Prairie-Dog Town

First published in 1906, ‘Prairie-Dog Town’ is a charming short children’s story by ‘Oz’ author L. Frank Baum. In the wholesome town of Edgeley in Dakota live two good little children, Twinkle and her friend Chubbins. When the pair go exploring on the open prairie one day, they come across a hollowed area inhabited by the mysterious speaking prairie-dogs. Plenty of magic and fun awaits the pair as they get acquainted with the friendly prairie-dog community. Lyman Frank Baum (1856 – 1919) was a prolific and well-known American writer. He is best known for his famous series of modern fairy tales set in the imaginary land of Oz. The first of the books, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ is widely considered to be the first true American fairy tale and was the basis for the hugely popular 1939 classic musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ starring Judy Garland. Born and raised in New York, Baum held a range of jobs including as a poultry farmer, clerk, and storekeeper before pursuing his talent for writing at the age of 41. He wrote 14 novels in the Oz series, as well as over 40 other novels and over 80 short stories. He died in California in 1919.