Saturday, April 25, 2009

Recently Read: The Invention of Hugo Cabret

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

This book is unlike any other book I have read. I am currently working my way through Caldecott medal winners, and at 526 pages this book didn't seem to fit the criteria of children's book. While not a book for the very young, this book spins a great story of thievery, magic and time. It is an intriguing read.

Here is the description from the official website:
"ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, twelve-year-old Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message all come together...in The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

This 526-page book is told in both words and pictures. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is not exactly a novel, and it’s not quite a picture book, and it’s not really a graphic novel, or a flip book, or a movie, but a combination of all these things. Each picture (there are nearly three hundred pages of pictures!) takes up an entire double page spread, and the story moves forward because you turn the pages to see the next moment unfold in front of you."

3 comments:

Homeschool Friend said...

Thanks for sharing about this book. It sounds fabulous! I am considering reading this to my two boys ages 6 and 8 years old. Do you think it's appropriate for their ages? Also, do you know if there is a romantic element to Hugo and the girl he meets? I'd like to steer clear of that.

Thank you for any help you may be able to provide. I appreciate it.

Also, I love your blog! I'm really into Caldecott Awards winners too! And My Father's Dragon is our #1 favorite chapter book! Did you know there are two more in the series? They are terrific too. The story only gets better. I had to do some editing in the first book, but not so much in the second and third.

Happy reading! I think I may follow your blog. I really like your posts.

Nurture Mama said...

Thanks for visiting, Bookworm. I love to visit your blog, but I have to set a time limit on myself--you have so many great things that before I know it I've been there a long time and it's bedtime! You're giving me lots of great book read ideas.

About Hugo--the subject matter is a little more serious (think orphaned children), but to me there wasn't anything romantic in the relationship of the children. My children are a lot younger so I'm not the best judge when it comes to age appropriateness, but it doesn't take long to read so you can preview it before reading it aloud.

I'm excited to follow more of Elmer Elevator--we'll finish the first adventure tomorrow.

Homeschool Friend said...

Thank you for your reply! I will definitely be reading this book with my boys!

Thanks for your compliment about my blog! I am so happy to have found yours!!! I'll be following along so as to not miss anything!