At the Tollbooth
I am seeing the author and illustrator of my favorite book ever. At one of my favorite bookstores ever. With Carole.
Okay, breathe. (Which is more than I did when I saw the writing on the wall.)
When Carole and I were in Politics and Prose for Sara Gruen's reading (more on that later), Carole sought a couple of Newbery Award-winning books for her collection in the children's book section. (She found two of the rarer titles, which was a lovely addition to the evening.)
As Carole stood at the cash register with her purchases in hand, my eye caught a sign on the wall behind the bookseller:
At that point, I stopped breathing and grabbed Carole's shoulder.
"What?" Carole aske, alarmed. (Normally I'm not speechless.)
I pointed at the wall.
The gasp Carole uttered was worthy of a Juster-Feiffer lover.
The Phantom Tollbooth is my "desert island" book, and I keep extra copies on hand for loans. I also give the book as a gift to people of all ages. From the very young (Bradley was about a week old) to the, er, adult, everyone who has received it has declared it the perfect gift.
I knew the duo were publishing another book this year, but I hadn't kept track of its progress. The Odious Ogre is out and ready for me to read. Once the author and illustrator's signatures are on the books, I will be a content woman.
Okay, breathe. (Which is more than I did when I saw the writing on the wall.)
When Carole and I were in Politics and Prose for Sara Gruen's reading (more on that later), Carole sought a couple of Newbery Award-winning books for her collection in the children's book section. (She found two of the rarer titles, which was a lovely addition to the evening.)
As Carole stood at the cash register with her purchases in hand, my eye caught a sign on the wall behind the bookseller:
Norton Juster
and Jules Feiffer
will be here
at....
At that point, I stopped breathing and grabbed Carole's shoulder.
"What?" Carole aske, alarmed. (Normally I'm not speechless.)
I pointed at the wall.
The gasp Carole uttered was worthy of a Juster-Feiffer lover.
The Phantom Tollbooth is my "desert island" book, and I keep extra copies on hand for loans. I also give the book as a gift to people of all ages. From the very young (Bradley was about a week old) to the, er, adult, everyone who has received it has declared it the perfect gift.
I knew the duo were publishing another book this year, but I hadn't kept track of its progress. The Odious Ogre is out and ready for me to read. Once the author and illustrator's signatures are on the books, I will be a content woman.
Now, plenty of people will see them at the National Book Festival, and I wish those readers all the best in that endeavor. However, I'll be seeing these two talented men at a wonderful bookstore with however many people will fit within its walls.
Carole and I will be there early. I don't think we'll camp out at the door, but I can't rule out the possibility. May the bookstore staff take pity on two very eager readers early on a Sunday.
Carole and I will be there early. I don't think we'll camp out at the door, but I can't rule out the possibility. May the bookstore staff take pity on two very eager readers early on a Sunday.
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