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The Invention of Hugo Cabret: A Novel in Words and Pictures

by Brian Selznick

Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+

Published by Scholastic, 2007

  • Graphic novels

About this book

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 interlock with an eccentric girl and her grandfather, 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 from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

This is a beautiful graphic novel within a novel - the soft pencil drawings bringing the story alive and the gold edged pages make this book a lovely object to read.

About the author

Brian Selznick grew up in New Jersey and graduated from the Rhode Island School of Art and Design in 1988. He worked for two years after graduation at Eeyore's Books for Children in New York City. His first book was published while he worked there. Brian has also designed theater sets and worked as a professional puppeteer. His first book, The Houdini Box, was inspired by a fascination with the famous magician. He has also illustrated both novels and picture books for other writers. 

In 2008, his groundbreaking book The Invention of Hugo Cabret was awarded the Caldecott Medal. It was nominated for a National Book Award and was the basis for Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning film Hugo. His follow-up illustrated novel, Wonderstruck, debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list. The Marvels was published in autumn 2015. Brian divides his time between Brooklyn, New York and San Diego with his husband Dr David Serlin, a professor at the University of California.

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