Ahoy there me mateys! I have noticed this evocative cover time and time again since I was a young’un’. But for reasons that escape me now, I never did pick it up. But I have always had intentions to read it. Well then two of me crew in rather quick succession wrote their thoughts about it and solidified me desire to read it. And so I have.

For such a short book, it took me a rather long time to read because I had to savor it in delightful little bits. This novel truly deserves the designation of a classic. The story is silly and seemingly simple but oh what delightful use of language. I loved the evocative illustrations by Jules Feiffer and how even the type on the page helps to tell the story. It is the kind of book with clever layers that make it a lovely read for people of all ages.

A favourite quote:

“Do all those words mean the same thing?” gasped Milo. “Of course.” “Certainly.” “Precisely.” “Exactly.” “Yes,” they replied in order. “Well, then,” said Milo, not understanding why each one said the same thing in a slightly different way, “wouldn’t it be simpler to use just one? It would certainly make more sense.” “Nonsense.” “Ridiculous.” “Fantastic.” “Absurd.” “Bosh,” they chorused again, and continued. “We’re not interested in making sense; it’s not our job,” scolded the first. “Besides,” explained the second, “one word is as good as another—so why not use them all?”

I would like to visit the Doldrums where sleeping is a priority. Wouldn’t ye want items on yer schedule like this:

“From 2:00 to 2:30 we take our early afternoon nap. “From 2:30 to 3:30 we put off for tomorrow what we could have done today. “From 3:30 to 4:00 we take our early late afternoon nap."

The language is literally delicious. I wish I could have had a phantom tollbooth as a child!

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