The Phantom Tollbooth

I got this for a little girl turning 8 recently. She is an avid reader and I remembered how much I enjoyed this story at her age. It is a book full of adventures and exciting ideas that stimulate discussions and ideas in everyone of all ages. It was a great value too. Encouraging children to read, encourages them to think and to question and this book is great for that. I also re-read it and was again transported with the story. it has some pretty advanced ideas, but uses the story and the action to explain them. Same with the vocabulary. It's great for teaching and reading.

The Phantom Tollbooth, written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer, was among my favorite books when I was a child. I recently read it again in preparation for a new writing project. I can't believe I'm giving it 4 and not 5 stars. The Phantom Tollbooth has been (and still is) in my top 10 list of the greatest children's books of all time. Let me tell you why:

1. I read it over 40 years ago and still remember the excitement and enjoyment I had reading it as a child. Few books have that kind of “staying” power.

2. It is unique. There is no other story like it (that I'm aware of). No vampires, no mummies, no killing and not a single curse word. Imagine that!

3. It provides great life lessons for both children and adults without being preachy. I was particularly moved by the demon who gets you to waste time by focusing on small and meaningless tasks.

4. The characters are fun and memorable. You will recognize yourself and others in many of them. The sheer number of unique characters is quite impressive. As a children's book writer, I am in awe.

So, why 4 stars? The illustrations! They are awful!! I don't care that Maurice Sendak (another top 10 author) proclaims that Jules Feiffer is "that rare artist" who "combines the same insistent reality and uninhibited fantasy in his superb scratchy-itchy pen drawings."

Sendak's analysis of Feiffer's work makes me think of the kind of critique a large, blank canvas hung in some art gallery in New York would receive. “Deep and moving in its spareness.” Or some such poppycock. Although I must admit that the drawings are likely considered classic now; so intertwined are they with Tollbooth that replacing them is now unthinkable.

Illustrations should complement and enhance the story; I feel that Feiffer's illustrations do neither for Juster's superb story.

A key message in Tollbooth is about recognizing and appreciating the beauty around us. Yet, what I consider to be ugly drawings are used to illustrate that lofty message. I am sure that others will vehemently disagree with me. Bring it on! I would particularly love to know what professional artists think of Feiffer's illustrations.

Scratchy-itchy drawings aside, The Phantom Tollbooth is truly a must-read for both adults and children.