The Phantom Tollbooth

Summary:

Milo mopes in black ink sketches, until he assembles a tollbooth and drives through. He jumps to the island of Conclusions. But brothers King Azaz of Dictionopolis and the Mathemagician of Digitopolis war over words and numbers. Joined by ticking watchdog Tock and adult-size Humbug, Milo rescues the Princesses of Rhyme and Reason, and learns to enjoy life. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Review:

I forgot how good this book is!  Though I will still claim the beginning is a bit slow, it is a fantastic book I’d highly recommend for all middle grade kids to read.  I’d even go as far to claim that it’s even more relevant for adults who are constantly rushing from one place to another without taking note of what surrounds them. 

I love books that can be read on multiple levels and this is a perfect example.  On a superficial level it’s a silly adventure novel about characters in an alternate world where everything is literal.  On a deeper level the book challenges you to take notice of the wonderful opportunities around you.  All in all, this is just one of those reads everyone should take a few hours to give it a read.

Rating: 5 stars!

Who should read it? Everyone!  And particularly those who say they don’t have “enough time”.