T stands for toll

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 I didn’t go anywhere with a toll per se, but I did some traveling when I reread The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.

The book is 60 years old, written primarily, but not exclusively, for the middle school set. This classic book filled with lyrical language, puns and witticisms remains one of my all time favorites. This cure for the doldrums with its clever homage to curiosity, exploration and learning is on high on my favorites of 2021.

My cure for doldrums has always been reading, the ultimate form of escapism. I picked this book from the library and I absolutely love it, another favorite of 2021. It is a quick fun read full of inspiration and has much in common with The Phantom Tollbooth. 

Love this map in the book…
Did he travel through a tollbooth and arrive at Wonder Mountain?

There is so much about this book that I love, especially a nod to one of my heroes, Fred Rogers. I have just realized how many times I have used love in this post, a really great thing courtesy of some beautiful books. After these reads, I am really feeling the love and passing it on. See the magic, share the joy.


Procreate practice.

Flour Oreos and a coffee
Nice treats on a BPL visit



Comments

  1. Let's Art JournalJuly 13, 2021 at 8:54 AM

    Not read this book but it looks delightful, thanks for sharing the magic 😀. Such a beautiful procreate piece too and that flour Oreo cookie would be the perfect accompaniment to my cuppa today too! Wishing you a very Happy anniversary T Day! Hugs, Jo x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. nanskidrewskiJuly 13, 2021 at 9:31 AM

      I will send you the recipe if you want. Let me know. They are delicious. Easy when you buy them, but not too bad to make.

      Delete
  2. CJ KennedyJuly 13, 2021 at 9:14 AM

    I haven't read these books, but they sound like fun. Flour Bakery! I thought of you last week. There's a Flour Bakery next to the MGH building where Himself had an appointment. Has the BPL finished the renovations to the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department? We need to visit.

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    Replies
    1. nanskidrewskiJuly 13, 2021 at 9:30 AM

      Oh yes, and the Monet exhibit at the MFA! Let's make a date and go!

      Delete
  3. Bleubeard and ElizabethJuly 13, 2021 at 9:38 AM

    Reading is the greatest escapism of all. I've never heard of either of these books, but they must be a fun read, especially if geared for middle schoolers (or Jr. High as we called it).

    Your Procreate drawing is phenomenal. I am so very impressed. It looks like you made the oreo cookie because it is unlike any I've ever seen before. It must have gone great with your iced coffee.

    Thanks for sharing your books and authors with whom I was unfamiliar, along with your cookie and iced coffee with us for T this anniversary Tuesday, dear Nan.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mae TravelsJuly 13, 2021 at 10:16 AM

    I read the Phantom Tollbooth a few years ago, and it was indeed good, though I wish I had read it as a youngster.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. kathyinozarksJuly 13, 2021 at 12:30 PM

    I love reading too, and since retirement back in 2003 I read allot now-mostly in the evenings when there is nothing worth watching on the tv. Your cookie looks delicious Happy T Kathy

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  6. pearshapedcraftingJuly 13, 2021 at 3:45 PM

    I usually escape into historical novels - your books look like good reads! Mmmm, that cookie looks good - especially with coffee! Happy T Day, Chrisx

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  7. DVArtistJuly 13, 2021 at 5:09 PM

    I haven't read this but it looks delightful. I too like the map. Nice art too. Have a great day.

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  8. My name is Erika.July 13, 2021 at 5:10 PM

    I love this book, and like you, I haven't read it since middle school (or junior high as we called it back then). Thanks for reminding me a fun book-that I need to reread myself. Hope it was a great T day Nan. hugs-Erika

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sharon MadsonJuly 13, 2021 at 5:48 PM

    I escape to books, too. Believe it or not, I am currently reading Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar. It was on my book shelf, one of my mother's, and I had never read it. :) Reading several others, too. Thanks for sharing what you are reading. Happy T Day.

    ReplyDelete
  10. JJuly 13, 2021 at 10:51 PM

    I’ve always love reading but I haven’t found.a book recently that takes my fancy,
    I love the. Colourful mao, it looks like fun.
    Happy belated T day
    Jan

    ReplyDelete
  11. nwilliams6July 14, 2021 at 4:13 AM

    Great looking book! My daughter checked out a book for me at the library the other day - we haven't done that in years and years. It feels so fun to be holding a library book - makes it more special (I usually read them on my tablet). She picked out a good one too. I may have to try and find the one you have here - sounds interesting and I love middleschool level books. The cookie looks totally yummy! Happy late T-day!

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  12. LiscaJuly 15, 2021 at 6:48 AM

    I love reading and I went through a phase when I read books meant for young readers. I have not heard of the books you mention. I will look out for them.
    Happy 8th T-Day-Blog-a-versary,
    Hugs,
    Lisca

    ReplyDelete
  13. KarenJuly 16, 2021 at 4:03 AM

    It's been years since I read Phantom Tollbooth, but clearly I need to revisit it. My stack of books TBR is way higher than usual, and that doesn't include the list on paper! Usually when we're traveling I get more reading done, this time it was a lot less. I think this Procreate drawing is one of your most beautiful! I just love it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Empire of the CatNovember 18, 2021 at 4:06 PM

    This post caught my eye after I commented on this week's T post. I had a copy of this book handed down from older siblings and I just loved it, the doldrums, jumping to conclusions etc. There was also a movie made of it too. Great book. Elle/EOTC xx

    ReplyDelete

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