"I never knew words could be so confusing," Milo said to Tock as he bent down to scratch the dog's ear.

More from Juster Norton

• “A slavish concern for the composition of words is the sign of a bankrupt intellect,” roared the Humbug, waving his cane furiously.
• "But that's just as bad," protested Milo.
• "Dig in," said the king, poking Milo with his elbow and looking disapprovingly at his plate. "I can't say that I think much of your choice."
• "Don't say it," ghasped the dog, and Milo could see a tear well up in his eye.
• “Good,” said the judge, rapping his gavel three times. “I always have trouble remembering the long ones. How about ‘I am’? That’s the shortest sentence I know.”
• "SILENCE," suggested the King. "Now, young man, what can you do to entertain us? Sing songs? Tell stories? Compose sonnets? Juggle plates? Do tumbling tricks? Which is it?"