Here are some key influences:
* Lewis Carroll: Juster clearly drew inspiration from Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass." His use of nonsensical language, whimsical characters, and illogical situations echoes Carroll's work.
* Children's Literature Classics: Juster's love for classic children's literature like "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and "Peter Pan" is apparent in the fantastical elements and the use of language in "The Phantom Tollbooth."
* His own childhood: Juster has spoken about how his childhood experiences of playing with language and exploring the world around him heavily influenced his writing. He also drew inspiration from his father, who was a writer and editor.
* His love for mathematics and logic: Juster's background in mathematics and architecture is evident in the way he uses logic and structure within his fantastical narratives. He uses these concepts to create humorous situations and introduce complex ideas in a playful way.
Ultimately, Juster's unique voice and style developed from a blend of these diverse inspirations. He was a master at weaving together language, humor, and a deep understanding of human nature to create stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.