Audiobook Sample

Listen to the sample to experience the story.

Please wait while we verify your browser...

Dear fellow wanderers and story collectors,

There’s something magical about revisiting childhood classics through audiobooks as an adult. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, narrated by Brooke Shields with an introduction read by Paul Rudd, transported me back to my first encounter with Dorothy’s journey – not through reading, but through my abuela’s animated retellings during summer nights in Puerto Rico. She would weave the story with such vividness that I could almost see the yellow brick road winding through our backyard.

Brooke Shields’ narration captures that same oral storytelling magic. Her voice carries the wide-eyed wonder of Dorothy perfectly, while also delivering the other characters with distinct personalities that never feel caricatured. The Scarecrow’s hopeful uncertainty, the Tin Woodman’s tender melancholy, and the Cowardly Lion’s boisterous vulnerability all come through with remarkable clarity. Shields manages to honor the story’s innocence while allowing adult listeners to appreciate its deeper layers about home, courage, and self-discovery.

Paul Rudd’s reading of Baum’s original introduction is a delightful bonus, his warm, conversational tone setting the stage beautifully. It reminded me of those evenings in Oaxaca I mentioned earlier, where stories began with careful preparation of the listener’s imagination. Rudd’s delivery makes you feel like you’re being let in on a special secret about the story’s origins.

The audio production quality is excellent, with clear enunciation and well-balanced volume that makes it perfect for long drives. I found myself listening during a recent road trip through New Mexico, where the desert landscapes oddly mirrored the otherworldliness of Oz. There’s something about experiencing this journey in audio form that highlights its roots as an oral tradition – you can almost hear the crackle of a campfire beneath the narration.

Baum’s story holds up remarkably well over a century later. What struck me most during this listening was how Dorothy’s journey mirrors our own searches for belonging. As someone who’s spent years traveling the world, I recognized that ache for home that persists no matter how wondrous the places we visit. The audiobook format amplifies these emotional undercurrents, making the famous ‘There’s no place like home’ revelation land with surprising weight.

If I had one critique, it’s that the pacing occasionally feels rushed in sections where I would have liked to linger in Oz’s strange beauty. Some of Baum’s richer descriptive passages fly by a bit quickly. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar production.

Compared to other classic children’s literature audiobooks, this version stands out for its balance of nostalgia and fresh energy. Shields brings a contemporary sensibility while respecting the text’s historical context. It’s neither overly reverential nor unnecessarily modernized.

This audiobook would be perfect for family road trips, nostalgic solo listening, or introducing a new generation to Oz. The relatively short runtime (just over 3 hours) makes it accessible even for younger listeners with shorter attention spans.

May your own yellow brick roads be filled with wonder,
Marcus Rivera