(Tween – Adult) When twelve-year-old Hugo, an orphan living and repairing clocks within the walls of a Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toy seller and his goddaughter, his undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardised.
When I read this author’s book Wonderstruck I was captivated by the combination of words and beautiful crafted drawings that together tell the story. It’s an experience. Selznick’s books have an old fashioned feel and tone, which I like. Even though Selznick’s books are Junior Fiction, they can be enjoyed by adults as well.
The historical fiction aspect of The Invention of Hugo Cabret was so interesting. I had never heard of Georges Méliès (pronounced mel-YEZ), a French magician and actor. His innovations and influence had a huge impact on early film making. There really was a dramatic train crash at Gare Montparnasse in 1895.
This book was the first novel to win the Caldecott Medal in 2008, usually for children’s picture books.
Selznick’s pencil drawing illustrations are exquisite.
As with Wonderstruck, there is a movie called Hugo (2011) by Martin Scorsese, which has been described as full of innocence and magic. Here you can see excerpts of the movie in between Scorsese speaking of his life and the wonder of cinema.
Joanne's Reading Blog 
I remember giving this book to our granddaughter and she read favorite lines and sections to me. That was magical, too.
Thank you so much for this recommendation, Joanne. I just downloaded the book on Kindle and ended up ignoring the call to dinner because I was so engrossed. Yes, indeed, the writing is charming and the illustrations inspired. They framed a story that transported me. I’m going to find hardback copies for grandchildren! Again, thank you for this gift. Warmly, Laurelle
Hi Laurelle! So glad you got so absorbed in this book! Selznick’s stories are like that. I always love books that appeal to all ages at the same time!