American author L. Frank Baum, born in 1856, gained worldwide fame for his classic children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. He created a fantastical and imaginative world, offering children stories full of dreams and adventure. The Oz series eventually expanded to 14 books, with its characters and symbols becoming cultural icons. Baum also had a strong interest in theater and film, actively working to bring his stories to stage and screen. Although he passed away in 1919, the world of Oz continues to enchant readers today.