Title: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Author: Brian Selznick
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Date: 2007
Age Range: 4th grade and up
Summary: When twelve year old Hugo, an orphan living and repairing clocks within the walls of a Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toyseller and his goddaughter, his undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardized.
Strengths:
I love the mixture of storytelling. It moves around beautifully. How many times have I read a book and tried to visualize a chase scene and it comes up less than par. But this book is able to have its peaceful text and it's romping pictures. The story is strong and engaging. I've actually heard of automaton and I love the use of it within this story. The illustrations are wonderfully done as well, with the penciled cross hatching. The use of actual movie stills is a great move too.
Concerns:
It's thick and daunting looking which may turn kids off who judge books by their cover/size.
The ending, for me, was abrupt. I felt like there could have been more. The way he ended it was good but I wanted more. I felt like some things weren't worked out the right way.
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