The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick
The Invention of Hugo Cabret transports readers to 1930s Paris, where a young orphan's world unfolds through both words and striking illustrations. Brian Selznick's novel breaks the mold of traditional storytelling, weaving 284 intricate pencil drawings into its 526 pages. These aren't mere decorations—they carry the plot forward, earning the book the prestigious 2008 Caldecott Medal.
At the heart of the story is Hugo, a boy who lives secretly in a bustling train station. His days are spent tending to the station's clocks, a skill passed down from his late father. But Hugo harbors a deeper mission: to repair a mysterious automaton—a complex mechanical figure—that he and his father discovered before tragedy struck.
The tale takes flight when Hugo crosses paths with an eccentric shopkeeper and his intriguing goddaughter. Their encounter sets off a chain of events filled with secrets, puzzles, and unexpected connections. Selznick draws inspiration from the real-life George Méliès, a groundbreaking filmmaker and collector of automata, infusing the story with a touch of cinematic magic.
With its blend of mystery, history, and visual storytelling, The Invention of Hugo Cabret offers a captivating experience for readers aged 8 and up. It's a book that doesn't just tell a story—it shows one, inviting readers to see the world through Hugo's eyes as he unravels the secrets of his past and dreams of his future.
The book's rich visual narrative and compelling plot caught the eye of renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who adapted it into the Oscar-winning 2011 film Hugo. The movie brings Selznick's intricate illustrations to life, further showcasing the magical world of clockworks and early cinema that captivates readers in the original novel.
“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.”
Interesting Facts & 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.
We here at Travelreads are trying to support the power of reading by promoting a fantastic charity called Room to Read. Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Please learn more about this amazing organization at roomtoread.org.
This book is one of our top recommendations for children. Click here to see the our full list of the best travel books for kids.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret | Trailer
1930s Paris. A train station's walls conceal Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield), orphaned and near-friendless save for an uncle. Oiling clocks is his job, but his passion? Protecting a broken automaton and notebook—legacies of his late father (Jude Law). Enter a toy merchant's goddaughter (Chloë Grace Moretz), her guardian (Ben Kingsley) embittered by life. Together, Hugo and the girl embark on a quest. Their goal: unlock the automaton's mystery. For Hugo, it's more than curiosity—it's a search for home.