The illustrators
W.W. Denslow remained the sole illustrator of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz until Evelyn Copelman illustrated it in 1944, and once the book passed into the public domain in 1956 there has been no shortage of illustrated versions to choose from! I do my best to represent as many as possible but do keep in mind, that this is an evolving post; I include versions as I come across them. If your favorite version is not listed below, check the “Other” section further below.
On a personal note, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum was the first chapter book that I read to my son, and, upon completion, he wanted it read to him all over again! In fact, we have now read it four times! I feel it is a great starter book into the world of classics.
Above photo taken at the Maine Botanical Gardens with Thomas Dambo’s Guardians of the Seeds (Birk – Roots) in the background.
Original!
W.W. Denslow
When I opened a copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz illustrated by the original illustrator, W.W. Denslow, for the first time, I was shocked! I hadn’t expected the illustrations to be so adorable and so prolific! Just about every page is adorned, and for me, with the exception of the color plates, the artwork feels quite modern despite it’s age.
The color plates are wonderful, but the real tug at my heart is actually from the one or two color line drawings infused within the text! (See pictures in my slideshow).
And can anyone say: “Cutest Dorothy ever!”
Not all versions are colorized, so make sure to get a look inside before purchasing. I’ve included two covers I know for sure have colorized illustrations, and the one I own you can purchase at below link. the other is to the Barnes and Noble edition, which is lovely.
First published on May 15, 1900 by George M. Hill Company. The version displayed here was published in 1987 by Justin Knowles Publishing Group.
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by W. W. Denslow from Abebooks
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by W. W. Denslow Barnes and Noble edition
Newly Added!
Evelyn Copelman
Although Evelyn Copelman was only the second person to ever have illustrated The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, (Denslow’s artwork remained the sole interpretation for 44 years), I could find very little information about her life, but I assure you it was not without trying!
What I can tell you is that her illustrations are adapted from both the original W.W. Denslow version, as well as the 1939 MGM film, most obviously in her depictions of the scarecrow, who’s facial features look exactly like those of actor Ray Bolger. Additionally, the skin of the Wicked Witch of the West is green, which was an invention from the movie.
However, look carefully and you will see the artist. I see it in her depiction of the Queen of the Field Mice and other creatures not in the movie, and in a Dorothy who is being carried through the air by flying monkeys, a Dorothy who’s facial features are entirely Copelman’s, in my opinion (Note: Dorothy’s outfit should have been either white or green satin at this point, if going by the book, so the continuation of blue gingham is an influence from the movie, I think).
There are several versions available. My version here has five color plates omitted. Click HERE for a helpful video showing several versions of Evelyn Copelman’s “Oz”.
(The link provided below will take you to all Copelman versions available on Abebooks).
First published 1944 by Bobs-Merrill Company. This version was published in 1994 by Grosset & Dunlap as part of their Illustrated Junior Library editions (Cover art is by Michael Wimmer).
Where to Buy:
Newly Added!
Leonard Weisgard
Leonard Weisgard was born in New Haven Connecticut and spent some time in England as a child, returning to New York around age 8. In his later years he moved to Denmark with his family, and spent the rest of his life there.
Influenced by cave painting as well as Gothic and Renaissance art, he is best known for his collaborations with Margaret Wise Brown, think The Golden Egg Book or The Little Island. However he has illustrated many a classic and modern classic, such as Heidi and The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh.
There is only one color illustration, a frontispiece. All others are B&W line drawings – about two per chapter.
Note: This edition has no chapter titles!
Published in 1955 by Nelson Doubleday, as part of their Junior Deluxe Editions
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Leonard Weisgard from Abebooks
Newly Added!
Maraja
Italian illustrator Libico Maraja, better known as Maraja, became quite popular during the 1950s and illustrated many classics, many of which are in foreign languages, but among those that are in English are Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Carol, The Adventures of Pinocchio, and Gulliver’s Travels.
Born and raised in the Italian speaking region of southern Switzerland, and later moving to the Lake Como area of Italy where he was to spend the rest of his life, Maraja was one of Italy’s most famous illustrators of his time.
This edition is chock full of his artwork with not a single page left unadorned. The book is oversized and the pages glossy. Its beautiful!
Published in 1957 by Grosset & Dunlap
Where to Buy:
Russell H. Schulz
I just had to save a special spot and give a shout out to the version that used to belong to my grandparents and happened to be the version I first read to my son when he was four, and which he loved so much that I had to reread it to him immediately!
