"The Phantom Tollbooth": Crafting a literary classic

Today Juster gets a rock star's reception at places like the Field School in Washington, D.C., where every single student read the book.

"In the book are concerns and things that I think almost every child goes through - fears, uncertainties, apprehensions, misunderstandings," said Juster.

A 50th-anniversary edition was recently published, with appreciations by other writers . . . and generations of readers line up to get their sometimes-tattered books signed, and talk about what the book meant to them.

Which clearly delights these two old friends...

"This is why you do these things," Feiffer said. "You want to make a connection between yourself and some anonymous readers out there, who you will be important to, and who are important to you in consequence."

"So, what you're proudest of this book is really the fact that people can read into it what they want to?" asked Braver.

"Yes, and with my delight and blessing," Feiffer replied.

For more info:

• "The Phantom Tollbooth" 50th Anniversary edition by Norton Juster, illus. by Jules Feiffer (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
• Queen Restaurant, Brooklyn Heights, N.Y.

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[dman6015]

"The Phantom Toolbooth"??? Are you serious, CBSNews.com? Do you even employ editors any longer? I didn't even have to see the picture of the book to know that it was supposed to be Tollbooth.

[micmac666]

Proofreaders are probably the lowest paid and the first to go.

[markag55]

I never read it when I was a kid when it was first published in 1961. However, when I started teaching middle school in 1986, it was one of the novels that was read in 6th grade. Although I taught 7th grade, I read all the novels that my students had read the previous year. This was my introduction--finally--to what has become one of my most favorite children's novels of all times, "The Phantom Tollbooth."

Congratulations to Mr. Juster and, of course, the famous Jules Feiffer! Can you believe this is how you started out your diverse careers? I'm so glad you are both alive to revel in this anniversary of your classic book. The critic at the "New Yorker" was right. It was an instant classic and continues to be one!

[hw_scott]

My absolutely favorite book. This book became an instant favorite for 6th grader students in my reading classes at Edison Middle School in Port Arthur, Texas!

[Todd-Debt-Free]

Complete gibberish even for children. I never enjoyed such writing. Give me a good documentary or Text manual. Congratulations however on your Pride in silly nonsense success.

[democracy8]

It's an excellent book with many good lessons. Sorry that they went "whoosh" right over your tiny, little Pinhead!

[epfra]

I have big fears about our country now taking things too seriously, and yet at same time, there is also a widespread lack of respect of good manners as well. These authors probably dropped LSD, so did Steve Jobs, so did the Beetles as well as so many of the great forgotten musicians and composers of the 60s. Most of the great English authors including Shakespeare imbibed some drugs. I abhor the drug violence in Mexico and don't like hard drugs and methamphetamines. But LSD and psilocybin should not be outlawed, but allowable in small quantities perhaps. Anyway problem is having a cutthroat police force sometimes. And don't do drugs and drive.

[micmac666]

"Beatles"

[democracy8]

One of my favorite books from my childhood. Agree that CBS editors need to do a better job. Spellcheck anyone?

[SoCal_Gridlock]

Is it toolbooth or tollbooth?

Either way, somebody at CBS needs to go back to skool.

[broke_daddy]

Just have to say I wondered what a "Toolbooth" was. Folks if you can't get the title of the article right, you need a different editor.

[micmac666]

A typo in a literature headline. Ironicle.