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I Want to Grow Up in Oz
Review by Anthony Marchionna
Growing up isn't easy. Especially when you've been placed under a spell that prevents you from aging. That is exactly the dilemma that Devia faces in I want to Grow Up in Oz. Devia, being the daughter of the wicked panther from Ridiculous Rivals in Oz, wants to grow big enough to wreak havoc just as aptly as her father did. But Ozma, wanting to keep peace, has made that impossible.
When the forest's resident magician, a bear by the name of Starspoof, agrees to allow Little Bear to temporarily trade bodies with him, Little Bear is thrilled. He can pretend to be a wizard while the real Starspoof gets a much-needed rest. Starspoof entrusts Little Bear with a wand that will allow him to do a few very simple tricks, without any real danger that he might get into any trouble. But Devia catches on to the ruse, and is quick to steal the wand for herself.
Derek Sullivan has done a delightful job of illustrating the book with comical, action-packed pictures that capture the feel of the book wonderfully.
Review by Margaret Berg in "The Baum Bugle" Winter 2000
In I Want to Grow Up in Oz, we return to Springbok Forest. The wicked witch's black panther has left an heir. The cub Devia is every wicked thing her father was, but in a smaller package. Ozma has put a stop-growth spell on the half-grown cub, lest she become more wicked and dangerous to the inhabitants of the forest than her father. Devia tries her best to spread malicious rumors and dissension among the animals. There is a good wizard: the bear Starspoof, trained by the famous Wizard of Oz to assist his friends of the woods. Little Bear is having problems with Devia, but Starspoof can only advise him to stay out of her way. Devia steals Starspoof's wand, takes over his cave, and attempts to grow up. Then there will be trouble!