Review: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Description (from the book cover): ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, twelve-year-old 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 with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train 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 all come together in the Invention of Hugo Cabret.

My thoughts: They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that is true, you would need 284,000 words to make the equal of this amazing book. I've never read anything like it, actually. It's a novel, but it's also a little like a graphic novel and a bit like a movie. This is a quick read with all the pictures, and I whipped through it in a couple hours, with lots of time spent poring over the drawings. I wish I could draw, but if you scroll down below you'll see why a book of drawings by me would never be a big seller.

For me, the story really took second place to the drawings, but it's still a cute tale. I think I'll be reading it to my daughter when she's a little older, though she is already entranced with the pictures.

My final word: 4 out of 5. You have to see this book.

Website for The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
Click the book cover image to purchase from Amazon.

Battle of the Artists: Brian Selznick vs. Me
You be the judge.