imagination, creativity, and a deep understanding of the magical world of Oz. She believed in the power of storytelling to captivate young minds and transport them to fantastical realms filled with adventure and wonder. Thompson was dedicated to continuing Baum's legacy and maintaining the spirit of the "Oz" series, ensuring that readers could continue to explore the enchanting land of Oz through her imaginative tales.

Ruth Plumly Thompson became famous for her extensive contributions to the "Oz" series, writing a total of nineteen books set in the magical world. Her works, such as "The Gnome King of Oz" and "The Lost King of Oz," expanded the Oz universe, introducing new characters, adventures, and places for readers to explore. Thompson's storytelling skills and her ability to capture the essence of Baum's original vision made her a beloved and respected figure among fans of the series.

In terms of philosophy, Thompson believed in the enduring power of imagination and the importance of maintaining a childlike sense of wonder. Through her stories, she aimed to ignite the imaginations of young readers, encouraging them to embrace their creativity and explore the limitless possibilities of their minds.

Ruth Plumly Thompson passed away on April 6, 1976, leaving behind a rich literary legacy. She is remembered as a talented author who skillfully continued the "Oz" series, bringing joy and excitement to countless children and adults alike. Her contributions to children's literature have solidified her place as a prominent figure in the world of fantasy and imagination.

A fun fact about Ruth Plumly Thompson is that she wrote a weekly column for the Philadelphia Public Ledger for over twenty years under the pseudonym "Phyllis Pennypacker." This column allowed her to engage with readers and share her insights and stories, further showcasing her writing talent and connection with her audience.

In conclusion, Ruth Plumly Thompson was a prolific author who left an indelible mark on children's literature through her imaginative contributions to the "Oz" series. Her dedication to storytelling, her adherence to Baum's original vision, and her belief in the power of imagination have made her a cherished figure in the world of fantasy literature.

Books by Ruth Plumly Thompson

The Hungry Tiger of Oz Cover image

The Hungry Tiger of Oz

Fairy Tale Children's Literature
Adventure Children's Literature Imaginative Friendship Humorous Fiction Fantasy Magical

It is an enchanting children's book that takes young readers on a delightful adventure in the magical land of Oz. This book is a part of the beloved "Oz" series, which continues the whimsical tales originally created by L. Frank Baum. Set in the capt...

Handy Mandy in Oz Cover image

Handy Mandy in Oz

Fiction Novel Children's Literature
Children Adventure Travel Challenges Legend Myths Childhood Obstacles Magical

Mandy, a young girl with seven hands, is whisked away to the magical land of Oz. Mandy is a young girl who loves to build things. She has seven hands, which makes her very handy indeed. One day, Mandy is playing in the woods when she sees a strange...

The Wishing Horse of Oz Cover image

The Wishing Horse of Oz

Fantasy Fiction Children's Literature
Adventure Children's Literature Thriller Magic Children Fiction Talking Animals

Embark on a whimsical journey through the magical lands of Oz with "The Wishing Horse of Oz" by Ruth Plumly Thompson. In this enchanting tale, a captivating adventure unfolds as a wondrous and mysterious horse arrives in the Emerald City, capable of...

The Silver Princess in Oz Cover image

The Silver Princess in Oz

Fairy Tale Children's Literature
Escape Children Courage Friendship Planets Myths Childhood Legends Fantasy

What happens when a silver princess from another planet crash-lands in Oz? The Silver Princess in Oz by Ruth Plumly Thompson is a classic children's fantasy novel that tells the story of Princess Planetty, a silver princess from another planet who c...

Royal Book of Oz Cover image

Royal Book of Oz

Fantasy Adventure Fairy Tale Children's Literature
Family Adventure Scarecrow Friendship Magic Oz Dorothy Royal Wizard Ancestry Cowardly Lion Fantasy Land

In this delightful chapter of the Oz series, the Scarecrow embarks on a quest to discover his origins. Feeling left out by the Professor's genealogy project, the Scarecrow joins Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion on a journey filled with new friends and...

