The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Dec.15, 2008, under Caldecott, Graphic Novels, Mystery, Sam's Reviews, YRCA
Who would like this book?
Do you like wind-up toys? Silent movies? Old clocks? Graphic novels? Paris? If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, read this book! This book has magical qualities and fascinating connections- it appeals to all ages.
Why? Hugo is a twelve-year-old orphan who lives in the walls of a Paris train station in the early part of the 20th century. Hugo has inherited his deceased father’s skill with intricate clocks and has set out to repair a mysterious automaton (a robot that is seated, ready to write a message). Hugo’s daily life involves maintaining the train station’s clocks (a job he inherited from his uncle, who has disappeared mysteriously) and stealing his food and the parts he needs for the automaton. The latter pursuit puts him in the bad graces of the grouchy keeper of the nearby toyshop. The shopkeeper and his impetuous goddaughter become intertwined with Hugo’s life, and the complications are riveting. As you read, pay attention for foreshadowing that hints at the amazing climax. The intersection of a well-told story with intricate illustrations is masterful, a creative breathtaking breakthrough into a new way to tell a story. Selznick has amazing timing in the choices for where he inserted the illustrations. This book held me spellbound. What’s more, there are lots of fantastic historical connections to silent films and automatons. Related websites:
The book’s opening images
The Maillardet automaton:
http://www.fi.edu/learn/sci-tech/automaton/automaton.php?cts=instrumentation
A video interview with the author:
http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Hugo-Cabret-Brian-Selznick/dp/0439813786
The details: 544 p. 2007
