New Children's Book 'Becoming Judy Garland' Explores The Young Life Of 'Miss Show Business' On The Road To Oz

In 1939, the world fell in love with Judy Garland as "Dorothy" in The Wizard of Oz. The classic M-G-M film is one of the most beloved ever and its star became one of the greatest entertainers in show business history. Becoming Judy Garland (Tribal Clef Books; November 2017) is the new children's book from bestselling author Randy L. Schmidt. Readers will discover how Frances Gumm, this "little girl with the BIG voice," went from vaudeville to movie stardom and landed the role of a lifetime.

"I wrote this book because I feel Judy Garland is still relevant to children, even after all these years," said Schmidt, a longtime music educator. "The timeless appeal of The Wizard of Oz speaks to today's kids in the same way it has for nearly 80 years. The Library of Congress says it's 'the most watched film ever," so most kids know Dorothy's story, but not necessarily Judy's. This book brings her extraordinary talent to life again for a new audience of adoring fans."

"I don't associate Frances Gumm with me," Judy said in 1951. "She's a girl I can read about the way other people do. I, Judy Garland, was born when I was twelve years old." Becoming Judy Garland goes back to her roots as part of the Gumm Sisters, a family vaudeville act, and explores her early life and career. The book is illustrated in a scrapbook style with 20 sepia and color photographs from the archives of collectors and museums. Back matter includes an author's note and recommendations for listening and further reading.

Becoming Judy Garland will be available soon through online booksellers and most independent bookstores in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. A limited-edition hardcover book/CD set is available now through the author's website. The CD features the audiobook, narrated by Grammy-nominated children's musician Judy Pancoast, as well as rare recordings by the Gumm Sisters, two "lost" test recordings of Judy at age 12, and a live radio performance of "Over the Rainbow." For more information or to order the limited-edition set, visit the bookstore at www.randylschmidt.com.

Watch a trailer below: