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A children's adventure novel and a modern fairy tale published in 1961, written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer.
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This is my favorite book. It's not quite a children's book, so don't let the cover deceive you. Actually, as a child, I remember not liking it, so I'm glad I gave it another try during the college years. You really have to have lived a bit and know cliches in order to find this book as fun and amusing as I do. It's a world in which there really is a Spelling bee and cars "go without saying" in the land of Dictionopolis. In Digitopolis, the subtraction desserts make you hungrier with every mouthful.
+5
Juster's world is fantastic and certainly comparable to Wonderland. Lacking Wonderland's underlying political critique, Juster's world might even be more entertaining,
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devora
June 02, 2010
love, love, love this book! Well, actually, I haven't read it since I was a child, but I'm sure I'd still love it. I'll have to take another look at it. Thanks for sharing!
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More The Phantom Tollbooth reviews
In terms of structure and basic plotline, this novel is very comparable to Lewis Carrol's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Both revolve around a child protagonist who makes an epic journey through an imaginary world. Additionally, both include a cast of fantastical characters who represent to a certain degree different philosophical concepts or embody various worldviews. However, as much as I view Alice as a classic, I've always been more … more
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Compliments (46)
Extensive vocabulary to stretch young readers and still an entertaining fantasy adventure for older readers
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I read this years and years ago, but there are a ton of scenes from it that stick with me, which must mean that there's something to it!
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This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid! Everyone should read it! :)
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review by stushepherd1.
June 27, 2010
This book was incredibly formative for my early literary years. It tells the tale of a young boy travelling through fantastical and fascinating landscapes, of time and alphabet and number. With a faithful companion and a perilous quest, this journey cannot help but engage and attract the reader. I have yet to be able to find this book again, as I'd love to read it now that I've grown up.
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Quick Tip by gingertea.
June 25, 2010
An interesting read for kids. I liked it as a kid and just devoured it within days.
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Awesome kids book!
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Great comparison
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I think I liked this more than my kids did.
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a great read for children
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About the reviewer
s16t18
Member Since:
Jun 2, 2010
Last Login: Jun 2, 2010 07:47 PM UTC
Last Login: Jun 2, 2010 07:47 PM UTC
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About this book
The Phantom Tollbooth is a children's adventure novel and a modern fairy tale published in 1961, written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer. It tells the story of a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth one afternoon and, having nothing better to do, drives through. He finds himself in the Kingdom of Wisdom. There he accepts a quest to rescue the princesses of the kingdom, acquires two faithful companions, and has many adventures. The book is full of puns, and many events, like Milo's sudden jump to the Island of Conclusions, are the consequences of taking English language idioms literally.
Juster claims his father's fondness for puns and The Marx Brothers' movies were a major influence. The Phantom Tollbooth was an "instant classic" when it was first published in 1961. Critics have compared it to Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in terms of classic appeal and importance.
The book has been translated into several languages.
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Juster claims his father's fondness for puns and The Marx Brothers' movies were a major influence. The Phantom Tollbooth was an "instant classic" when it was first published in 1961. Critics have compared it to Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in terms of classic appeal and importance.
The book has been translated into several languages.
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