Lion of Oz. videocassette. color. 74 min. Prod. by CineGroupe. Dist. by Sony Wonder. 2000. ISBN 0-7389-2194-7. $14.98.

K-Gr 5--In this animated prequel to The Wizard of Oz, based on a book by L. Frank Baum's great grandson, Roger S. Baum, a circus lion and the circus balloonist, Oscar, are blown from Nebraska into Oz. There they are separated and the lion meets the Wicked Witch of the East who claims to have captured Oscar and demands that the lion bring her the "flower of Oz." The lion is joined in his quest by a young girl, Wimsik, and her live-toy friends. After a series of adventures, they discover that Wimsik is the "flower of Oz." Although the Witch attempts to defeat her, Wimsik's power defeats both the Witch and her evil partner, Gloom. The Witch does manage to take the lion's "badge of courage," leaving him feeling so cowardly that he sets off to find courage and meets Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, and the Scarecrow. The action is punctuated by several nicely melodic and message-laden songs. The story follows in the Oz books tradition of successive episodes introducing new and fantastic characters. Some of these minor characters, particularly Fitzy, the toy soldier prone to malapropisms, and Caroline, the doll with a sharp tongue and a warm heart, are delightful and help keep the video from becoming cloying, Technically this video is beautifully made and it boasts a fine cast of actor voices including Dom DeLuise as Oscar, Jane Horrocks as Wimsik, Jason Priestly as the Lion, and Lynne Redgrave as the Wicked Witch. While the story is more didactic than any of L. Frank Baum's Oz books, it will entertain young viewers. Some may wonder that while the message of the film is to "believe," the lion is unable to see that he is courageous without his "badge." Most viewers will just enjoy the action, music, and conflict. Since the Witch and Gloom can be quite frightening, this is not suitable viewing for very young children. --Louise L. Sherman, formerly Anna C. Scott School, Leonia NJ