The Wizard of Oz

Here are 20 words from The Wizard of Oz.  Become familiar with them before you read the book.
(Note: These and many other words are in the Kid Crosswords Illustrated Online Dictionary)

abundant (adjective) -- more than enough

Example: In most American houses,
on Thanksgiving Day, turkey,
potatoes and pies are abundant.

abundant fruits and vegetables

anxious (adjective) -- uneasy and worried

Example: Alice was so anxious
about her test the next day
she almost could not sleep.

anxious man

assemblage (noun) -- a collection of persons or things

Example: Roberto's bedroom was an
assemblage of broken toys,
dirty laundry and model airplanes.

assemblage of musicians

briskly (adverb) -- alert, lively, quickly

Example: The Tiger walked briskly
towards the watering hole.

briskly walking tiger

comrade (noun) -- companion, friend

Example: Kris enjoyed spending time with her comrades in the Girl Scouts.

happy comrades

confidential (adjective) -- secret, private, only for certain people

Example: A student's school records
are confidential and may only
be seen by the principal,
the teacher and the parents.

cyclone (noun) -- tornado

Example: The giant cyclone roared
across the prairie, wrecking houses.

dangerous cyclone

earnest (adjective) -- very serious

Example: Anna was earnest when she
said she loved her boyfriend, though
some people doubted her.

glance (verb) -- to give a quick look

Example: The teacher glanced at
her students before returning to
grading papers.

bear glancing

glisten (verb) -- to shine softly

Example: William enjoyed watching the
lake glisten in the moonlight.

glistening trophy

hearty (adjective) -- vigorously healthy and thorough

Example: Santa Claus is known for a
hearty laugh AND appetite!

hearty lunch

inconvenient (adjective) -- causing trouble or annoyance

Example: Going through a metal detector
at an airport is inconvenient and
takes time, but it's necessary.

inconvenient detour

inquire (verb) -- to ask about

Example: "How is your mother?"
inquired Susan.

inquiring student

mishap (noun) -- accident, sometimes small or funny

Example: Gregory was known for his
mishaps.  He seemed to break
things everywhere he went!

very unfortunate mishap!

mourn (verb) -- to feel sad about the loss of something or someone

Example: Some people mourn for
a pet that dies for years.

mourning bear

murmur (verb) -- low and unclear sound of talking

Example: Lots of students murmur
something nasty when
a teacher punishes them.

murmuring monks

scamper (verb) -- to run playfully

Example: Molly threw a piece
of string and watched her
kitten scamper after it.

scampering poodle

sober (adjective) -- serious and without emotion

Example: Failing a test made Malcolm
very sober about his chances
of passing English.

sober judge

vexed (adjective) -- irritated and annoyed

Example: The school principal was
often vexed by visitors parking
in her parking space.

vexed golfer

wail (verb) -- to cry or yell loudly and sadly

Example: The baby wailed when
her mother took a toy away.

wailing face

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