Soon after The Wonderful Wizard of Oz entered the public domain in 1956, this cozy edition, with lovely artwork by Russell H. Schulz was published.
Russell H. Schultz’s illustrations are 1 color (green & black), with fine detail, chapter headings and one or two full page illustrations per chapter. Added bonus: Sweet illustrations on the back cover!
Published in 1957 by Whitman Publishing Company
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Russell H. Schulz from Abebooks
Newly Added!
Anna Marie Magagna
New York artist, Anna Marie Magagna illustrated wonderful versions of Little Women, Little Men and Five Little Peppers and How they Grew, but she was also a very successful illustrator in the fashion industry, with many of her designs published in the New York Times. During her 40-year long career, she interpreted the visions of several iconic fashion designers, one of which was Stephen Burrows whose Studio 54 inspired designs, interpreted artistically by Magagna, helped created the slinky look of the 70’s.
Black and white line drawings are found throughout, but are a little sparser than I would have wished, often with several chapters between illustrations. Still, those that are there are lovely!
Published in 1963 by Grosset & Dunlap as part of the Companion Library Series
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Anna Marie Magagna from Abebooks
Michael Hague
Bright, detailed watercolor illustrations adorn the majority of pages, and this epic version by Los Angeles born, Colorado Springs- based illustrator Michael Hague, like Charles Santore’s condensed version below, is the version that kids of the 80’s and 90’s remember.
It’s hard to believe that Michael Hague had rather a difficult time getting his career started. His work was rejected or, if accepted, altered, time and again. Eventually, he received his first big break when Trina Schart Hyman, the then art director for Cricket magazine, (and a popular illustrator in her own right) approached him to illustrate a story by Michael Patrick Hearn in the February 1977 edition of Cricket Magazine. His career took off, and by the time illustrating a new version of The Wizard of Oz began to materialize, he was already a very successful illustrator due to the success of his version of The Wind in the Willows.
With “Oz“, he spent almost a year planning and aimed to create something altogether new, staying away from anything that had been previously done in book or film.
There is also an 100th Anniversary Edition available that was published in 2000. From what I can tell, it’s updated cover is the only major difference.
Published in 1982 by Henry Holt & Company
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Michael Hague from Abebooks
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz 100th Anniversary Edition Illustrated by Michael Hague from Abebooks
Newly Added!
David McKee
I try to find a paperback for those of you who prefer a smaller book for when you are out and about, and this Puffin Classics edition is just the thing! It’s a republication of an older edition from the 80’s, and it is perfect.
David McKee was a British illustrator best known for his Elmer series of books, and his gentle, yet quirky illustrations bring this story to life! They occur frequently; almost every chapter has a full page in black and white.
Although they have not been republished as far as I have seen, he also illustrated a version of both The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz.
It also has a wonderful introduction by Cornelia Funke.
Originally published in 1982 by Puffin Books, this version republished in 2015.
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wizard of Oz Illustrated by David McKee from Abebooks
Greg Hildebrandt
I absolutely love Detroit-born Greg Hildebrandt’s use of light and shadow and bold detail! This is one of those books that just doesn’t come across as well in photographs as it does in person – I think that is the genius of Greg Hildebrandt and what has made him such a remarkable illustrator in the fantasy genre. His paintings will force you into his world, in this case, into OZ. And what a wonderful sensation that is!
Greg Hildebrandt is one of a twin brother illustrator team who worked together on the second of three Star Wars posters when the first film released in 1977. Previous to that the brothers created famous imagery for a Lord of the Rings calendar. After splitting, Greg began illustrating many classics, such as Pinocchio and Robin Hood among others.
Do note however, that some of the images can be quite scary to younger kids (wolves, winged monkeys and the Wicked Witch are all portrayed quite viciously with red eyes and various shades of a darker palette – (although later on the winged monkeys are illustrated much more tenderly and are actually cute!)), so I would perhaps recommend this version for older kids. That said, it is one of my absolute favorite versions!
Published in 1985 by The Unicorn Publishing House New Jersey and 2008 by Running Press. There is an abridged version published in 2003 by Running Press (Look closely at Cover it should say “From the Story by…”)
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Greg Hildebrandt from Abebooks
Lisbeth Zwerger
A little whimsy and a little grace, Viennese illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger’s illustrations are full of charm and offer the reader a unique perspective into Oz. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you may recognize this illustrator’s work from her version of J.K. Rowling’s The Tales of Beetle the Bard.
