I only treat illnesses that don't exist...

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Daily Quote: "I don't want to be cured of beautiful sounds," insisted Milo.

"Besides," growled Tock, who decided that he didn't much like Dr. Dischord, "there is no such illness as lack of noise."

"Of course not," replied the doctor, pouring himself a small glass of the liquid; "that's what makes it so difficult to cure. I only treat illnesses that don't exist: that way, if I can't cure them, there's no harm done - just one of the precautions of the trade," he concluded.

We're heading down to Books of Wonder today - see you there!

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Meet Norton Juster, author of The Phantom Tollbooth, at Books of Wonder on November 12

Posted in Time Out Kids Blog by Lee Magill on Nov 11, 2011 at 6:20pm

 The wonderful Phantom Tollbooth turns 50 this year, and to celebrate the book and its creators, author Norton Juster and illustrator Jules Feiffer, Books of Wonder is hosting a discussion, Q&A and book signing Saturday, November 12, from noon to 2pm. Esteemed children's book historian Leonard Marcus will moderate the discussion, and all three will take questions from the audience afterward. If you want to get your book signed by Juster and Feiffer, come early, as numbers will be assigned to families for the book signing in the order in which they purchase books at the store. There's not only a commemorative 50th anniversary printing of the book but also a brand-new annotated version penned by Marcus that fills diehard enthusiasts in on various backstories and references. Sat Nov 12 noon–2pm. Books of Wonder. Free. Ages 8 and up.

 

The Number Mine...

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Daily Quote: "They are exceptional," said Tock, who had a special fondness for numbers.

"So that's where they come from," said Milo, looking in awe at the glittering collection of numbers. He returned them to the Dodecahedron as carefully as possible but, as he did, one dropped to the floor with a smash and broke in two. The Humbug winced and Milo looked terribly concerned.

"Oh, don't worry about that," said that Mathemagician as he scooped up the pieces. "We use the broken ones for fractions."

"Thank you again for your work that has truly been a treasure of mine..."

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Another lovely story from a Phantom Tollbooth fan - a thank you to Norton & Jules: "The Tollbooth was and is my favorite children's book of all time. I have read it every year since elementary school and I'm turning 23 next year. ) Thank you for your amazing literature. I've suggested the book to my boyfriend, family, friends, and even acquaintances if the topic arises. I can't wait for the doc! Thank you again for your work that has truly been a treasure of mine." 

The most important reason for going from one place to another is to see what's in between...

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Daily Quote: "Didn't they have any place to go?" asked Milo.

"To be sure," continued Alec; "but, as you know, the most important reason for going from one place to another is to see what's in between, and they took great pleasure in doing just that. Then one day someone discovered that if you walked as fast as possible and looked at nothing but your shoes you would arrive at your destination much more quickly. Soon everyone was doing it. They all rushed down the avenues and hurried along the boulevards seeing nothing of the wonders and beauties of their city as they went."

Milo remembered the many times he'd done the very same thing; and, as hard as he tried, there were even things on his own street that he couldn't remember.

"It always brings a smile to my face when I see the bright blue cover around the ED..."

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Another great story from a Nurse who shares The Phantom Tollbooth around her department: "I'm a nurse in a very busy Emergency Department with a large pediatric population. I brought in my old copy of The Phantom Tollbooth about a year ago for our pediatric toy/book/video cart. The book has made its way around the entire department. It's also been taken home by numerous nurses to introduce to their kids. I can only imagine the immunities the physical book has provided! It always brings a smile to my face when I see the bright blue cover around the ED, whether it's being read to calm a child or marked with a "Do not remove. I'm reading this!" sign."