Review: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

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Source: Library
Published: March 2007
Scholastic

From Goodreads: Author-artist Selznick has 284 pencil drawings and actual photos (an old train engine falling from upper story to street below, Harold Lloyd in "Safety Lost" 1923, film stills), bases his story on facts. Automatons could draw pictures, write poems, and sign the maker's name, one by Maillardet neglected in a museum. George Méliès, 1861 magician turned film-maker, son of shoemaker-magnate, built his own camera Kinétographe, had 500+ successes, and was rediscovered in 1926 working at wife's Gare Montparness railroad station toy kiosk. 

Fiction: orphan clock-winder 1931 Paris lad Hugo steals to eat and repair robot from father's notebook, until he meets Méliès' pretty god-daughter Isabelle accompanied by helpful film student Etienne (movie Professeur Tabard). An unusual blend of graphic novel and history lesson results. 

Award-winning 2011 film expands book stills into color clips, stars Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, and Chloë Grace Moretz, expanded gendarme Sacha Baron Cohen and dog for comic relief, directed by Martin Scorsese for his daughter 11.

I've been meaning to read this one FOREVER. It was discussed in my children's lit class and I've had in on hold at the library since. After over 100 people, it was finally my turn. It took me all of 20 minutes to get through it the first time and then I went back immediately and read it again. I took my time on the 2nd go around, because I wanted to savor the absolutely gorgeous artwork. Wow. It was beautiful. The artwork serves to tell a fantastic story. It's gorgeous in its simplicity.

There are not very many words in Hugo Cabret. The few words that Selznick chooses to use are perfect and keep the story moving in perfect time with the pictures. Absolutely wonderful story.

It should be known that, as a very near future elementary teacher, I am a huge fan of picture books. This one seriously takes the cake as the best picture book I've ever come across.


You should also know that this book won the Caldecott Medal in 2008. That's a huge deal...the Newbery equivalent for picture books.

5 Eiffel Towers for this one.

Content Advisory:

Language: Mild

Sexuality: None

Violence: Mild

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