Please note that this edition comes with green-tinted glasses to wear during the Emerald City parts, in fact the reader is instructed to wear them whenever they see glasses at the bottom of the page, by order of “The Great and Terrible Oz”!
Published in 1996 by North-South Books
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger from Abebooks
Be sure to inquire about the glasses, as the Emerald City is not at all green without them! (or if your copy doesn’t have them, green cellophane and construction paper/cardboard would do the trick!)
Michael Foreman
If you like rainbows, this version illustrated by British illustrator Michael Foreman is the one for you! Every chapter has one or two full page illustrations and/or spot illustrations within the text. It’s a friendly and very cheerful take on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with the Wicked Witch of the West looking barely wicked, and the flying monkeys have rainbow wings! Fantastic version for younger kids!
Published in 2005 by Chrysalis Children’s Books
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Michael Foreman from Abebooks
Note: There is a paperback version too
Robert Ingpen
Australian illustrator Robert Ingpen’s unabridged classic series are wonderful, and you cannot go wrong with his version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz! His atmospheric illustrations tend to lean towards reality, and very few pages are left unadorned. I love that these versions feature an author’s bio in the beginning.
What do I love most? The double page spread (by the way there are quite a few double page spreads) showing the metamorphosis of the Tin Man – which I have seen in two other other versions (Lisbeth Zwerger and MINALIMA) but I think his is the best.
By the way, I’ve done a post about Robert Ingpen’s classics. Click here to check it out!
Published 2011 by Sterling Publishing Company
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Robert Ingpen from AMAZON
Michael Sieben
This unique version illustrated by Austin, Texas based artist Michael Sieben is so cute that I want to eat it up! One of my sisters mentioned that it brings Halloween to mind so if you are planning on reading The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the autumn this would be a great version to go with! It has some really cool features which I’ve pictured in my slideshow: the cover is embossed with the sought after brains, courage and heart, the front and back endpapers show the trail that Dorothy takes on her journey, and the page edges are rainbow colored. The lavish illustrations are vibrant and include double spreads, spot and one page illustrations. I just adore this one and have already added it to my collection!
Published in 2013 by Harper Design
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Michael Sieben from Abebooks
Kriss Sison
I love this Manga version by Kriss Sison! Full color slides in the front of the book, followed by prolific black and white illustrations which animate and modernize the two books within – yes! The second book in the series is included! The Marvelous Land of Oz has not received the illustrated attention that it’s predecessor has so I was over the moon to find this version included it! I purchased this version and plan to read The Marvelous Land of Oz to my son later this month.
Another great thing? The awesome map of Oz!
Published in 2016 by Seven Seas Entertainment
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Kriss Sison from AMAZON
Cherie Zamazing
Every time I do one of these illustrator explores I inevitably come across some version that VERY pleasantly surprises me. THIS is that version! A petite book with a sky-blue cloth cover and sprayed page edges envelopes a gorgeous edition full of the original W.W. Denslow illustrations in black and white, paired with new, full color illustrations by British illustrator Cherie Zamazing, and the two styles meld together fabulously!
Cherie Zamazing’s illustrations are bold in color, detailed, and full of expression.
Between her and Denslow’s illustrations, I cannot find a single unadorned page.
Published in 2017 by North Parade Publishing Ltd
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by W.W. Denslow and Cherie Zamazing from AMAZON
Lorena Alvarez Gomez
Usborne Illustrated Originals are colorful, gorgeous and fun, and their version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is no exception! Colombian illustrator Lorena Alvarez Gomez’s illustrations are bright and cheerful and make this version a wonderful choice if reading to younger kids. The book itself is rather petite, and the cover is a gold foiled paperback. I love it!
Published in 2019 by Usborne Publishing Ltd
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gomez from Abebooks
MinaLima
MINALIMA has done it again! Stolen my heart completely! Gorgeous illustrations wrapped around clever feats of paper engineering all bound in an emerald green cloth exterior embossed with well-known scenes of the text. The interior illustrations are vibrant and inventive – I love that Dorothy is actually wearing a jumpsuit and not a dress when she first lands in OZ- oh and those color combinations!
Note: Green glasses included!
