Don't miss Selznick's other novels in words and pictures, Wonderstruck and The Marvels, which together with The Invention of Hugo Cabret, form an extraordinary thematic trilogy!
2008 Caldecott Medal winnerThe groundbreaking debut novel from bookmaking pioneer, Brian Selznick!Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, 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--like the gears of the clocks he keeps--with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the 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 from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.With 284 pages of original drawings and combining elements of picture book, graphic novel, and film, Brian Selznick breaks open the novel form to create an entirely new reading experience. Here is a stunning cinematic tour de force from a boldly innovative storyteller and artist.Download and start listening now!
"While more jaded adults might have found The Invention of Hugo Cabret a bit simplistic, for a children's book I found it to be quite perfect. There's mystery, suspense, hope, friendship, and the theme of the importance of imagination. More than half the book is told through beautiful drawings that are integrated in such a way that they don't merely show the scene described by the author but are integral to telling the story. I recommend it for everyone young at heart."
— Kristin (5 out of 5 stars)
“Evokes wonder…like a silent film on paper.”
— New York Times“A story as tantalizing as it is touching…A standout achievement.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Shatters conventions.”
— School Library Journal (starred review)“Complete genius.”
— Horn Book" I enjoyed this book, and the pictures made it very unique. It is a very good quality book and I also enjoyed the mystery and excitement it offered. "
— Mallory, 2/17/2014" A caldecott award winner for older students! I loved the pictures in this book. They told part of the story that didn't need words. The pictures also enhanced some of the movie scenes that could not be explained in words. The pictures are so gorgeous that it is hard to believe that these pictures were drawn and not computer generated. I love the detail to each picture and how in some scenes the picture zooms in and in and in. The black and white pictures add to the serious and eerie tone of the book. The story of Hugo Cabaret was a little bit dark for me and advanced, meaning it was meant more for middle school aged children. I didn't like the drunken uncle and all the ideas about death... so always be aware of what your child is reading. This book did have a lot of story line to follow meaning that it is a picture book for older students. I really like this because 5th through middle school students stop reading picture book and transition to chapter books with no pictures at all. I think that pictures keep the imagination working and this book really supports my thoughts. The pictures help tell the story and keep the reader engaged. "
— Leslie, 2/7/2014" Around 400-500 pages and yet I read it about a day. The way the pictures and the words told the story was amazing. "
— Camryn, 2/5/2014" I LOVE this book. The illustrations are amazing, the story is compelling and the size makes kids feel really good about themselves and their reading skills!!!!, "
— Trey, 1/29/2014" I absolutely loved this book. It is filled with amazing drawings that tell much of the story, but the words are wonderful too. This is one of those rare times where I saw the movie before reading the book. The movie didn't encourage me to read it though, I saw the movie months ago. Just a really fun, easy and enjoyable book. "
— Teri, 1/20/2014" I got a book to read not watch a movie! The picture where nice looking... "
— Maddy, 1/13/2014" As much as I enjoyed the audiobook, which was really well-done, I am probably going to pick up the book itself for the illustrations. "
— Denise, 1/12/2014" I liked the story of this book, but I also liked the images and pictures in this book. It helped me in understanding the books more easily and because of the images, I could imagine more about the story. Moreover, it showed the good adventure of the main character Hugo. "
— Sera7207, 1/7/2014" I was pleasantly surprised with this one. The pictures definitely helped tell the story and the characters were so real. "
— Daniel, 12/14/2013" The pictures were amazing and I thought the story was really good too! 5/5 stars! "
— Monica, 12/11/2013" I really enjoyed reading this with Lucah. It was fun for us to experience the "mystery" elements together. This also lead us to some internet research on automatons and George Melies films. "
— Laura, 12/4/2013" This book is completely unique. Really I can only describe it as beautiful. A must read just because it is so different. And it won't take you long, I started and finished it today. "
— Tyler, 11/23/2013" I am a sucker for stories told with words and pictures. I didn't really know anything about magicians or automatons before I read this book, so I found that stuff fascinating. (I didn't realize so much of it was true until I finished it.) "
— Elizabeth, 11/17/2013" I loved this book and was a quick read! Looks big but mostly filled with pictures. "
— Morgan, 9/8/2013" The photos where amazing and really helped the story line. The photos have such great detail. I spent most of the time just looking at the pictures. The story line was good and I just felt so bad for Hugo. The photos of him allowed you to see his emotions. "
