Ruth Plumly Thompson

Ruth Plumly Thompson (1891-1976) was an American author best known for continuing L. Frank Baum's legendary Oz series after his death. Appointed by Baum's publisher, Reilly & Lee, she wrote 19 Oz books between 1921 and 1939, starting with The Royal Book of Oz. Her vivid imagination, playful humor, and child-friendly storytelling brought a fresh energy to the beloved land of Oz. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Thompson was a journalist and magazine writer before taking up the mantle of Oz....See more

Ruth Plumly Thompson (1891-1976) was an American author best known for continuing L. Frank Baum's legendary Oz series after his death. Appointed by Baum's publisher, Reilly & Lee, she wrote 19 Oz books between 1921 and 1939, starting with The Royal Book of Oz. Her vivid imagination, playful humor, and child-friendly storytelling brought a fresh energy to the beloved land of Oz. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Thompson was a journalist and magazine writer before taking up the mantle of Oz. Her background in children's literature and knack for whimsical characters made her an ideal successor. While staying true to the charm and magic of Baum's world, she introduced new lands, inventive creatures, and memorable protagonists-such as Kabumpo the Elegant Elephant and Sir Hokus of Pokesgrow. Thompson's work is celebrated for its lively prose, colorful fantasy, and a focus on adventure and humor. She helped keep Oz alive for a new generation of readers and is credited with enriching the legacy of one of the most iconic fantasy universes in American literature. See less