Published just a year after The Marvelous Land of Oz, this enchanting fairy tale by L. Frank Baum weaves a standalone fantasy adventure brimming with whimsy and moral depth. The story follows Queen Zixi, the immortal and vain ruler of Ix, who covets a magical wishing cloak that grants its wearer a single wish—but only if they have never lied about their age.
When the cloak falls into the hands of Bud and Fluff, two orphaned siblings in the neighboring kingdom of Noland, chaos and wonder ensue. Baum’s signature blend of humor and heart shines as characters grapple with the cloak’s tricky magic, from a bumbling prime minister to a talking donkey. The narrative explores themes of truth, vanity, and contentment, with Zixi’s tragicomic quest for youth anchoring the tale.
Originally serialized in St. Nicholas Magazine, the novel shares the Oz series’ charm but stands apart with its European fairy-tale influences. Though less famous than Baum’s Oz books, Queen Zixi remains a gem for fans of early 20th-century children’s fantasy.
![A.A. Milne - When We Were Very Young 1924. First edition [1]](https://www.nocloo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/aam-young1-300x400.jpg)
