Normally when you write the name of a book and it’s author you don’t write the name of the illustrator unless the illustrations are integral to the book.  I didn’t think they were in this case until I read this article.  It turns out they were very integral to the writing of the book. Norton Juster wrote bits of this book, read them out to his roommate, Jules Feiffer, who sketched out some ideas. Juster then used these illustrations to give him more information on the writing.  A wonderful partnership.

I loved this book, despite it being around when I was young I only read it a few years ago.  I was totally enchanted.  Here’s the synopsis taken from the article:

Milo is a bored innocent who unexpectedly finds himself on a magical journey to a strange land. Accompanied by his traveling companions, Tock the watchdog and the Humbug, the young boy struggles to make sense of the nonsensical adult world and sets off to rescue princesses Rhyme and Reason.

How this happens is that he’s in his room and finds a toy car, getting in the car is the start of a magical journey.  It is full of puns and references to so many things that it’s worth reading multiple times to ensure you understand everything completely.  As an adult I adored it and could see how it would appeal to children of all ages, have I ever mentioned I tell people I’m 18?

What makes the book appeal to me more is this interview.  I rarely read author interviews as I find they’re so different to the book, the fact that they can write so differently to how they interview probably attests to their writing power, but in this case I read the whole thing.  What I found is that the author and illustrator are exactly like the book, they wrote/drew as they interview and I find that appealing.  They’re in their eighties but they sound as if they’re much younger than that, they haven’t lost their inner child, the inner child that came through into the book.

Enough from me. Your homework is to acquire the book (not from me as I’ve already sold it) and read it yourself.  It shouldn’t take long but it’s a wonderful journey.