The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster | Book Review

Book Review of The Phantom Tollbooth
The Children’s Book Review

What to Expect: Adventure, Math Concepts, and Life Lessons

The Phantom Tollbooth is an extraordinary literary work that has continued to captivate and inspire readers for several decades. Penned by the renowned Norton Juster, the book offers an unparalleled escape route from boredom with its riveting plot. Many consider it the greatest book ever written, given its ability to ignite the reader’s imaginative capabilities. Despite being first published in 1961, The Phantom Tollbooth remains a timeless masterpiece. 

Life feels super dull for young Milo, the protagonist. But after driving through a magical tollbooth that suddenly appears in his bedroom, Milo meets several unforgettable characters, including the tick-tocking watchdog, Tock, the Mathemagician, the Whether Man of Dictionopolis, and Princesses Rhyme and Reason. The story follows the exciting journey of Milo as he embarks on a thrilling mission to restore order to the Kingdom of Wisdom. 

Norton Juster’s witty and comical writing style, coupled with Jules Feiffer’s stunning illustrations, breathes life into each page. There is also a great map included that features all of the places Milo visits. Readers of all ages will fall in love with the heart-warming tale and will be left pondering the book’s concept well after reading. 

The enthralling adventure of Milo’s journey offers an exceptional reading experience. The Phantom Tollbooth will likely inspire readers to dust off their toys to see where their imaginations will take them.

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About the Author

Norton Juster is an architect and planner, professor emeritus of design at Hampshire College, and the author of a number of highly acclaimed children’s books, including The Dot and the Line, which was made into an Academy Award-winning animated film. He has collaborated with Sheldon Harnick on the libretto for an opera based on The Phantom Tollbooth. The musical adaptation, with a score by Arnold Black, premiered in 1995 and will soon be performed in schools and theaters nationwide. An amateur cook and professional eater, Mr. Juster lives with his wife in Amherst, Massachusetts.

About the Illustrator

Jules Feiffer lives in New York City with his wife, Jenny. Along with being a famed cartoonist, Feiffer is also the author of numerous novels, children’s books, plays and screenplays, including Carnal Knowledge, Harry, The Rat with Women and Little Murders, which was made into a celebrated movie.

The Phantom Tollbooth, written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer, was reviewed by Bianca Schulze. Discover more books like The Phantom Tollbooth by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with AdventureBooks with Life Lessons, Classics, Jules Feiffer, Middle Grade Books, Norton Juster, and Word Play.