Norton Juster author page

Norton Juster biography

Norton Juster was an American author and architect, best known for his contributions to children’s literature. He studied architecture at the University of Pennsylvania and later became a professor of architecture and environmental design. Juster’s background in architecture influenced his creative approach to storytelling, often incorporating elements of wordplay and logic into his works.

Juster’s most recognised book is The Phantom Tollbooth, first published in 1961 by Epstein & Carroll. The novel, illustrated by Jules Feiffer, follows the adventures of a boy named Milo as he journeys through a fantastical world filled with puns and puzzles. The book has been widely regarded as a classic of children’s literature and is frequently included in school curricula.

In addition to The Phantom Tollbooth, Juster wrote The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics, published in 1963. This book, also illustrated by Jules Feiffer, uses mathematical concepts to tell a whimsical story about shapes and relationships. Juster’s other works include Alberic the Wise and Other Journeys (1965) and The Hello, Goodbye Window (2005), the latter of which was illustrated by Chris Raschka and received the Caldecott Medal in 2006.

Juster’s writing is characterised by inventive language, humour, and a focus on intellectual curiosity. His books have been published by various imprints, including Knopf and Michael di Capua Books. In 2006, The Hello, Goodbye Window was awarded the Caldecott Medal.