About L. Frank Baum
Lyman Frank Baum (1856–1919), born in Chittenango, New York, was a journalist, dramatist, and writer best known for his fantasies about the land of Oz, the first being The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The success of this book led to his writing thirteen sequels. He wrote about sixty books in all, mostly for children.
About David Ossman
David Ossman, narrator, writer, producer, and character actor, is a founding member of the legendary comedy troupe The Firesign Theatre, which has celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Funny, prophetic, and groundbreaking Firesign has had an incalculable influence on generations of comics and sound artists. Their album Don’t Crush That Dwarf, Hand Me the Pliers has been inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. With his wife and partner, Judith Walcutt, he continues to create audio magic through their production company Otherworld Media.
About Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury (1920–2012), one of the most popular science fiction writers in the world, wrote more than five hundred short stories, novels, plays, and poems. He won many awards, including the Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the O. Henry Memorial Award, the Benjamin Franklin Award, the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the PEN Center USA West Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2000, he was the recipient of the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
About John Goodman
John Goodman (Arlington, VA) is vice chairman of Customer Care Measurement and Consulting, and co-founder of TARP Worldwide and has managed more than 1,000 separate customer service studies sponsored by Coca-Cola USA. His clients have included Allstate, Nationwide Insurance, The Museum of Modern Art, IBM, The Mayo Health System, Hyundai, Humana, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, ServiceMaster, HP, GE Capital, Apple, Legg Mason, American Express, Neiman Marcus, Honda, US Green Building Council, Chick Fil A, and Harley Davidson.
About Robert Guillaume
Robert Guillaume is a versatile and Emmy® Award–winning actor whose career exemplifies applied intelligence, character, and hard work. His belief in the fundamental importance of education underlies his commitment and successes as a musical, dramatic, and comedic performer.
About Mark Hamill
Mark Hamill is an American actor best known for playing Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars movies. He is also an acclaimed voice artist who played the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series, and in its spinoffs and video games. Hamill is the narrator of the Spiderwick Chronicles series by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi.