— Lisa, 8/29/2013" I loved this book. So unique with the illustrations and the characters and storyline "
— Yvonne, 7/13/2013" Contains a great amount of heart, excitement, imagination, and action. Amazing illustrations, too. A, 5 stars. "
— Elliot, 3/11/2013" Sad but amazing book about a boy with lost family and a toy maker. Heart-warming and fun. All in all an amazing book! "
— Danielle, 2/1/2013" I expected more words than pictures. Just watch the movie, it is all the same. The artist did more work than the author! "
— Kristen, 12/13/2012" This silent movie type of book had a great story of mystery and snooping around. It is a different feel because of the length but mostly pictures and I would recommend it to older kids because the story is a little confusing. "
— Prw41894, 9/30/2012" Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Love the pictures as well. Just proves picture books are just as readable as "word" books. "
— Barbara, 9/19/2012" I loved the use of illustration to advance the plot. I wish I could jump into the book and see the old clocks. "
— Lela, 8/24/2012" Loved this combination of illustrations and text.... "
— Ichs, 6/28/2012" This is a great book I will highly recommend "
— Syd, 4/23/2012" Yes, I know, another book for kids...but it was so much fun! If you can't decide if you want to read a book or watch a movie, grab this book and you will do both. I liked the story. I liked that all the questions were answered. I liked the drawings. And I really liked this book :) "
— Cecilia, 7/1/2011" Caldecott. Great illustrations, I was worried when I rented it would take a long time to read until I realized the majority is drawings. Good read but somewhat slow going. "
— Lindsey, 6/30/2011" This was the quickest 500-something page book I've ever read. The illustrations scattered throughout really added to the story. Without them I would have thought of this as a mediocre read. But it was decent read. I would recommend it to young readers. "
— Elissa, 6/28/2011" This is a quick, fun read. The illustrations are amazing and the story engaging. "
— Elizabeth, 6/28/2011" A very good book and it is very easy to read! Nice plot as well! It's a must read!<br/> "
— Pavit, 6/27/2011" I've never read anything else like this before. I don't know if this even makes sense, but the story had the feeling of an old black and white film. I particularly loved the texture in Selznick's art. I'm looking forward to sharing this with my students. "
— Carrie, 6/27/2011" SO AWESOME!!....unique storyline and very realistic pictures....you can finish<br/>this 2 inch thick book in one day because half of the book contains pictures<br/>(really good pictures)... "
— Apexa, 6/27/2011" I was disappointed to find this book in the children's section, but then realized as I read it that this is a book I would have loved to read as a child. I realized I shouldn't be ashamed to be reading a children's book, especially when it is something this beautifully told with such artwork. "
— Alexandra, 6/26/2011" Since this is a children's book, I flew through it and the pencil drawings inside were so amazing to look at as well as help move the narrative along. I loved all the characters as well, and how their specific actions and secrets helped to fill out the story. But those pencil drawings, bravo..... "
— Sierra, 6/26/2011" Train stations! Paris! Clocks! Movies! YAY! "
— Jill, 6/25/2011" Aiden also loved this book! I know we will read it again and again! "
— Becomingsix, 6/25/2011" Nice story. Beautiful black and white pictures throughout! "
— Jacynthe, 6/24/2011" This is one of Hunter's favorite books. We read it to him 3 times. "
— Hunter, 6/23/2011" I don't even really know what to say about this book other than it was fantastic. Part graphic novel-part novel, this book had me hooked from page 1. The drawings complemented the text in a way that I have never seen before. Putting the book down was impossible. "
— Colby, 6/23/2011" I loved this book and I can't wait to see the movie. If the descriptions of the train station and the automan are any thing close to the book then it will be great. "
— Erica, 6/22/2011" Beautiful book. Captures your attention right away. I'd use this w/ a grade 7 english class. "
— Lesley, 6/20/2011Brian Selznick is an author whose books have sold millions of copies, garnered countless awards worldwide, and been translated into more than thirty-five languages. He broke open the novel form with his innovative and genre-defying thematic trilogy, beginning with the Caldecott Medal-winning #1 New York Times bestseller The Invention of Hugo Cabret, adapted into Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning movie Hugo. He also illustrated the twentieth anniversary edition covers of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Learn more at thebrianselznick.com and mediaroom.scholastic.com/brianselznick.
Jeff Woodman is an actor and narrator. He is a winner of the prestigious Audie Award and a six-time finalist. He has received twenty Earphones Awards and was named the 2008 Best Voice in Fiction & Classics, as well as one of the Fifty Greatest Voices of the Century by AudioFile magazine. As an actor, he originated the title role in Tennessee Williams’ The Notebook of Trigorin and won the S. F. Critics’ Circle Award for his performance in An Ideal Husband. In addition to numerous theater credits on and off Broadway, his television work includes Sex and the City, Law & Order, and Cosby.