The Phantom Tollbooth

“Of all the enchantments of beloved books, the most mysterious-the most phantasmal-is the way they always seem to come our way precisely when we need them.” - Michael Chabon
“Whimsy, wordplay, and wisdom: these are the inexhaustible gifts of The Phantom Tollbooth.” - Martha Minow
These statements in the Celebrations portion at the back of the 50th Anniversary Edition I read sum up (in a very small way) what I felt about this book. I'm sad I didn't read it in my childhood. It is brilliant, fun AND meaningful and thoughtful. Between this and The Little Prince, which I read recently, I have garnered more inspiration and wisdom than many of the adult books I've read. And they both came at a time where I feel myself floundering in a world that no longer makes sense and is hard to find positivity and purpose. Children always remind us how to find wonder in the simplest things, to delight in things we take for granted as adults and really good children's books can teach adults to rediscover that wonder and to make it a part of their own life, while also being an encouragement and push to children to never loose it in the first place. The Phantom Tollbooth has SO many lessons and words of wisdom and thoughtful points that I feel it would take several reading to truly appreciate them all. Package that all with a romping adventure and lovable characters and it makes this book an absolute treasure. If you are a kid OR an adult this book is highly recommended and truly deserves to be among the greatest classic literature. It charmed me, taught me and I will carry it with me in my daily life always. Not to mention countless future re-reads.