The Phantom Tollbooth

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster is a children's novel that follows the adventures of a young boy named Milo who discovers a magical tollbooth in his room that transports him to a strange and fantastical world. There, he meets a watchdog named Tock who becomes his companion on a journey through a kingdom filled with puns, wordplay, and clever mathematical and linguistic puzzles. Along the way, Milo and Tock encounter a cast of colorful characters, including the Whether Man, the Humbug, and the Spelling Bee, who challenge them to solve puzzles and riddles in order to progress on their quest. As they journey through the kingdom, Milo learns valuable lessons about the importance of education, creativity, and the power of language. The book is known for its unique blend of humor, wit, and adventure, and has become a beloved classic of children's literature since its publication in 1961. With almost 5 million copies sold 60 years after its original publication, generations of readers have now journeyed with Milo to the Lands Beyond in this beloved classic. Enriched by Jules Feiffer’s splendid illustrations, the wit, wisdom, and wordplay of Norton Juster’s offbeat fantasy are as beguiling as ever. “Comes up bright and new every time I read it . . . it will continue to charm and delight for a very long time yet. And teach us some wisdom, too.” --Phillip PullmanFor Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason. Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams!