The Invention of Hugo Cabret (fiction)
​Brian Selznick (2007)

THE A5 BOOK REVIEW

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a remarkable and unique fictional book about an orphan who lives in a train station in Paris.  The story is very much driven by pictures, featuring 284 beautiful illustrations within the 526 pages, and in fact the book won the 2008 Caldecott Medal for picture books.  During the 1930s, Hugo and his father discover an “automation” (a large mechanical wind-up figure) and spend time trying to fix it together.  When his father dies unexpectedly, Hugo ends up living in the train station fixing clocks.  The touching story then begins two years later, when a shopkeeper and his daughter discover Hugo.  The real-life inspiration for the book is George Melies, a pioneer French filmmaker also famous for his collection of automata.  Appropriate for ages 8+.
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A5 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THOSE WHO LIKED THIS BOOK

GREAT QUOTES:

.“As I look out at all of you gathered here, I want to say that I don't see a room full of Parisians in top hats and diamonds and silk dresses. I don't see bankers and housewives and store clerks. No. I address you all tonight as you truly are: wizards, mermaids, travelers, adventurers, and magicians. You are the true dreamers.” 
- Brian Selznick, The Invention of Hugo Cabret

INTERESTING LINKS:

  • The Invention of Hugo Cabret was turned into a feature film in 2012 by Martin Scorsese.  The film was well received, nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and ended up winning five for Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects, and Best Cinematography.  As always, we recommend to read the book first.
  • The official site is the best source of information on this wonderful book - click here for more information.

THE OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR THE MOVIE