Kabumpo in Oz Cover image

Kabumpo in Oz

Fantasy Fairy Tale Children's Literature
Scarecrow Magic Adventures Princess Oz Dorothy Emerald City Elephant Gnome Wooden Doll Glinda Tik-Tok

Kabumpo in Oz follows the arrival of a wise and kind old elephant named Kabumpo in the Land of Oz. He becomes involved in a series of events involving a mischievous Gnome King named Ruggedo and a magical box. The story features familiar Oz character...

Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz Cover image

Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction Children's Literature
Adventure Children's Literature Science Fiction Exploration Conquest Fantasy Oz Wizard of Oz Flight Ozoplanes Stratovania Starina

The Wizard of Oz and his friends embark on an exciting adventure in their Ozoplanes, exploring the cloud country of Stratovania and encountering the ruler, Strut of the Strat. While the Wizard and Dorothy pursue the Oztober, the Cowardly Lion and the...

Captain Salt in Oz Cover image

Captain Salt in Oz

Fantasy Adventure Children's Literature
Explorer Adventure Sea Island Fantasy Ocean Magical Pirate Oz Creatures Ozma Specimens

Captain Salt in Oz, the thirtieth book in the Oz series, follows Captain Salt, a reformed pirate turned Royal Explorer of Oz, and his crew on an adventurous voyage across the Nonestic Ocean. They encounter fantastical creatures like flying fish, swim...

Cowardly Lion of Oz Cover image

Cowardly Lion of Oz

Fantasy Adventure Children's Literature
Adventure Children's Literature Courage Disguise Honesty Identity Fantasy Oz Cowardice

The Cowardly Lion of Oz, the seventeenth book in L. Frank Baum's Oz series, follows the adventures of the iconic lion as he encounters a cast of peculiar characters, including Mustafa of Mudge, Bob Up, and Notta Bit More. On his journey through Oz, t...

Grampa In Oz Cover image

Grampa In Oz

Comedy Fantasy Adventure Fairy Tale
Humour Princess Oz Dorothy Monster King Fumbo Prince Tatters Grampa Bill Wizard's Garden Urtha Forgetful Poet

A delightful adventure in the whimsical world of Oz, where Prince Tatters embarks on a perilous quest to find his king's lost head. Accompanied by the wise Grampa and a lively iron weathercock named Bill, they encounter an array of extraordinary char...

Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz Cover image

Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz

Fantasy Adventure Children's Literature
Adventure Courage Friendship Magic Fantasy Cloud Fairy Tale Flying Oz Wizard Plane

In this exciting tale, the whimsical Wizard of Oz unveils his groundbreaking invention: a plane that soars through the stratosphere above the magical land of Oz. Join Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and an array of beloved and lesser-known c...

Lost King of Oz Cover image

Lost King of Oz

Fantasy Adventure Children's Literature
Mystery Scarecrow Magic King Princess Oz Emerald City Wizard Witch Hollywood Ozma Mombi Gilliken Snip Pajuka Kimbaloo Kabumpo Moving Picture

In the wondrous Land of Oz, a mystery unfolds. Princess Ozma's father, the Lost King, was transformed by the wicked witch Mombi, losing his throne and his very identity. Snip, the buttonboy, and Pajuka, the great white goose, embark on a quest to fin...

Gnome King of Oz Cover image

Gnome King of Oz

Fantasy Adventure Children's Literature
Adventure Children's Literature Magic Fantasy Oz Emerald City Ozma Gnome King Patchwork Girl Runaway Island

The Gnome King has escaped from Runaway Island, and Scraps, the Patchwork Girl, has mysteriously disappeared from the Emerald City. This leaves the magical land of Oz in turmoil, with Ozma's rule potentially threatened. The Gnome King's escape adds...