A Classic You Can Read from Early Elementary School: If Something Is Missing in You, Then It's Time to Meet the Wizard! 'The Wizard of Oz: Visual Special Edition' Releases on July 16

Sekaibunka-sha will release 'The Wizard of Oz: Visual Special Edition' on Thursday, July 16, a newly adapted version of the world-famous novel rewritten to be accessible for early and middle elementary school students, complete with stunning full-color illustrations.

Perfect for early elementary readers! A first encounter with a classic story, brought to life through vibrant color illustrations.

A timeless tale of Dorothy, a young girl swept away by a tornado into a magical land, who journeys down the Yellow Brick Road with the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion. Acclaimed children's author Kohiko Komatsubara's refined yet approachable prose, combined with Mai Matsuura's dreamlike color illustrations, breathes fresh life into this story cherished for over 120 years.

The Yellow Brick Road, the emerald-lit Emerald City, the crimson poppy fields—this richly colored magical world unfolds across every page through breathtaking full-color artwork. Written at a length suitable for early elementary students to read independently, with gentle language and abundant illustrations, this book joyfully guides children encountering 'Oz' for the first time into its enchanting world, serving as the perfect bridge from picture books to chapter books. The book also includes an afterword by Kohiko Komatsubara, offering an accessible explanation for children about L. Frank Baum—the author born in the era of the American Dream—and the enduring appeal of 'The Wizard of Oz.'

An unforgettable reading experience, illuminated by jewel-like illustrations.

The illustrations are created by artist and children's author Mai Matsuura. Using watercolor, she gently, fantastically, and at times darkly brings the story to life. Her delicate shifts in color and brushwork—from the shimmering glow of the Emerald City to the warmth of friendship and the eerie presence of the Wicked Witch—draw readers into the magical land. With a picture-book-like beauty that appeals to both children and adults, this is the perfect introduction to classic literature, a special book readers will want to open again and again.

Highly acclaimed! Bringing the world's greatest classics to modern children through beautiful, full-color illustrations.

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Profiles

Original Story / L. Frank Baum

Born in Chittenango, New York. A children's author and playwright. After working as a newspaper reporter, theater manager, and salesman, he published his first children's book, 'Mother Goose in Prose,' in 1897. His 1900 novel 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' became a massive bestseller, leading to 14 sequels in the Oz series. The story has been adapted into stage plays and films and remains a timeless classic. As a pioneer of American children's literature, Baum profoundly influenced modern fantasy literature. He passed away in Hollywood, California, in 1919.

Text / Kohiko Komatsubara

Born in Tokyo. A writer and translator. As a child, she read extensively at the Muushika Bunko library, founded by Tomiko Inui. She received the Special Prize at the 13th Ogawa Mimei Award for her work 'Boku no Asa.' Her publications include the 'Aozora Elementary School Various Committees' series (Horupu Publishing), translations such as the 'Hikari de Hakken! Mita!' series (Kumon Publishing), and edited translations including 'The Visual Special Edition: Peter Pan' (Sekaibunka-sha). Alongside her writing, she runs 'Rollpan Bunko' from her home, actively sharing the world of storytelling with children through monthly storytelling events and twice-weekly book lending.

Illustrations / Mai Matsuura

Born in Nara Prefecture. An artist and children's author. From an early age, she developed a deep affection for books and an interest in picture book creation. After enrolling in the Design Department at Kyoto Seika University, she began her creative career in earnest. She was selected for the 2009 Bologna International Exhibition of Illustrations and the 2012 Irh Children's Picture Book Award. Her works include 'You Are the World's Child' (Horupu Publishing), 'I Don't Know' (Karinsha), 'The Deluxe Edition of the Picture Book Without Pictures' (Iwanami Shoten), 'One Big Wolf and the Stars' (Shogakukan), and 'Today I'm Going to Sleep' (Tsukikazatoya), among many privately published works such as 'Beyond the Window.' She creates her artwork in a corner of her living room while raising two children.

Publication Details

'The Wizard of Oz: Visual Special Edition'

Original Story: L. Frank Baum

Text: Kohiko Komatsubara

Illustrations: Mai Matsuura

Release Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026

Price: ¥1,650 (tax included)

Format: B6, 176 pages

Publisher: Sekaibunka-sha Co., Ltd.

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