A Celebration of Local Authors Through Family Adventure
Kansas will be forever immortalized through the beloved The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Missouri is often associated with the writings of Mark Twain, especially The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Bring these local classics to life with a family read-aloud and a bit of adventure too. And, Little House author Laura Ingalls Wilder writes about her family’s adventures living across the Midwest, including both Missouri and Kansas.
There’s No Place Like Home: Kansas and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Since 1900, children have delighted in the tales of the Emerald City, Munchkinland, Toto and the friends—and villains—Miss Gale meets in the land of Oz. L. Frank Baum wrote a series comprising more than a dozen books. The story came to life on the big screen in 1939, and generations of fans have enjoyed the tale with their entire family ever since. Since the original, Baum’s family members and fans have been inspired to add to the tales with even more Oz books, now available on shelves.
Read: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is still a great family classic. You may fall in love with the tale and then try a few more titles from the collection as well. Then, embark on your own Oz-inspired adventure with these outings.
Watch: The Wizard of Oz, the original 1939 film starring Judy Garland, is available to borrow at local libraries.
Discover Oz in Kansas City: Did you know you can follow the Yellow Brick Road at Legends Outlets? In the center of the outdoor shopping center, children love traipsing along the path while parents shop.
Go: Make a family day trip to Wamego, Kansas, approximately 90 minutes from Kansas City, for a visit to the Oz Museum (511 Lincoln, Wamego, Kan., OzMuseum.com). The museum is a veritable treasure trove of all things Oz, from costumes and props from the film, to collectible items straight from the books. The magic of the museum is enthralling for every Oz fan, young and old.
The Big River: Missouri and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Kansas Citian Ernest Hemingway has been quoted as saying, “All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” The adventurous tale of a young boy who experiences life on the river and discovers his conscience along the way was published in 1884. Finn also appears in many of the Tom Sawyer tomes as Sawyer’s pal.
Read: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is full of adventure, as well as many themes that make it a worthy read-aloud. Highlighting many topics prevalent to the time period and setting, the book provides parents a prime opportunity to discuss all kinds of relevant issues with their children.
Watch: Tom and Huck, the 1995 film starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas, is available to borrow at local libraries and streams on Disney+.
Discover Twain in Kansas City: Did you know you can take your picture with Mark Twain—or at least his statue? You’ll find his likeness seated on a bench on the corner of 10th & Central in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The statue is a few blocks away from the Central Library and its parking garage, which is adorned with classic book titles—including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Spend an afternoon at the library discovering Twain’s works on the shelves inside. Then, take a free ride aboard the KC Streetcar to the River Market District where you can visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum and learn about life on a steamboat and discover real treasure. The museum is one of the best interpretations of steamboating and an educational and engaging tie-in to better understand the setting for the book.
Go: Hannibal, Missouri (VisitHannibal.com), keeps the spirit of Twain alive with numerous attractions devoted to the author. You may tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and visit a variety of buildings and sites depicting early Hannibal and scenes from Twain’s books, including the infamous white picket fence that children today may “paint” for a fun photo op. Then, take a ride on the Mighty Mississippi aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat, tour the Mark Twain Cave where you’ll hear tales of Tom and Huck, and enjoy other local family-friendly attractions.
Pioneer Living: Missouri and Kansas and The Little House Series
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat. In our mad rush for progress and modern improvements, let’s be sure we take along with us all the old-fashioned things worthwhile,” Laura Ingalls Wilder penned. As modern parents strive to navigate a modern world full of technology, it is delightful to read a series that fosters a love of family, outdoors and adventure.
Read: The Little House Series has been one of the first chapter book series enjoyed by children for generations. The books are full of adventure and heartwarming family connections.
Watch: Little House on the Prairie, the 1970s television series, is available to borrow at local libraries. This historical fiction series features many storylines that are great conversation starters, dealing with topics such as bullies at school, sibling rivalry, love and grief, and family dynamics.
Discover Little House in Kansas City: Laura Ingalls Wilder depicts the life of pioneers vividly in The Little House Series. As you read about churning butter, trundle beds, covered wagons, ox yokes and log cabins, take an outing to a local landmark. Some of our favorites include Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm (1200 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe, 913.971.5111, Mahaffie.org), Missouri Town Living History Museum (8010 E. Park Rd., Lee’s Summit, 816.524.8770, MakeYourDayHere.com) and Shoal Creek Living History Museum (7000 NE Barry Rd., Kansas City, Mo., 816.792.2665, ShoalCreekLivingHistoryMuseum.com). These are historic homes and villages. At Mahaffie, you can experience living history year-round, including cooking, farming experiences and stagecoach and sled rides (seasonal). Missouri Town Living History Museum and Shoal Creek Living History Museum both feature many buildings, including homes, schools, churches, general stores, blacksmith shops and more.
Go: The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum (3060 State Hwy. A, Mansfield, Mo., LauraIngallsWilderHome.com) is a historic house museum known as Rocky Ridge Farm. The house was the home of author Laura Ingalls Wilder from 1896 until her death in 1957, and it is where she began writing her books. Visitors get a glimpse of her life on a tour of the home.
Kristina Light’s family enjoyed visits to all these sites as these beloved books were shared together.