The Invention of Hugo Cabret

The Invention of Hugo Cabret
By Brian Selznick
Scholastic Press, 2007. 533 pgs. Chapter book.

This delightfully unique book features an orphan boy who lives a reclusive life behind the walls of a Parisian train station. He maintains the clocks of the station from behind these walls while struggling to survive through thievery and remaining as unnoticed as possible. However, when one of his attempts to steal brings him in contact with a sour toymaker and his inquisitive goddaughter, his secrecy is blown and a chain of fascinating events follow.

This book is in its own field as a highly image-driven novel. It has the feel of a picture book for older children or adults. I felt that although the concept of the book was interesting, the text of the book fell rather flat. The pictures were also a fun addition but felt somewhat unfinished and, at times, a bit repetitive. However, despite these drawbacks, I was still intrigued enough to finish the book and enjoyed it for what it was. I think it's a great book for more reluctant readers to tackle as the amount of text is very manageable.

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