The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a beautiful book that is a great recommendation for both reluctant and avid young readers (ages 9-12). Although the book seems daunting at first glance, over 500 pages long, more than half of those pages consist of beautiful black and white pencil illustrations by the author/illustrator, images that don't just complement the story but actually further it along. In fact, Hugo is the first non-picture book to be awarded the 2008 Caldecott Medal, and it also was a National Book Award finalist. Selznick brings together elements of mystery, romance, science and historical fiction as he weaves his tale of a young orphan boy living alone and unnoticed in the walls of a busy Paris train station in the 1930s - unnoticed that is until he discovers a discarded automaton (wind-up robot-like figure) and begins to uncover its origins, causing his secret world to collide with a strange young girl, a mean toy store owner, and his own past. Described by many as part graphic novel, part flip book, Selznick has created a truly unique reading experience. Find this selection on the juvenile fiction shelves at J SEL, and be sure to read it before you see the movie, directed by Martin Scorsese in 3D, and scheduled for release this November. 
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET by Brian Selznick
The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a beautiful book that is a great recommendation for both reluctant and avid young readers (ages 9-12). Although the book seems daunting at first glance, over 500 pages long, more than half of those pages consist of beautiful black and white pencil illustrations by the author/illustrator, images that don't just complement the story but actually further it along. In fact, Hugo is the first non-picture book to be awarded the 2008 Caldecott Medal, and it also was a National Book Award finalist. Selznick brings together elements of mystery, romance, science and historical fiction as he weaves his tale of a young orphan boy living alone and unnoticed in the walls of a busy Paris train station in the 1930s - unnoticed that is until he discovers a discarded automaton (wind-up robot-like figure) and begins to uncover its origins, causing his secret world to collide with a strange young girl, a mean toy store owner, and his own past. Described by many as part graphic novel, part flip book, Selznick has created a truly unique reading experience. Find this selection on the juvenile fiction shelves at J SEL, and be sure to read it before you see the movie, directed by Martin Scorsese in 3D, and scheduled for release this November. 
