The Phantom Tollbooth

Quotes

Genre

• Middle Grade
• Fantasy
• Fiction
• Children’s Lit
• Classic
• Adventure
• Educational
• Humor

Trigger Warnings

• The Lethargians (personal)
• Archaic Language that can be found offensive

*There may be spoilers in this review. I will try to avoid major spoilers but some need to be brought up to be discussed.

Summary

For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason! Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams. . . .

Characters

• Milo – a young boy battling boredom
• Tock – A watchdog with the limbs of a dog and the body of a watch
• Humbug – a usually incorrect pompous bug that joins Milo on his journey
• King Azaz – Ruler of Dictionopolis, he fights with his brother constantly
• Mathemagician – Ruler of Digitopolis, he constantly fights back
• Princesses of Rhyme and Reason – Adopted sisters of the two rulers, they were banished after not taking sides with one of their brothers

Setting

The Lands Beyond, Milo’s Room

Overview

So a thousand years ago when I was in sixth grade, we read an excerpt from this and then my teacher decided to show us the film. I had been sick all morning and went home during the scene of the Doldrums. The Lethargians scared the absolute crap out of me, they moved creepy and they were just so evil looking when they went after Milo in that big blob form. I hated it. I still hate it to be honest.

The book itself was clever and funny and had some decent overall messages. It gave me more of an Alice and Wonderland vibe than most deliberate remakes. It was quick, witty and still felt relatable with Milo and his ennui.

Pros

Clever and witty without being condescending. The novel covers some typical lessons, like those against the evils of laziness, but it does so in a fun and creative way. I really appreciated the play on words that dominated the work, using literal depictions of sayings and leaving a lasting image. I feel like this is one of the best ways to reach kids since they can have a bizarre, personal experience to mark it.

Relatable for children while still being educational. Milo struck me as way too close to my own nephew, the boredom in particular. He could have a bit of an attitude but overall, he wanted to help and he wanted to be kind. He goes through hardships but not alone and he learns empathy on his journey. Kids are kids no matter what decade we may be in and I think the kids of today could still see themselves in Milo.

One of the best aspects of the book was how very Alice and Wonderland it is to me. I know a lot of people go gaga for the aesthetic Carroll brought but it was the play on words and language that really brought out the nonsense to me and Juster very much has the same vibe. He has very literal places with their own set of rules that really do make sense once someone bothers to make them available. The whole read through I couldn’t shake how Milo and Alice would be able to commiserate.

Cons

The biggest issue I probably had (apart from the Lethargians) was reading this as an adult. It felt fast and simple but that is to be expected especially considering the target audience. I think this falls into one of those special spots where the adults understand the lessons better though. It was also strange reading this right after How Do You Live? They actually had similar points and even had the same lesson for teaching the idea of infinity.

+1

Final Thoughts

I feel like I levelled up because I finally finished this. The Lethargians can be left behind. Mostly. I tried watching a clip of the scene again and I am not gonna lie it still freaks me out. The texture and animation are really not ok. Anyway.

I think this is one that everybody should give a try. It is witty and funny with good morals at heart. Milo still feels relatable as a kid character and I couldn’t help but think of my nephew. He is still himself by the end which I really appreciate he just has more purpose and appreciation than before.

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