"The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norman Juster (author), Jules Feiffer (illustrator)

I was today years old when I learned that this book was originally published the year I was born. That may be one reason I feel such a connection to this most unusual novel, but it is more likely that it is because Juster doesn't just write in beautiful language, he writes ABOUT language and thought and parts of speech by making them characters and locations in the story.

I first read the book almost two decades ago when my son had to read it in middle school. I read along with him so we could discuss it (and I could quiz him to find out if he was actually reading it...he was.)

For 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!

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.