The Invention of Hugo Cabret A Novel in Words and Pictures
[Spoken Word Compact Disc & DVD]

First Line:

The story I am about to share with you takes place in 1931, under the roofs of Paris. Here you will meet a boy named Hugo Cabret, who once, long ago, discovered a mysterious drawing that changed his life forever.

Description:

In this most unusual and intriguing children's novel, Brian Selznick, a winner of the 2008 Caldecott Medal, has created an adventure set in Paris in the 1930s that combines complex, film-like illustrations and artwork with writing. Twelve-year-old Hugo Cabret, orphaned and living in a Métro station, is a mechanical genius and a gifted thief. Unable to support himself, he ends up working for his friend Isabelle's godfather in a toy store, where he delves into the mystery of an astounding film maker, Georges Melies. A 2007 National Book Award finalist in the Young People's Literature category, as well as a 2007 New York Times Best Illustrated Book, and both a 2007 Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book.

Selected Reviews:

" Here is a true masterpiece-an artful blending of narrative, illustration and cinematic technique, for a story as tantalizing as it is touching...The plot ultimately has much to do with the history of the movies, and Selznick's genius lies in his expert use of such a visual style to spotlight the role of this highly visual media. A standout achievement."

--Publishers Weekly Annex