The Phantom Tollbooth Paperback – Illustrated, 28 April 2026

The book arrived in very good time and healthy condition. This is my 3rd read of 'Phantom' which I first found as a child. I picked up a fresh hardback copy in my 20's on the recommendation of a well-read friend and fell in love with it all over again. Now, about 10 years later, and with that hardback edition living somewhere far away, I had the urge to take in the story yet another time (hence why I only settled on the soft cover). For anyone who has only read this book as a child, it is well worth a revisit. Similar to Shel Silverstein in his crossover appeal - though far less black in humor- Juster fills the pages with wit and wordplay that can keep all ages turning the pages.

This is a beautiful edition of one of my favourite childhood reads. Milo's adventures in the Land of Digitopolis with the Watch Dog and the Humbug, getting stuck in the Doldrums, jumping to the Island of Conclusions, dodging the Senses Taker and eating Subtraction Soup, all on his quest to rescue the Princesses Rhyme and Reason - I loved the word play and jokes long before I understood half the references. This edition has added value in the appendix of short pieces by well-known contemporary writers on why they too are total Tollbooth fans. And of course, the fabulous, zany illustrations.

Can't believe it's been 40-odd years since I had read this book. Still remains just as clever and made me laugh out loud a few times. Still love the clever word-play!Book was in reasonably good condition for having been read many times before. Might have been a library book at one point. Two sticky notes in the back from a child who was apparently planning a party. :-)

Old fashioned children's book so suitable for reading with young children or slightly older children for independent reading. Was given a copy by a friend when I fell out of love with my job and it made me remember the joy that learning can be. Highly recommended.

When I asked how the book was, I got a thumbs up from my step-daughter. Which is high praise indeed from an intelligent, somewhat reserved book-lover.

The story deals skillfully with early teenage resentment against learning and life's demands for an increasingly complex knowledge of vocabulary. Set through the mind's eye of an angry young teen, it follows his journey through an imaginary world beset by political issues linked to a never-ending multitude of words and phrases.

reading to grandsons

This may sound sad but Kat Denning (actress) tweeted about loving this book as a child & as i have a child who has no interest in books where she's not seem the movie first, I though I'd give it a go! So we're two chapters in & I love it, it's funny, charming, relatable and educational. I can't wait to keep reading! Some big words - for a 10 year old but manageable.