For those of you who are new to MINALIMA – Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima – are the design team who did the graphic design for the Harry Potter Films. Along with tons of Harry Potter work, they have also been doing a handful of classics. Check out their website: MinaLima Classics – MinaLima
Published in 2021 by Harper Design
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by MINALIMA from AMAZON
Other Wizard of Oz Illustrators
There are so many illustrated versions of Oz that it took me several weeks to put this post together – the choices are endless! The titles below are also beautifully illustrated, but with so many to choose from I had to stop somewhere! That said there are definitely a few I might add to the featured section above if I manage to get a hold of them: the Amerigo Pinelli (Miles Kelly), and Ella Okstad (Alma Classics) look interesting to me, and at least three of the vintage versions are just wonderful.
The below slides exhibit versions published between 1949 to the present, Look for these on Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, Alibris Books, Abebooks, or find them on internet archives or from your local bookstore or library!
Abridged/Condensed Adaptations
There are many adaptations to choose from, but those I included here hold something special in both illustration and writing.
Several elements of Baum’s original tale tend to get left out of adaptations, such as the chapter set in the Dainty China Country for example. So, under each listing, I have pointed out which of those elements are present.
Charles Santore
If your preference leans towards a condensed version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, then the choice is easy! This full bodied, visual immersion in no less than sixty watercolor illustrations, by Philadelphia-born illustrator Charles Santore transports the reader into another land called Oz, and I’m not sure Santore’s illustrations can ever be topped. This is the Oz book that your child will remember!
This edition has been condensed rather than adapted, so that even though it is shorter than the original, every word is still Baum’s own. The Kalidahs, spider beast, and the Dainty China Country parts of the story have been omitted, and the various forms that the Wizard appears in are reduced to one, but it does include the field mice, and some elements of the later adventures such as the hammer-heads.
There is also an original version with Santore’s illustrations, however I don’t feel it has the same effect – once you have seen how the illustrations in the condensed version are presented, it is difficult to enjoy it as anything else, in my opinion. The original version featuring Santore’s work is still beautiful and includes many of the colorful images from the condensed version, but they are smaller, and other favorites are in black and white. Nonetheless I’ve included a link below so you can check it out.
Michael Patrick Hearn’s wonderful introduction chats about what inspired Santore’s illustrations. I found it most interesting that his Emerald City was inspired by the works of Antoni Gaudi.
Published in 1991 by Random House, 2015 by Applesauce Press
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wizard of Oz condensed from the original and illustrated by Charles Santore from AMAZON
∞ The Wizard of Oz unabridged and illustrated by Charles Santore from Abebooks
Newly Added!
Júlia Sardá
I first came across Barcelona based illustrator Júlia Sardá’s work in her charming book Sweep, and not long after began collecting her classics, beginning with her version of Mary Poppins.
This adaptation includes the Kalidahs, The Queen of the Field Mice, The Wolf attack, The Dainty China Country, the giant spider, the hammer-heads and the golden cap, all elements of the story that often get left out of adaptations.
Published in 2019 by Orchard Books (First published in Spanish by Grupo Planeta, 2013)
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wizard of Oz condensed from the original and illustrated by Julia Sarda (softcover) from AMAZON
Robert Ingpen
A picture book version using Robert Ingpen’s illustrations (see above).
I don’t have this one but will update this post with more information when I do!
Published July 18, 2023 by Welbeck Editions
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wizard of Oz illustrated by Robert Ingpen (paperback picture book) from
Theresa Martinez
Adapted by Susan Hill, this brand-new version illustrated by Mexico-based artist, Teresa Martinez is so, so cool! Inside it’s WOW! I especially loved the flying monkey collage. Martinez’s illustrations seem to glow – in fact – they are responsible for initially capturing my attention and bringing me to explore these Classic Adventures series after seeing her illustrations in Starry Books’ adapted version of this title. Amazon has really great views into the interior of the book so you can see for yourself.
Although it does not directly include the adventures that Dorothy and her friends experienced on their way to find Glinda in the South, there is a paragraph that acknowledges their occurrence. Also, it only mentions the poppy field adventure, along with the river crossing and the situation with the tiger-lion hybrids, the Kalidahs, in passing.
