As: A Surfeit of Similes

The book As: A Surfeit of Similes uses illustrated comparisons to explore the possibilities of similes in language. Each page presents a different simile accompanied by Arnold Roth's ink drawings that bring the comparisons to life. Norton Juster, author of The Phantom Tollbooth, crafts a collection that demonstrates how similes function in both expected and unexpected ways. The format pairs simple text with complex illustrations to create connections between objects, actions, and ideas. This work stands as an examination of language's ability to create meaning through comparison and association. The interplay between words and images invites readers to consider how we understand concepts by relating them to other, more familiar things.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Norton Juster's overall work: Readers praise Norton Juster's ability to make complex ideas fun through wordplay and mathematical concepts. The Phantom Tollbooth receives particular appreciation for respecting children's intelligence while remaining entertaining for adults. Many readers report returning to his books years later and discovering new layers of meaning. Readers highlight: - Clever puns and plays on literal/figurative language - Mathematical and logical concepts woven naturally into stories - Characters that encourage critical thinking - Illustrations that complement the text Common criticisms: - Some find the writing style too dense or abstract for young readers - Occasional complaints about pacing, especially in middle sections - Some parents note concepts go over children's heads Ratings snapshot: The Phantom Tollbooth: - Goodreads: 4.2/5 (300,000+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.8/5 (3,000+ reviews) The Dot and the Line: - Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,000+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.7/5 (100+ reviews) One reader noted: "Like Alice in Wonderland for math and language lovers - reveals something new with each reading."

Word Fun by Richard Lederer This collection features word play, puns, and linguistic curiosities in the same spirit as Juster's playful exploration of similes.

Metaphors Dictionary by Elyse Sommer and Dorrie Weiss The book presents thousands of metaphors sorted by theme, serving as both a reference guide and source of linguistic entertainment.

The Book of Wholly Cats by Ralph Steadman The text uses cat-based puns and wordplay to create a lexicon of feline-themed linguistic humor and clever language manipulation.

Crazy English by Richard Lederer The book examines the peculiarities and paradoxes of English language through examples, puzzles, and linguistic patterns.

Anguished English by Richard Lederer This compilation of language blunders, malapropisms, and unintentional wordplay demonstrates the humorous side of English usage errors.

🌟 Norton Juster wrote his most famous work, "The Phantom Tollbooth," while procrastinating on a different book about urban planning that he was supposed to be writing. 🌟 "As" was published in 1962, the year after "The Phantom Tollbooth," during what would become Juster's most productive period as a children's author. 🌟 Before becoming a full-time writer, Juster worked as an architect and taught architecture and planning at Pratt Institute and Hampshire College. 🌟 Similes, the focus of this book, are one of the oldest known literary devices, dating back to ancient Sumerian poetry from over 4,000 years ago. 🌟 The book's illustrator, David Small, won the 2001 Caldecott Medal for "So You Want to Be President?" and later created a critically acclaimed graphic memoir titled "Stitches."