Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth follows bored Milo, who drives through a magical tollbooth into a world where language and mathematics come alive. Through adventures in the Kingdom of Wisdom, encounters with the Mathemagician and King Azaz, and the quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason, Juster creates a celebration of learning and curiosity. The novel becomes both wordplay adventure and argument for education's value, proving that Juster made learning magical and that some children's books are really for everyone.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Juster created the ultimate book about the joy of learning, where puns are adventures and boredom is the real enemy. This classic reminds us that the Doldrums are where you get stuck when you stop thinking, that Tock the watchdog is the perfect companion, and that rescuing Rhyme and Reason literally saves the kingdom.

DETAILS: • Author: Norton Juster • Publisher: Yearling Books • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: October 12, 1988 • ISBN: 9780394820378 • Edition: Anniversary • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days