I split this part out because it's my favourite in the whole book. You'll know why.

The allegories in this chapter are a little on-the-nose, but I still like them. It's a children's book, after all. Lots of deep and meaningful messages here.

Time to get weird. We adventuring for real now. Strap in, and get ready to meet the next heightened character (literally).

I'm not sure why I like the Humbug, I just do. He has a cool outfit in the book illustrations, ask me to show you.

Warning: this chapter will make you hungry! Prepare a snack or sweet treat!

Forgive me for not doing the witch's voice for this chapter. My vocal chords were barely holding on. Extreme risk of vocal fry.

Big numbers are always funny. I also think it's funny how Milo and his pals get thrown into jail almost immediately after reaching civilisation.

I remember 10-year-old me trying so hard to picture the words and letters physically in this chapter.

When I was reading this as a kid, I wanted to live in Dictionopolis. I already knew I was good at words, and I loved the idea of a city all about words. I had forgotten about the Spelling Bee until this re-read though; he's kind of lame.

Note: the name of the first character Milo meets is spelled "the Whether Man". I think lots of people get stuck in the Doldrums every day. I love Tock.