Dorothy lived on a farm in Kansas with her aunt Em and uncle Henry. Her aunt and uncle were hardworking and quiet. They spent all their time working, so they had no time to play with Dorothy. Dorothy would have been lonely if it weren't for her dog, Toto.
One day Dorothy and Toto stopped playing, and Aunt Em and Uncle Henry stopped working. They all looked at the sky. Dorothy didn't like what she saw. Across the field the sky was the color of night. Suddenly a flash of lightning split the darkness, and the wind began to howl.
"A cyclone is coming," said Uncle Henry. "I'll help the animals. Em, you and Dorothy go to the storm cellar."
Toto jumped out of Dorothy's arms, ran into the house, and hid under a bed. Aunt Em ran to the storm cellar, but Dorothy ran after Toto. The house shook violently and then began to spin.
The house shook again, and the spinning stopped. Holding Toto in her arms, Dorothy looked out the window. She was amazed by what she saw. The boring, colorless landscape of Kansas had been replaced with flowers, fountains, and brightly colored birds. Strange, tiny people were running toward the house.
Outside, an old woman approached Dorothy and bowed.
"You're a great hero," said the woman. "We thank you for killing the Wicked Witch of the East. The Munchkins are free!"
The other people cheered, but Dorothy was confused. "I haven't killed anyone," she said fearfully.
"Well, your house did," said the old woman. "And the result is the same—the Munchkins are free."
"Oh dear!" cried Dorothy. "The house fell on her. Who was she?"
"She was the Wicked Witch of the East," said the woman. "And the Munchkins were her slaves."
"Are you a Munchkin?" asked Dorothy.
"Oh, no. I am the Good Witch of the North. I came because I heard the Wicked Witch was dead."
"Where I come from," said Dorothy, "all witches are dead."
"That doesn't surprise me," said the Good Witch. "If houses often fall from the sky, not even the Great Oz could survive."
"The Great Oz?" asked Dorothy.
"Yes, the Wizard of Oz," answered the Good Witch. "He is the most powerful wizard in the land."
Dorothy was about to ask something when the Munchkins all gave a sudden shout. The body of the Wicked Witch was gone. Only her silver shoes were left.
"These shoes are yours now," said the Good Witch. "They are magical, but I do not know what they do."
"Can they take me back to Kansas?" said Dorothy.
"Maybe," said the Good Witch, "but you should ask the Wizard of Oz."
"Where does he live?" asked Dorothy.
"He lives in the Emerald City," said the Good Witch. "It's a long journey, but easy if you follow the Yellow Brick Road."
"The Yellow Brick Road?" said Dorothy.
"Yes," answered the Good Witch. "It begins over there and goes right to the Emerald City."
"Will you come with me?" asked Dorothy hopefully.
"No, I cannot," said the Good Witch. "But I will give you a kiss. My kiss will protect you. No one will harm you. Well, no one except maybe the Wicked Witch of the West."
"The Wicked Witch of the West?" said Dorothy, puzzled.
"Yes, you must be careful of her," said the Good Witch.
Dorothy had many questions, but the Good Witch kissed her on the forehead just then. Dorothy could feel the magic enveloping her body.
"Good-bye, good luck, and remember: stay on the Yellow Brick Road," said the Good Witch. Toto gave a loud bark as the Good Witch suddenly disappeared.
"Well, Toto," said Dorothy, "I guess we should pack and then follow the Yellow Brick Road." She put some food in her picnic basket and then locked the door to her house. "Come along, Toto. It's time to go see the Wizard."