Janice writes, “A new documentary, ‘The Phantom Tollbooth: Beyond Expectations,’ about the classic children’s book is available to the public. The film by Brooklyn-based filmmaker Hannah Jayanti playfully explores the creation, creators, lasting impact and enduring relevance of one of the most universally beloved children’s books of our time.”
One of my all-time favorite books, and they’re doing DRM-free downloads.
Through interviews, animation and archival materials, ‘Beyond Expectations’ traces the friendship between author Norton Juster and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Jules Feiffer, and the wit and wisdom of the novel over half a century. From its opening sequence, featuring actor David Hyde Pierce, the film introduces viewers to the hilarious world and deeper themes of The Phantom Tollbooth. Discover Norton Juster’s word play, watch Jules Feiffer draw Tollbooth protagonist Milo, hear children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle reflect on the creative process and Adam Gopnik share what makes the book a classic.
Historian Leonard Marcus, author of The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth, places the book — which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011 — within a historical, cultural and literary context, while legendary Random House editorial director Jason Epstein reveals that he published the book against the judgment of others in the business who predicted the book would fail because its vocabulary was thought to be too difficult for children. In spite of these forecasts, the book triumphed, has sold some 4 million copies and been translated into 20 languages.
The Phantom Tollbooth: Beyond Expectations
(Thanks, Janice!)