The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

I picked up The Invention of Hugo Cabret as I was browsing for award-winning books at my local library. The book requires a two-handed approach; I looked at it doubtfully, as I compared its size to much smaller books that also met the "award-winning" requirement. My eight-year-old daughter spotted me and exclaimed, "Mom! You HAVE to read that book. Don't worry...it doesn't take as long as you would think." With that encouragement, I dropped the book into my bag and continued my treasure hunt.

I am so thankful that I took the opportunity to read this story! The book consists of 525 wonderful pages, including 284 pages of illustrations. It is a story that is part novel and part graphic novel. The hand-drawn illustrations do not depict what is happening in the text, but rather continue the tale without the need for words. It is a fantastic story; there is just enough sadness to make you appreciate the happy ending.

The main character of the tale is Hugo Cabret. He has been orphaned twice, once by his father and mother, and again by his uncle. He finds himself living in a train station, where he maintains all the clocks in the station so that no one notices that his uncle is no longer there. He is obsessed with repairing a mechanical man, a device that reminds him of time spent with his father. His quest for replacement parts leads him to meet a toymaker whose own past twists and turns to connect with Hugo's present. His story concludes on a happy note, but not as he might have envisioned.

This story will appeal to readers from many different backgrounds. A more mature reader will readily be able to interpret the illustrations and understand the issues for discussion, such as the death of Hugo's parents. A great deal of historical information is provided, including cinematic history. This could be used in grades 4-7 (and possibly others, depending upon the class). It could be read as a read-aloud for the entire class.

I truly recommend reading this book. Despite its intimidating appearance, the minutes fly by as you read this delightful story.

Selznick, B. (2007). The invention of Hugo Cabret. New York: Scholastic Press.

Winner of the Caldecott Medal and a National Book Award Finalist