Published in 2021 by Classic Adventures (Starry Forest Books)
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wizard of Oz adapted by Susan Hill and illustrated by Teresa Martinez from AMAZON
Victor Ambrus
This adapted version by James Riordan (no relation to Rick Riordan I checked!) is cozy and detailed in all the right ways! The illustrations, by Victor G. Ambrus, are a wonderful middle ground between modern and vintage and really just caught my eye.
I do not yet have this one in my personal collection but will update this post with more information once I do.
Published in 1999 by Oxford University Press
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wizard of Oz retold by James Riordan and illustrated by Victor G. Ambrus from Abebooks
Don Turner
I love this vintage a Little Golden Book version from 1975!
I was immediately impressed when Mary Carey, who did the retelling, called “the cyclone” by its more appropriate name of “tornado” (cyclones are out at sea, while tornados are on land).
I had a hard time finding information about the illustrator Don Turner, and only found one other book that he illustrated (The Remarkably Strong Pippi Longstocking – also a Little Golden Book).
You can see the influence that the 1939 Judy Garland musical film had on this illustrator, particularly in Dorothy’s three companions, and her dress is solid pink instead of blue gingham, but nonetheless a thoroughly enjoyable adaptation!
Published in 1975 by Western Publishing Co. (Part of the “a Little Golden Book” series)
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wizard of Oz retold by Mary Carey and illustrated by Don Turner from Abebooks
Graphic Novel
Graphic Novel Adaptation! Writer Eric Shanower, Artist Skottie Young and Colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu have created these corky, modernized visions into the world of Baum, but what I like most about this series is that Shanower and Young stayed very true to the original text. I also love that at the back of the book there is a sketchbook section with several pages on character development, as well as examples of the various cover variants.
Also check out some of the other books in the Oz series!
Written by Eric Shanower
Published in 2009 by Marvel Publishing Inc.
Where to Buy:
∞ Volume 1: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young from Amazon
∞ Volume 2: The Marvelous Land of Oz by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young from Abebooks
∞ Volume 3: Ozma of Oz by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young from Amazon
∞ Volume 4: Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young from Amazon
∞ Volume 5: Road to Oz by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young from Amazon
∞ Book 6: The Emerald City of Oz by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young from Amazon
Coloring Book
COLOR THE CLASSICS : The Wizard of Oz by Jae-Eun Lee.
This style really caught my eye!
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz coloring book by Jae-Eun Lee from AMAZON
Pop-Up
This popup book is amazing, and pays tribute to the original version by W.W. Denslow, making it a great one to read with the little ones! See below video!
Where to Buy:
∞ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz art by Robert Sabuda from AMAZON
Newly Released!
The Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Paolo Barbieri
Published in English February 8, 2024 (originally published in Italian) by Llewellyn Publications
Paolo Barbieri is known for his fantasy illustrations and here he gives an updated style to our quintessential American classic, with hints of his Italian roots throughout.
I enjoy the different way he personifies some of the characters, most interestingly of which is The Cowardly Lion who is built more like a human man than a lion.
To see more of the interior, check out my YouTube video on The Wonderful illustrators of The Wizard of Oz! (Also find it below)
Check it out on Amazon
Coming Soon!
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Illustrated by Victor Tavares
Will publish November 5, 2024 by Arcturus
Victor Tavares is an illustrator whose work I’ve noticed much on Usborne adapted classics…usually the more “older kid” classics made junior, such as The Phantom of the Opera, Dracula, Frankenstein and Beowulf to name a few. I also enjoyed his version of Beauty and the Beast which I listed in my Illustrator Explore on that title, see it here. I am excited to see this beautiful version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz on the horizon, with its yellow-brick stenciled edges.
For the Collector
The Folio Society (2011) Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
Sara Ogilvie – The Folio Society’s beautiful edition published in 2011. It is gorgeous – my siblings and I purchased this for my stepmother back when it was available, and I was blown away – in person it is stunning!
I’ve added two examples of Sara Ogilvie’s beautiful illustrations below that I took from my stepmom’s book. As of the writing of this post (September 2021), Folio Society has marked it as “Sold Out”, but I will keep watching their site and hoping that it will eventually come back on sale. For now, check the secondary market for your copy: Folio Society Illustrated Hardcover Children’s Books
Wow so many different books and I once again love how you display them. Such talent.
Thank You so much Charmayne! I took this picture at the Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. I foresee taking many “book” photos there!
Wow, there are so many choices for the Wizard of Oz! I’m excited to check out the Mimalima version..
You will love it!