Ellie lived with her aunt and uncle on a gray Kansas farm. One day, a massive twister swept across the plains without warning. Ellie and her little dog ran for shelter, but they were too late. The wind lifted their small farmhouse high into the swirling sky.

The house landed with a thump in a colorful place unlike anything Ellie had ever seen. Tiny people with bright clothes welcomed her as a hero. "Your house has freed us from the Wicked Witch of the East," they explained, pointing to ruby slippers now on Ellie's feet.

A beautiful witch named Glinda told Ellie the Wizard of Oz could help her return home. "Follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City," Glinda advised. Ellie thanked the tiny Munchkins and set off with her dog. The ruby slippers sparkled with each step of her journey.

Along the road, Ellie met a Scarecrow hanging on a pole in a cornfield. "I wish I had a brain," the Scarecrow sighed after Ellie helped him down. "Perhaps the Wizard could give you one," Ellie suggested. The Scarecrow joined her journey, his straw legs wobbling with excitement.

Deep in the forest, they discovered a man made entirely of tin, frozen in mid-swing. Ellie found an oil can and freed his rusty joints. "I've been standing there for ages, wishing for a heart," he explained. The Tin Man joined their quest to meet the wonderful Wizard.

A fearsome roar shook the forest as a lion leaped onto the path. Despite his fierce appearance, he quickly revealed himself as a coward. "I lack courage," the Lion admitted shamefully. Ellie invited him to join their group seeking the Wizard's help.

The Wicked Witch of the West watched their progress with growing anger. She sent flying monkeys to frighten them and poppies that made them sleepy. But Ellie and her friends helped each other overcome every obstacle. Their friendship grew stronger with each challenge they faced.

The magnificent Emerald City sparkled on the horizon like a green jewel. Guards in emerald uniforms greeted them at the gates. "The Wizard sees no one," they insisted at first. But when they heard about Ellie's ruby slippers, the friends were allowed inside.

The Wizard appeared as a giant floating head surrounded by flames. "Bring me the broomstick of the Wicked Witch of the West," he commanded. The friends trembled but agreed to the impossible task. They would face their greatest fear together.

The Witch captured Ellie in her castle of darkness. When the Witch threatened Ellie's dog, Ellie threw a bucket of water. The Witch melted away with a terrible scream. The Witch's guards gratefully gave Ellie the broomstick.

Back at the Emerald City, Ellie's dog pulled aside a curtain revealing an ordinary man. "I'm just a circus performer from Kansas," the fake Wizard admitted. Yet he helped the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion realize they already possessed what they sought.

Glinda returned and revealed the ruby slippers had the power to take Ellie home all along. Ellie said tearful goodbyes to her dear friends. She clicked her heels together three times, whispering, "There's no place like home." Suddenly, she was back in Kansas, forever changed by her magical journey.