The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Chapter 17 Summary

How the Balloon was Launched

  • Dorothy doesn't hear anything for three days and she's getting discouraged. Hang in there, girl. Meanwhile, her friends are enjoying their new treasures.
  • It's Day Four, and Oz finally sends for her. He tells her the plan: he's going to make a hot-air balloon, and they'll fly into the unknown, hoping to light upon the U.S. eventually. Dorothy's okay with the plan, so they set about making the balloon.
  • Oz tells his kingdom that he's going to visit his brother, who lives in the clouds. They think that sounds legit. Also, he leaves the Scarecrow in charge.
  • The balloon is about to leave, but Dorothy can't find Toto. He's off chasing a kitten in the crowd.
  • Dorothy finds him and heads back, but she doesn't make it. The balloon takes off without her!
  • The people are devastated because their leader is gone, and Dorothy is devastated because she missed her ride. Basically, everyone's bummed.