Back to: Maharashtra Board Class 6th English Guide & Notes
Table of Contents
Introduction
The chapter shares a review of Norman Juster’s novel, ‘The Phantom Tollbooth’. Written more than 50 years ago, it continues to be a classic of children’s literature.
For Milo
Milo was a little American boy who resided in San Francisco. He had everything he needed. But Milo was bored. Nothing piqued his curiosity. Everything seemed to him to be a waste of time, with school being the worst of them all. Milo belonged to an age when TV, video games and computers were not invented.
One day Milo received a parcel with a note addressing him. He couldn’t return the package because it didn’t have the sender’s address. Milo decided to open the envelope simply to be courteous. Inside the box was a genuine turnpike tollbooth : to be erected according to directions; three precautionary signs; one map: up to date and carefully drawn by master cartographers, depicting natural and man-made features; one book of rules and traffic regulations, which may not be bent or broken and some coins.
Milo had nothing better to do, so he followed the ‘instructions’ and built the tollbooth. It was a real booth, complete with windows, a roof, and a coin box. He randomly chose a destination and sat in his toy car. After he paid the toll, he found himself speeding down a highway into an unknown territory. His room had disappeared.
Milo’s Adentures
Milo had begun his voyage in the country of expectations, though he didn’t realise it at the time. He had arrived in the kingdom of wisdom. There, he had a lot of adventures. He was tasked with rescuing the princesses Rhyme and Reason from air castles.
Was he able to complete his mission? What kind of odd individuals and creatures did he encounter there? Where did the toll booth go? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
Conclusion
‘The Phantom Tollbooth’ is a children’s novel that was written more than 50 years ago and is still considered a masterpiece. Although it is a work of fiction, it contains a vital lesson for youngsters all across the world. It has aided them in seeing their school and courses in a different light.
