Produced in 1939, the Wizard of Oz is an American icon of cinematography and a reflection of American values, of dreams and wishes, of hopes and desires, which every child desires, and every child within us aspires to. It was based on the original story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1899); by L. Frank Baum. Although the movie, which today celebrates the 73rd anniversary of its release, was a memorable part of my childhood, it was the books of Oz, 14 in all, which inspired me to write my own stories of Oz, including Magician of Oz, Shadow Demon of Oz, Family of Oz and The Ozian Adventure of Pickleless & Blu. And yet, it was because of this wonderful movie that I now find myself writing my newest novel about the Land of Oz. Inspired by my wife Amanda, who also serves as co-author, we find ourselves knee-deep in The Emerald Slippers of Oz. As the Wizard once said as he addressed the citizens of Emerald City while he prepared to take Dorothy home to Kansas in his hot-air balloon; Per Ardua Ad Alta! Happy Birthday, Wizard of Oz!!! James C. Wallace II Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma