Queen Zixi of Ix (1905) by L. Frank Baum, the creator of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, is a whimsical fairy tale set in the magical land of Ev. The story follows two orphaned siblings, Bud and Fluff, who unexpectedly inherit the throne of the kingdom of Noland after a series of absurd and humorous events. Their rule is complicated by the scheming of Queen Zixi, the immortal and vain ruler of neighboring Ix, who covets a magical cloak that can grant its wearer true beauty—something she, despite her enchantments, can never achieve.
Filled with Baum’s signature charm, playful storytelling, and fantastical elements, the novel explores themes of vanity, power, and the value of honesty. Though less famous than the Oz books, Queen Zixi of Ix remains a delightful classic of children’s fantasy literature.
