The stories have a charm and simplicity that is appropriate for their intended audience. In the first selection, the Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger are frustrated by their tame routine guarding Ozma's throne in the Emerald City they decide to go out and fulfill their darker desires. The Lion wants to attack a man and make "chop suey of him". The Tiger longs to satisfy his long-denied appetite for fat babies. In the end, both cats discover that they cannot bring themselves to harm anybody.